OSAKA - The Homestay Way

Tell us about your homestay experience.

It was my first time experiencing a homestay at the age of 43. Usually, when traveling, I book a room or an apartment in the country I am visiting and make detailed plans for places to visit, see, learn about, or eat at. However, during this visit, I didn’t plan as much as I usually do. Instead, I went with the flow, based on my host’s recommendations or suggestions from people I met in the area. I enjoyed the home-cooked meals and the conversations around meal times.

What did you do in Osaka?

Osaka has changed my view of Japan in general since my visit 13 years ago. The people are really friendly and welcoming. While learning some Japanese can enhance your experience, people generally try to communicate with you in English or slower Japanese, and they also use translation apps. I visited many local attractions, cafes, restaurants, and karaoke bars, as well as the main tourist sites such as Nara, Minoh, Wakayama, and Kyoto. All of this was made possible thanks to my host's home location and Japan's railway system.

Any tips or advice for other travellers?

My tips or advice for other travelers are to understand what kind of traveler you are. Do you prefer daytime or nighttime activities? Do you want to use public transportation, ride a bicycle, or walk? Do you like to relax at your place of residence sometimes or take long trips? Knowing these preferences will help you choose your location of stay. My host provided a detailed map of the area and a bicycle and tried to make me comfortable during my stay. In general, I would suggest not to worry; Japan and Osaka can really amaze you with how easy it is to move around and have a great experience.

How was your experience with your host?

I have learned a lot about Japanese culture, especially how hard Japanese people work, but also how they know how to have fun and enjoy life. I also learned how to eat sushi the correct way, appreciating the different types of it. It was definitely different from my day-to-day life and the place I came from, but I also found similarities that brought us closer together. The experience inspired me a lot, and I am definitely planning to return.

Learning all about Sushi

After a couple of songs at the karaoke night with my host, another roommate and the bar owner.

A picture from Nara after a Japanese couple talked to me and offer to take my picture. btw I learned that dear can eat the paper rap I'm holding in my hand.

Osaka Castle

Ichiran is a famous Japanese ramen place where you can eat alone or with company without verbally communicating with the servers.

My host watering a garden at a Japanese family home in Kyoto, I was taking the picture :D

Minoh waterfall

At the top of one of the viewpoint hike mountain