Rural x Bilingual x International Homestay

Hosts are very friendly, and took care of me very well. The activities were interesting. I went hiking, weaving/spinning cotton, Noh museum, and pottery! Enjoyed myself very much

Sasayama is an unfamiliar place for us in Taiwan. I first saw a Facebook introduction about a Taiwanese mother and son participating in a Familylnn event. It seemed interesting and fun, so I wanted to sign up first. We went to a small city in Hyogo Prefecture, Japan, and stayed in a local B&B. Home Dad and Home Mom would take guests to experience their daily life. I thought I would just stay at their house and take us out to play when they were free. But when we arrived at Sasayamaguchi Station, Yoko sister gave us a big warm hug, went back to their house to put our suitcases, and then took us to the supermarket to buy food. Every morning, the enthusiastic John would be like a big boy, constantly asking us to go with him to pick fruits and collect eggs, as well as many other activities and adventures. The thoughtful Yoko would ask about our interests and what local activities we could participate in.



Yoko is a considerate and caring sister, and John is a very proactive older brother. On the second night I arrived at their house, I broke my phone screen because I was staying in Japan for a month and my son was looking forward to this trip. A lot of information and payments were on my phone. I was very sad and confused at the time. Yoko and John immediately helped me find a phone repair. We went to two places and drove for almost 4 hours without even having dinner. It was past 10 o'clock in the evening when we got home after the repairs. I really didn't know how to thank them at the time. John said he was very happy to help others. Yoko kept comforting my uneasy mood. I am really lucky to have met them. I have many good memories with them. I promised that I would visit them again next time when the cherry blossoms are in bloom.



If someone asks me what is the most beautiful place in Sasayama, I will say: the scenery there is beautiful, the traditional art is beautiful, and the people who live there are even more beautiful. Thank you for letting me know that I can have a warm home in Japan, and the door will always be open waiting for me to come home.

Overall, it was a truly enjoyable experience! Switching from city life to a rural lifestyle was very relaxing.

Even though it was a short stay, I learned so many new and interesting things!

If given the chance, I would definitely love to come back again!

Sasayama, full of nature!

A host family full of humor!

A home full of entertainment!



Though it was only three short days, I had a wonderful experience that combined both sightseeing and everyday life. I really enjoyed both the farming and cooking experiences!

I'll come back to take care of the tomatoes I planted!

It was my first time planting rice using a tractor. The host's son had a drone and filmed the whole thing—it turned out to be a beautiful video. I've already been bragging about it to everyone back home.



The host was very energetic and shared lots of great information about Sasayama with me.

An English countryside experience! We had such a wonderful host.

My child and I played games, experienced farming, and did so many things we don’t usually get to do.

I was even able to ask for advice about parenting, and I’m truly full of gratitude.

Even though it was a long 10-night stay, every day was full of fun and never boring!

The kids quickly became close, collecting eggs from the chickens and harvesting vegetables in the garden. They also enjoyed challenging themselves with English games every day!

Through everyday life, they naturally picked up practical English, and I believe it was a wonderful and stimulating experience for them.

We were also able to attend the local elementary school and kindergarten, which was a truly valuable experience.

Tamba Sasayama has many parks and hands-on activity spots for children, and we could go out and play without worrying about the weather.

We also had the chance to share lunch and chat together, creating such a lovely time.



We already want to say, “We’re back!” — thank you for such a warm and unforgettable experience!

This was a memory-filled trip for the four of us—my daughter and me, along with a close friend and her child. In the nature-rich village of Tamba Sasayama, we experienced things we could never do in our daily lives, like taking care of chickens and harvesting vegetables. But more than that, we were surrounded by the love of a wonderful international host couple, and instantly felt relaxed—as if we were at home.



Watching the children play freely, eat well, sleep soundly, and simply enjoy being kids reminded us adults of what daily life should feel like. It was a powerful, thought-provoking experience.



It became an unforgettable three days. We’ll definitely see you again—we’ll definitely come stay again!

It was a trip for the four of us—my 4-year-old son, myself, my friend, and her 3-year-old daughter.

It was our first time doing a homestay within Japan, and we were a bit nervous before arriving, but that all disappeared the moment we got there! The warm, gentle atmosphere of our two hosts made me naturally start talking about all kinds of things from day one.



The kids had experiences they wouldn’t normally get—like harvesting vegetables, taking care of chickens, and observing beetles. They also had lots of indoor fun with Tanabata decorations, card games, and LEGO!

They had such a great time that by the very next day, they were already saying, “I want to go back!”



Seeing my child playing so freely and joyfully warmed my heart, and I felt so relaxed—as if I were at home, even though it was my first visit.

I’m deeply thankful to our hosts for welcoming our enthusiastic arrival with open arms from day one.

Although it was just a short 2-night, 3-day stay, it was packed with unforgettable memories.

We will absolutely come back to see you again!

It was a very kind and friendly homestay. The host kindly offered rides and played games with us on rainy days, making the stay truly enjoyable.