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Nagomi Visit Guest Story: "This experience reminded us traveling to other countries isn't about just seeing new places — but an opportunity to open yourself up to others."

2025-05-05

[My hosts] are an incredibly kind and generous couple that live in the city of Kobe, a short 30-minute commute from Osaka.

[My hosts] welcomed us into their home and shared a delicious, home-cooked meal that we’ll never forget. But their hospitality didn’t stop there — they also spent the day showing us around their beautiful city. From a scenic observatory and the harbor to a peaceful temple and downtown Kobe, they gave us a glimpse into local life in a smaller Japanese city — something we never would have experienced on our own.

During our entire 2.5 week trip through Japan, this Nagomi Visit was truly a highlight. As a couple from Canada, we were touched by their genuine interest in learning about our lives and culture. With the help of Google Translate, an incredible meal and local snacks, and a lot of laughter, we were able to build a connection with them that felt like a genuine friendship.

This experience reminded us traveling to other countries isn't about just seeing new places — but an opportunity to open yourself up to others. It also showed how easy it is to connect with others across the world, if you're willing to be kind and curious.

[My hosts] did an outstanding job creating a meal for us, it was incredibly delicious and well-thought-out. We had tonkatsu (fried pork cutlets) with different sauces, as well as sushi, miso soup, Nikujaga (beef noodles with potatoes), and salads. They had an assortment of tea (matcha, green tea), as well as different dessert items such as mochi and other snacks. They even had some natto and other fermented fruits such as plum and daikon for us to try. These are just the items I remember! There honestly was so much energy and thoughtfulness that they put in to make an incredible meal that highlighted local Japanese dishes.

Nagomi Visit Guest Story: "We also shared stories about Bulgaria, our traditions, and the food we eat back home."

2025-04-02

[My hosts] were incredibly welcoming and went above and beyond to make us feel at home. They were kind, accommodating, and genuinely excited to share their culture with us.

We spoke about daily life in Japan, how people live, and what the local lifestyle is like. Since our visit was towards the end of our trip, [my hosts] asked us about our journey so far — what we had seen, what we liked, and what foods we had tried. We also shared stories about Bulgaria, our traditions, and the food we eat back home.

Yes! We learned how to make matcha tea properly and discovered how delicious Sukiyaki can be when made the traditional way. We also saw wild parrots in the Sakura trees, which was an unexpected and beautiful surprise.

We had Sukiyaki, and it was absolutely amazing!

I was with my husband, and he enjoyed the experience just as much as I did. We both felt so welcomed and had a wonderful time.

Everything was memorable! From the start, when [my hosts] took us to a street lined with Sakura trees, to the delicious dinner they prepared for us. They even dressed us up and gave us insight into their daily lives. It was a truly special experience.

Yes, we do! [My hosts] showed interest in Bulgaria, and we would love to welcome them to our home if they ever decide to visit.

Nagomi Visit Guest Story: "We talked about how Japanese influenced our lives"

2025-03-21

[My host] was so sweet and her son was so cute. They met us at the train station with a sign with our names on it. [My host] drove us to her apartment and made us miso katsu and okonomiyaki. It was so delicious. We talked about many topics like food and travel. We chatted for a few hours before having to leave. Her son waited for us to get on the train and screamed "mata ne" as we left. Such a wonderful experience.

We talked about our jobs, travel and life in a small town in Japan. [My host] lived in Australia and New Zealand and I'm from the US and my friends is from Brazil. We talked about how Japanese influenced our lives because I grew up in Hawaii and learned Japanese in school and had contact with many Japanese tourists. [My friend] is from Sao Paulo which has the largest group of ethnic Japanese people outside of Japan so he was familiar with many things Japanese.

[My host] explained that her son's name was composed of two "light" kanjis. She chose this because she wanted him to be filled with light. He was very genki and rambunctious and we had fun playing with him and his toys.

Okonomoyaki which we helped make. So yummy. Miso katsu which apparently was a specialty of the area and dark miso soup with fried tofu. When we left [my host] gave us a donut that she made to eat later.

