Couchsurfing seems to me the best way to meet these needs while saving the money for what's important rather than expensive accommodation, but I must say I've only requested twice to be hosted: I usually receive people... I'm a very easy-going person who can sleep about anywhere (old sofa, etc.), loves to cook and help for anything, and love chatting about any subject around a drink, esp. related to "being Human": philosophy, society, culture and politics, places we've visited etc... I have received dozens of travellers in my house in Kyoto, most of them very cool and interesting, you can read their reviews on my profile... ; ) I'm always happy to make new friends, host them and help them to visit Kyoto (it's my job), but please forgive me if I don't always respond: so many people want to visit Kyoto nowadays that I can't reply to everyone. But I'd still always be happy to meet you for a drink, invite you to a party, or provide some help or advice if you need ... Welcome to Kyoto ! ; D

I love a large array of Music styles, but mostly around Jazz, Funk, Latin and African musics, bewitching ancient traditions like didjeridoo or Pygmee polyphonies... but can enjoy some meaty rock or electronic stuff too of course. I love cinema in all styles, always in a theatre when possible, and I always enjoy learning things from articles or documentaries on the radio, internet or in books...