Rural x Bilingual x International Homestay

When I was a child, I always envied my classmates who spent their summer vacations at their grandparents’ homes in the countryside. They’d fish, catch bugs, hike, play in the water, and return to school with a deep tan and countless stories. This year, I finally got to experience that dream at Japan Family Inn.

This summer, my child and I stayed at the home of John-san and Yoko-san in Tamba Sasayama for ten nights. It was our first time doing a homestay in one location, and I was a bit worried. My child doesn’t speak Japanese, and without a car, I wondered if we’d struggle to keep busy. But with a mix of nerves and excitement, we set off—and what a wonderful summer journey it turned out to be.

Our hosts, John-san and Yoko-san, are incredibly positive and energetic people. They made our stay relaxing and enjoyable. Early on, they discussed the local activities and attractions we could experience, carefully checking the weather and planning our itinerary. John-san, who contributes to the local city’s English tourism website, knows everything there is to know about the area’s activities, attractions, and history. Thanks to them, we got to experience summer festivals, fireworks, hiking, sea fishing, stream trekking, ancient castles, and pottery. Not only did John-san and Yoko-san prepare all the necessary equipment and provide transportation, but they also shared fascinating stories and legends along the way, making our experience even richer.

One of the most memorable parts of our trip was hiking Mount Kinzan. The trail is about 1000 meters long. As we were climbing, John-san noticed we were struggling a bit and shared a story with us. He told us that he first climbed this mountain with a group of local fifth graders, led by an elderly man in his eighties. One of the teachers even had difficulty walking and used a cane to make it up the mountain. Hearing this, we were not only amazed and impressed, but it also motivated us to keep going.

Finally, we reached the summit, where we enjoyed snacks under the trees with a 360-degree view and a refreshing breeze—pure bliss. At the top, there’s a spot called “Oni no kakehashi” (Demon’s Bridge), which is a large rock wedged between two cliffs, forming a naturally crafted stone bridge. With John-san’s help, we bravely climbed onto the bridge and sat on the suspended rock, taking in the unbeatable scenery. The sense of accomplishment from overcoming our fears and pushing through was exhilarating and refreshing!

When we weren’t out exploring, we spent our time at the house, leisurely cooking meals together, chatting, and experiencing Japanese home life. My child even helped John-san with some gardening tasks—catching bugs, picking vegetables, feeding chickens, and collecting eggs—or participated in workshops like woodworking and welding. My initial worry that my child would be bored was completely unnecessary. We had a fulfilling holiday here, met many wonderful people, and created unforgettable and beautiful summer memories for both me and my child.

Our family ( two adults, one 8 year old ) recently enjoyed a delightful two-night, three-day home stay at Tamba Sasayama with our gracious hosts, John and Yoko. From the moment we arrived, we felt welcomed and immersed in the local culture of country side.

Our stay was filled with a variety of engaging activities. We started with a scenic hike through the picturesque hills, visited local temples, biking in the mountains, immersing in the famous Tamba pottery museum, followed by a relaxing fishing session in the nearby dam. The serene environment and fresh air were refreshing, providing a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

One of the highlights was our pottery class. The museum staffs guided us through the process of creating our own ceramic pieces, which was both fun and rewarding. It was fascinating to learn about this traditional craft and to have the opportunity to make something with our hands.

John and Yoko's hospitality extended beyond just activities. They, along with their lovely family, took the time to show us around the area, sharing stories and insights about the local history and culture. We enjoyed the Okonomiyaki together and learned the authentic way to eat this famous Japanese dish. A particularly memorable experience was the visit to a local school. It was incredible to see the day-to-day life of the students and to interact with them. This rare opportunity added a unique and personal touch to our stay.

The countryside of Tampa Sasayama is truly breathtaking, and John and Yoko made sure we experienced it to the fullest. Their warm and genuine hospitality made us feel like part of their family. It was an incredible experience that we will cherish for a long time.

If you're looking for an authentic and enriching countryside retreat, I highly recommend staying with John and Yoko at Tamba Sasayama. You won't be disappointed!