I think this is such a smart concept. Many tourist just see the big cities and the touristy things and never interact with the locals. This gave us insight into how real Japanese people live their daily lives.

Probably when [my host] and her son greeted us at the train station with a sign. That was really cute.

Nagomi Visit Guest Story: "I also learned by observation how the single-use filtered coffee bags work (I was using them like a tea bag in my hotel, instead of opening the top."

2025-02-20

[My hosts] were wonderful hosts. In addition to making and sharing an enormous and very tasty meal, [my hosts] accompanied me around many interesting sites in Niigata that I would otherwise never have known to visit, especially natural sites outside of the city centre. [My hosts] were very friendly and this made me feel comfortable quickly. I appreciated getting to know them a little and believe we will stay in touch in the future.

We talked about Japanese authors that we both like, food, upcoming travel plans and places we have already visited, differences in work culture, each other’s families and what to see and visit in Niigata. [My hosts] also talked about other people who visited them before and I discussed what I did on my trip so far.

[My hosts] took me to a supermarket and explained some interesting foods and encouraged me to ask questions. I learned a lot about the city and learned how to make onigiri. I appreciated being welcomed into [my hosts] home to observe customs — though [my hosts] never made me feel uncomfortable, even though I am sure my table manners were awful! I also learned by observation how the single-use filtered coffee bags work (I was using them like a tea bag in my hotel, instead of opening the top. What a difference it makes to the strength of the coffee when you open it!)

[My hosts] made a delicious meal with a great variety of dishes. I am a vegetarian, which is uncommon in Japan, and I appreciate how much trouble [my hosts] went through to prepare authentic foods without using any meat or fish. Some of the food included tempura vegetables, gyoza (these were the best gyoza I ever had, no exaggeration), onigiri, gobo and carrot salad, potato and cheese bake, and many vegetables and rice.

There were too many to narrow down to just one.

Yes, I believe and hope so. I hope that I can meet with [my hosts] in France where I live.

Nagomi Visit Guest Story: "by the time [my hosts] met me at our arranged meeting place we already had lots to talk about."

2025-02-02

[My hosts] have recently relocated back from the U.K to Asakusa - which is a wonderful location. We had already exchanged a bit of information about each other, so by the time [my hosts] met me at our arranged meeting place we already had lots to talk about. We took a short walk back to their lovely apartment where [my hosts] were preparing dinner.

A lot! [My hosts] are well traveled, with lots of interesting experiences both in and outside Japan. [My hosts] had also traveled to my home country (South Africa), and we had studied in the same U.S State (Oregon). I enjoyed hearing about their experiences growing up with friends and school, and their recent year in the U.K.

I learnt a lot about work and school culture in Japan, as well as regional differences in culture between Tokyo and Kyoto for example. That was very enjoyable to learn about.

[My hosts] also introduced me to okonomiyaki and takoyaki, which was absolutely delicious!

For me, it was meeting some wonderful hosts, from beginning to end and learning about their experiences growing up, working and traveling. We also discovered this was our first Nagomi experience for both of us - which was fun!

We have exchanged contacts details and I am sure we will keep in touch!

Nagomi Visit Guest Story: "Since we had heard about this format on TV, we really wanted to try it out a few years later when we actually traveled to Japan."

2024-11-17

[My host] and her husband were both incredibly warm, funny and friendly people. You felt welcome from the moment you opened the front door. They managed to create a pleasant atmosphere from the very first minute.

We talked a lot about food, the job and working conditions in Japan and Germany, as well as traveling in general, but cultural topics such as Japanese people known in Germany, as well as anime, manga and video games were also part of the conversation.

It was immediately apparent that they went to a lot of trouble for this visit, and in addition to the extremely generous host gifts, they were also very well prepared when it came to the food. There was a huge selection of sushi to roll yourself, with several types of raw fish (two types of tuna alone), lots of vegetables, rice, miso soup and fried food.

Max was completely unbiased and had no expectations of the meeting. He was just curious about the hosts, who were about our age, and how they lived. The meeting was nice and we had a good time.

When we exchanged the host and guest gifts in the living room. We hadn't expected host gifts.

We exchanged some chat messages before and after the visit. I also got in contact after we arrived back in Germany.

