Homestay in Japan

Gacktpause

Last Song

7 May 2007

31

0

• 24 Nov 2008

• #1

Hi,
I'm planning a 6 week trip to Japan (March 1-April 15, roughly), and I am hoping to be able to do a homestay in Kyoto for the 4 weeks in March.
I'm not associated with, or interested in, organized classes/schools, so I want to find a homestay program not connected to a school or other academic program...
Does anyone know of any programs? I found one [homestayinjapan], which looks like the perfect thing, but I was wondering if there was anyone here who had heard of it or used it. I would just like to check the reputation of the company.
Thanks!

 

Mike Cash

骨も命も皆此の土地に埋めよう

Twenty-year veteran

15 Mar 2002

16,758

2,298

• 24 Nov 2008

• #2

Are you coming here alone as a minor?

 

Gacktpause

Last Song

7 May 2007

31

0

• 26 Nov 2008

• Thread starter
• #3

I'll be 18 at the time of traveling, and I'll be flying with my brother (19), but we are going to separate for a time while in Japan...

 

R

rompom

後輩

28 Nov 2008

2

0

• 28 Nov 2008

• #4

Have you tried one of the homestay websites like crashpadder.com? It's pretty new but may have some properties in Japan.

 

Gacktpause

Last Song

7 May 2007

31

0

• 28 Nov 2008

• Thread starter
• #5

Thank you for the suggestion, I'll definitely check that site out. Have you used it (or known anyone who has)?

 

R

rompom

後輩

28 Nov 2008

2

0

• 28 Nov 2008

• #6

I haven't I'm afraid - going to upload my room (which is no use to you as it' sin London!), but I read about it in the UK Telegraph yesterday. Let me know if you have any luck with it!

 

Gacktpause

Last Song

7 May 2007

31

0

• 28 Nov 2008

• Thread starter
• #7

Thanks. ^__^ I just checked and it doesn't look like there are any places in Japan T__T But any resource is a good one, and I'll keep my eye on it. Who knows, something could come up!
I've also been looking at...

worldwidehomestay

&

IHA (International Homestay Agencies)

...if anyone has heard of them.

Thanks again!

 

dreamer

後輩

15 Aug 2003

2,181

25

• 29 Nov 2008

• #8

I am pretty sure they have a homestay programs in Shimane since we did it a few weeks ago.

You might wanna check with the SIC: 公益財団法人 しまね国際センター

 

Z

Zirdante

先輩

25 Nov 2007

67

1

• 4 Jan 2009

• #9

http://www5a.biglobe.ne.jp/~eil/incoming/homestay/ihp_e.html That looks good, you can apply for a 1-4 weeks homestay.

Just google homestay in japan, you get a lot of results.

 

Z

Zirdante

先輩

25 Nov 2007

67

1

• 4 Jan 2009

• #10

This homestay thing looks pretty good, most of the places are like 188€/week with meals included. Thinking of going to tokyo this summer for a few weeks, looks like a good option.

 

Gacktpause

Last Song

7 May 2007

31

0

• 4 Jan 2009

• Thread starter
• #11

Throwin' some info right back atcha, I think I've finally decided on using homestay-in-japan.com. I liked their positive attitude and openness on the website, also their response to questions has been very timely and friendly. If that's what I go through, I'll let you know how it went.

Thanks for your input!

 

Z

Zirdante

先輩

25 Nov 2007

67

1

• 4 Jan 2009

• #12

I suggest you try Helping you to find a Homestay family. - HomestayWeb first. No extra fees, and you only pay the host family that you contact and make a deal with.

But yeah, that which you linked - they do the searching for you with the registration fee.

The cheapest I found from homestayweb was 30€ a day + breakfast and supper.

 

Gacktpause

Last Song

7 May 2007

31

0

• 4 Jan 2009

• Thread starter
• #13

Yeah, I checked that one out but I preferred the idea of going through more of a focused program. I don't want to do the homestay because it's cheaper than other options, I'm actually drawn to the cultural experience. From first appearances I just thought homestay web was a little too unfocused, like you just arrange with people, and that's not really what I'm looking for.

Thanks ^^

 

maushan3

Back home

1 Feb 2007

600

23

• 6 Jan 2009

• #14

It depends where you want to go and what you want to do. If you want to explore the city and Japanese culture make sure the program or website you're using places you in Kyoto, Osaka, Tokyo or any other major city.

dreamer said:

I am pretty sure they have a homestay programs in Shimane since we did it a few weeks ago.
You might wanna check with the SIC: 公益財団法人 しまね国際センター

Click to expand...

You were in Shimane? haha what a coincidence I went to visit a Spaniard friend of mine for a week and he was going nuts living in a place like that. Pretty cold and lonely place I must say. Did you like it?

Mauricio

 

Gacktpause

Last Song

7 May 2007

31

0

• 6 Jan 2009

• Thread starter
• #15

Most of the programs have families in the major cities, unless they're more grass-roots orgs. I'm hoping to be able to stay in Kyoto....That way I could explore greater Kansai with relative ease, it seems.