This article presents the experience of Ms Kawashima, who did a homestay in September 2020.
Profile of Ms Kawashima Age: 22 years old
From: Miyagi Prefecture Occupation: 4th year university student
Duration of use: for one month Host’s name: Haru-san
About the host: Tokamachi, Niigata Prefecture
Introduction of stay place HP: https://familyinn.jp/en/hosts/kominka/
Why or how did you start FAMILYINN?
I wanted to enjoy a simple life, not mass production and mass consumption. I wanted to rethink my lifestyle once and for all, and to find inspiration for my own definition of abundance.
I didn’t want to be in the same community with a single idea, so I used a rural homestay Familyinn
Tell us about what you did living at the Niigata Inn and FAMILYINN.
I had a routine of waking up in the morning and walking my regular walking route every time I woke up.
In the noiseless space, I would listen to the gorgeous harmony of the natural world – birdsong, the murmur of the river, the rustling of trees, the sound of the wind – and calm my breathing.
This time to connect with my heart was pleasant.
Because I am living simply here, my selfishness and vexations gradually faded away and I regained my true self.
And I have gained a sense of living in the present moment and of being kept alive by something.
One of the most attractive aspects of living here is that I was able to enjoy the highest luxury of ‘nothingness’.
Because there were no places to play or eat or drink like in the city, we were able to move around like children, cook something, talk slowly with local people, cook our own meals together, talk passionately and ask for advice regardless of our age or position in society.
How did you manage to combine homestay and online classes?
It was no problem at all.
At my university, it was easy with online classes, only a weekly thesis and a 30-minute interview.
I am able to enjoy the country life because I don’t have heavy assignments; I thought with Wi-Fi and internet, it would be no problem. There was also a small co-working space set up in this FAMILYINN guildhouse.
In this age of online classes and remote working, I thought it would be more stimulating and progressive to be outside rather than staying in the same house all the time.
Is there anything you had trouble with at the lodge, or anything you wish you had prepared for before?
If I had to say something strong, it would be protection against the cold. I would have liked to have had more warm clothes. The inn doesn’t use a lot of heaters, so you need to wear thicker clothes and be prepared for the cold. You could take a hot water bottle with you to warm you up even more.
For financial information, my total ‘rent and food’ costs are 30,000 yen over the course of a month. I also went to other hot springs, etc. and lived for a month for a total of 35,000 yen (approx. 250€).
It takes 10 minutes from my house to the nearest train station and 10 minutes from town by train, so I have to spend money on transport when I go to cafes or buy food etc.
If you do not own a car your expenditure is low.
If you live here for more than three months, the amount you spend may be different.
My host, Hal, asked me, “Do you want to go to the supermarket with me?” I was also invited to do so.
There is a culture of sharing and sharing here, and I was also impressed by the vegetables given to us by our neighbours.
Did you find any differences between studying abroad and studying at FAMILYINN in Japan?
For me, a homestay in the Japanese countryside is like living in a foreigcountry. I don’t think it’s good if you go abroad, I think it’s good if you get to know a world you don’t know.
Many people say, “If I go abroad, my life will change!” but I think you can have the same experience if you come here.
Who would you recommend it to?
I would recommend it to people who live in the city, people who are stuck in a capitalist and competitive society, and people who are unable to take on bold challenges.
I think you can design a new life for yourself, and I thought that if you use FAMILYINN, more people will be able to live their own lives.
I myself would like to save up the funds in December and January and go to Fukuoka with FAMILYINN again in February next year.
A word from the management FAMILYINN
Thank you, Mr.Kawashim, for contributing your story! It was very clear that your way of thinking about “how to live” and “how to live” has changed a lot since Corona. We hope that you will continue to live with people who practice different lifestyles and make new discoveries!
If you want to discover new feelings about yourself, or if you want to spend some time with your heart, please visit Familyinn!
About Familyinn
We believe that you only meet people on a journey once in a lifetime.
There are times when you can touch a place, a person, but can’t connect deeply with them.
If it’s just a place with information on the internet, it’s not enough.
If we could spend a little more time together.
I feel we could help you to become more, deeply aware and discover a new you.
FAMILYINN is a community whereby you live in the community.
We hope that by living in the community, you will become more integrated, more connected and more aware.
And we offer you moments of encounter with yourself.
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Contact
[Company name]: Familyinn Ltd.
[Email address]: info@familyinn.jp