Since we had heard about this format on TV, we really wanted to try it out a few years later when we actually traveled to Japan. I had always been particularly fascinated by the exchange with the locals. How do these people see the world? What motivates them? What are they particularly happy about? The small insight into their world of thought is an enrichment for our own perspectives and serves to broaden them.

Nagomi Visit Guest Story: "We also managed to see the old collection of games and still working famicom of our host."

2024-11-14

They were an older, very kind couple. I first met with [my host] at the train station. I remember her big smile when she greeted us and introduced us to her cheerful sister. At house we met her husband and grandson. They all made us feel very welcomed in their beautiful, filled with history house. Throught our stay they treated us with many different things to eat and drink. They were very happy that we wanted to try out many things. They also showed us their valuable, historic items, like a kabuto helmet and they were so kind as to even let us touch it. When they showed us kendo equipment, they even let us try it out. Overall, they were very generous and kind hosts, we learned a lot from them and they let us try out many different things.

We mostly talked about the differences between our cultures, but also we shared the memories of our trip up to this point.

We learned about the custom of putting on a display Hina dolls and kabuto helmet. We could try out the traditional Japanese toy, Kendama. Also, we learned a lot about different customs of Japan.

We had tempura vegatables and shrimp, udon, kaarage, many different side dishes and we could taste really good sake.

When our hosts showed us the kendo equipment one of them used and let us try it. We also managed to see the old collection of games and still working famicom of our host.

Nagomi Visit Guest Story: "The excitement building up as I was planning the surprise for my husband"

2024-10-28

[My hosts] went all out to ensure my husband and I were comfortable and had a great time! This whole experience was a surprise for my husband and our hosts even celebrated my husband's belated birthday in their special way. We loved every minute spent with them and have promised to keep in touch.

We exchanged so much, including about our different cultures, food habits, also gifts, and more. We even had a calligraphy session with them and learned so much. We also visited a shrine in the neighborhood and a supermarket. Both were great!

Yes, definitely! We learned so much about Japanese culture, and food, and got the opportunity to visit a Japanese home for the first time.

Izumi is an excellent cook. We had delicious Bento boxes, desserts, and fruits. The food was awesome!

It was a wonderful experience for both my husband and me.

The excitement building up as I was planning the surprise for my husband with [my hosts] was fun! It was a wonderful afternoon spent with them.

Nagomi Visit Guest Story: "Oh yes-with regard to the way of living whilst incorporating IKIGAI."

2024-09-08

Our host is a friendly person who likes exchanging ideas, talking about cultural customs and is very reliable. Besides that we were offered delicious food.

We were talking about food, the different societies we live in as well as changes within the Japanese Society over the last 40 years.

Goya with fish, Sushi rolls, a little cake and many other delicious things.

They were as happy as me of this wonderful idea to meet people in their private homes in order to get as much insights as possible into a foreign culture.

The tea ceremony.

Oh yes-definitely! We invited our host to come to see us at our place.

Nagomi Visit Guest Story: "My second was watching the younger children connect through Nintendo. Play transcends language barriers."

2024-08-26

We had dinner with [my host] and her three children. They lived just outside of Tokyo. [My host] and her family were extremely kind and very welcoming from the moment we met. I felt right at home with her family as we sat around her table and talked.

We talked about everything! We talked about life in Japan vs life in the US. Holidays, food, school, our children’s future plans. We discussed our concerns for our children and what we want for them. We discussed what life was like during Covid. I loved talking with [my host] and her children.

New foods, new ideas..this whole evening was a night filled with new discoveries.

Siu Mai Chicken Dengaku Salad Pumpkin Tamago-Yaki Sushi Ongiri Pork Roll Custard Grape Jelly Japanese Snacks

We visited with my family of six. Two adults and four teenagers. We all enjoyed the experience. My oldest enjoyed connecting with the two oldest daughters while my son and younger daughters enjoyed playing Nintendo with the son.

I have two. After dinner, we sat around and talked and I really appreciated the level of comfort that we had developed in a short amount of time. My second was watching the younger children connect through Nintendo. Play transcends language barriers.