Ten Tips for Staying With a Homestay Family in Japan

Greetings from the Land of The Rising Sun, Japan. Fortunately, we got to experience living in a Japanese house. The experience felt very unreal and fantastic at the same time. On top of it all, the best way to get to know a country is to live with their locals. That way, you can observe how they live and be immersed with their culture and way of living at the same time. If you have the chance, grab it. It's a kind of experience you'll never forget in this lifetime. Now, we'll share our tips we've learned and our photo diary on my first day. Enjoy.

These are my 10 Tips for Living with your Japanese Host Family

1. Take off your shoes indoors.
This is like a golden rule in Japan. It's for cleanliness and manners. Besides, there are house slippers that you can use inside the house.
*** FYI : They also provide bathroom slippers.Use them only in the bathroom and never use them outside.

2. You'll be busy but productive.
Having some guests in the comfort of their own homes makes Japanese hosts very overwhelmed and interested at the same time. Naturally, they prepare many activities to do for the guests to learn and enjoy. Just live in the moment.

3. Speak their native language if you can.
Any person will be fascinated if a foreigner tries to speak their language, right? Plus, it's a good way of showing your interest in their language and  their country as well.

4. Use the shower and bathtub separately.
It always pays to ask. That way, you know what to do in the bathroom and you avoid making unnecessary mishaps whatsoever.
*** Usually, people only use the same water in the bath tub for everybody. Don't fret. As long you keep your body neat and clean first, it should be alright.

5. Enjoy the fascinating toilet experience.
This is also quite an experience. So many functions in the toilet itself that truly make life easier. With their advanced technology, going to the bathroom becomes a cultural experience, not just a usual routine anymore.

6. Practice some table manners and etiquette at all times.
Act like an adult and use chopsticks well if you can. If not, you can always use the usual spoon and fork. It's not a big deal after all. As long as you act politely all the time, then it should be enough.
***FYI: If you're eating soup, sip it using the bowl itself and not use a spoon anymore. Don't forget to make a kind of big sound while sipping it too. In their culture, the louder the sound, the more assurance they get that their guests enjoy their dish. 

7. Japanese people value privacy. 
This is another golden rule. Observe, open your mind and feel. Know when to ask questions and get the right timing to ask. In addition, filter what is important to say and what you should keep to yourself. 

8. Learn the value of bowing.
Bowing is a sign of respect for them. It's a gesture to do when you meet someone for the first time and  when you say thank you.

9. Be sensitive.
Help if the situation demands you too. It doesn't mean you're the guests, you just don't do anything. Offer your assistance. Do some errands and just observe. Life gets much better when things are done together.

10. Prepare some gift to show your appreciation.
This is a pretty universal gesture I believe. Being thoughtful will also do the extra mile. Bringing something for you host family always means showing your sincere gratitude and kindness to them in return. 

My Photo Diary on the First Day

We were off. Thank you Cebu Pacific Airlines for your promo fares.

We have arrived in Narita airport. :)

John and Belle in National Museum of Japanese History

My first fire place experience

Our first time to eat dinner in a Japanese house

Honey enjoying his food

Drink moderately

I can't say no to good foods. Thank you so much.

That's it for now.  No words can ever describe our experience there in our homestay family in Japan and until now, our hearts are just filled with gratefulness and awe. We'll always remember this trip forever and glad to share it with you guys. :)

Till next time.

---Belle and John