In the foothills of the Yatsugatake Mountains (at an elevation of over 1,000 m), there is a nostalgic rural area made up of tiny farming villages stilled in time. Here, you can still see traditional farmhouses and playfully decorated Kura storehouses, all lined up in rows and surrounded by rice fields. The locals keep leading a traditional lifestyle in harmony with nature.
This activity will take you to one of these lovely hamlets, where you can spend a day with a family of locals. It is a deep home-stay experience that will allow you to visit a real Japanese countryside house, eat delicious home-cooking, experience plenty of fun farming activities and, of course, interact with the locals. Getting to stay the night also means you get to know your host better and really make friends.
Seasons play a vital role in this region. You will embark on different adventures depending on the time of your visit. Perhaps you will plant some seedlings in late spring or pick some fresh vegetables to go into your meal in the summer. If you plan to come in autumn, chances are you will help with the harvest, reaping the rice and hanging it to dry under the sun. In winter, you may experience weaving straw to make New Year’s decorations or even preparing miso paste.
The experience includes dinner and breakfast, which you will prepare together with your hosts. You will learn how to make some of Japan’s most popular dishes such as onigiri (rice balls) and miso soup and try some typical local food such as egoma (perilla) rustic mochi. As every family grows their own vegetables and makes their own preserves, you will use lots of genuine homegrown and homemade ingredients.
An English-speaking member of our staff will be present at the beginning to help break the ice. Afterward, we will provide a translation device so you can communicate with the family on your own.
*The staff will be present for 30min after you arrive at the host family’s house, but you can request them to stay longer for an extra fee (JPY 1,500 per hour).
Period | All year | |
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Due Date | 14 days before the homestay *In some cases, it may be possible to organize the activity even on a shorter notice. |
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Duration | 1 night (14:00~next day 9:00 OR 16:00~next day 11:00) | |
Schedule |
\ Day 1 / 15:30 Pick-up at Chino Station 15:50 Arrival at host family's house 16:10 Activity time 17:00 Cooking time 18:30 Dinner 20:00 Bath time 22:00 Bed time \ Day 2 / 7:00 Wake-up 7:30 Make breakfast 8:00 Breakfast 9:00 Activity time 11:00 Home-stay finishes 11:20 Drop-off at Chino station |
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No. of participants | Min. 2 persons Max. 5 persons (per house) *Solo travelers can participate for an extra fee | |
Price | / person | JPY 11,000 (after tax) Free for children under age 4 For an additional fee (JPY 1,500/hr per group) you can extend the presence of the English-speaking staff. |
Included in the price | Activity (including night stay and meals), insurance, welcome service by English-speaking staff (30min), bed for 1 night, dinner, breakfast | |
Payment method | Credit card | |
Cancellation policy | 7 days prior: 30% of total amount 3 days prior: 50% of total amount 1 day prior: 70% of total amount Day of activity: 100% of total amount |
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Access | 15~20min by car from JR Chino Station (*Transfer available). We will provide more detailed information after the reservation. |
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