Hello! I was an Airbnb super host and started Couchsurfing.

I'm Japanese and fascinated with foreign cultures. I'm teaching Japanese language to foreigners and sharing Japanese culture. Sometimes, I show them attractions in Japan. I'm glad to be able to introduce beautiful places in Japan. Let's share our culture and experiences!

-Hobby
I enjoy driving a car, spending time in the hot springs. I'm also interested in other activities such as snowboarding, swimming, exercising, singing, cooking, watching animations, movies and TV dramas, painting with watercolors, and exploring art museums and local festivals.

-My home
If you're looking for a cozy, accessible and quiet place to stay, then welcome to my apartment. My apartment is accessible to Shibuya station (15 minutes by express train, 22 minutes by local train). There are several supermarkets, restaurants, and convenience stores nearby. My apartment itself is cozy and free from noise. It would be my pleasure to welcome guests in my room. This is also for me to learn the virtue of hospitality.

*Please kindly note that I can only offer one guest to keep my apartment quiet.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I joined Couchsurfing for several reasons. Firstly, as a host, I have the opportunity to meet people from different parts of the world. It's a great way to connect with individuals from diverse cultures and backgrounds. Through hosting, I can engage in conversations with travelers, exchange stories, and learn about their experiences.

Secondly, Couchsurfing offers a unique experience for travelers. They have the chance to interact with locals on a more personal level compared to traditional accommodations. As a host, I can offer insights about the local culture, recommend hidden gems in the area, and even act as a tour guide to showcase the best of my city or town.

Now, as for why I decided to quit Airbnb, it was mainly due to the regulations imposed by the Japanese government. To operate a business like Airbnb, a license is required, and obtaining one is quite challenging due to strict requirements. Instead of going through the complicated process of obtaining a license, I chose to join Couchsurfing because it is not a business. By hosting through Couchsurfing, I can provide genuine hospitality to travelers without any financial expectations or obligations. It allows me to share my home and experiences with others purely out of a desire to connect and help fellow travelers.

Interests

• cooking
• movies
• karaoke
• animation
• art
• driving
• hot springs
• snowbording

Music, Movies, and Books

-Music:
Disney's Frozen "Let It Go", Disney's Moana "How Far I'll Go", "Top of the World", "I Want It That Way", "Last Christmas", "Marry You"
-Movies:
STAR WARS, The Lord of the Rings, Marvel's The Avengers, Iron Man, Harry Potter, Pirates of the Caribbean, Avatar, Joker, Matrix, Inception, Terminator, The Dark Knight, The Sixth Sense, Alien, Planet of the Apes, GODZILLA MINUS ONE, Parasite
-TV Drama:
LOST, The Walking Dead, The 100, GOTHAM, ３％, Black Mirror, Stranger Things, The Umbrella Academy, Itaewon Class, Squid Game, Money Heist, Sweet Home, The Devil's Plan
-Animation
Demon slayer, Attack on Titan, SPY×FAMILY, Tokyo Ghoul, NARUTO, DRAGON BALL, KINGDOM, Jujutsu Kaisen, Frieren, Fullmetal Alchemist, Bungo Stray Dogs, PSYCHO-PASS, JOJO'S BIZARRE ADVENTURE, Ghibli series, Your Name.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

-Digital Art Museum - "teamLab"

I had the opportunity to visit the teamLab digital art museum in Tokyo with some fellow Couchsurfers, and it exceeded all my expectations. The museum provided a truly one-of-a-kind experience. We not only had the chance to admire the artwork but also actively engage with it and participate in various activities. It was a truly immersive experience that went beyond simply observing art. I highly recommend visiting the teamLab digital art museum, whether you consider yourself an art enthusiast or not. It offers something truly unique and captivating for everyone.

-Borderless
https://www.teamlab.art/e/borderless-azabudai/
-Planets
https://planets.teamlab.art/tokyo/

Teach, Learn, Share

-Teaching

I am more than happy to offer my assistance in teaching Japanese and explaining Japanese culture and customs. If you're interested in learning the language or gaining insights into the local traditions, I would be glad to provide guidance and share my knowledge.

When it comes to exploring Japan, I can recommend both well-known attractions and hidden gems that are worth visiting. Additionally, I can suggest the best seasons to visit these places, as different regions in Japan have distinct seasonal highlights. If my schedule permits, I can even accompany you on trips, whether by driving or using public transportation, and serve as your guide.

If you're eager to try the diverse and delicious foods that Tokyo has to offer, I can certainly provide recommendations based on your preferences. Tokyo is renowned for its culinary scene, and I can help you navigate through the various options and suggest must-try dishes.

Navigating the Tokyo subway system can be overwhelming, but don't worry. I can teach you about the complexities of the subway routes and inform you about available coupon tickets that can help you save money on transportation.

Feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions or need assistance with any aspect of your visit to Japan. I'm here to help make your experience memorable and enjoyable.

-Sharing

Having traveled to numerous countries, I have accumulated a wealth of recommendations that I am more than happy to share with you. Whether you're looking for suggestions on popular destinations or off-the-beaten-path gems, I can provide insights based on my personal experiences.
As a host, I have had the pleasure of welcoming many guests, and through these interactions, I have gained valuable insights and knowledge about various cultures and travel experiences. I can share these experiences with you, offering tips and advice to enhance your own travels.
Whether you're seeking recommendations for accommodations, local attractions, unique activities, or cultural insights, I'm here to assist you. Just let me know your preferences or the specific countries you're interested in, and I'll gladly provide you with valuable information to make your journey even more rewarding.

-Recommended places

***Tourist spots***

+Shimokitazawa, Koenji
Fashion, cafe, art, and music
https://theflairedit.com/tokyo-vintage-shopping/

+Harajyuku
Fashion, sweets, and cafe
https://maps.app.goo.gl/RFVtwf8Cq5C6Hsnx9

+Art aquarium in Ginza
https://maps.app.goo.gl/pDqvvtjbXZZavnhw7

+MORI art museum in Roppongi
https://maps.app.goo.gl/KutxTgp4dt5k98hH6

+National art museum
https://maps.app.goo.gl/3Yq1dHws3ss763pQ8

+Art museum in Hakone
https://maps.app.goo.gl/MsMan34JrM3LH71h9

+Art book museum in Saitama
https://maps.app.goo.gl/z3RxgB6JYegyXv9v5

+Old building museum in Koganei
https://maps.app.goo.gl/MqREZPZbAT1VT6RM8

+Old style shopping street in Kawagoe
https://maps.app.goo.gl/Gqz9cuLCpq7PkfJ39

+Ghibli Museum
https://maps.app.goo.gl/r2AaH3HtF9J62iCn8
*Reservations need to be made one month in advance. It is very difficult to book on holidays.

***Non-tourist spots***

+Old style shopping streets in Kagurazka
https://maps.app.goo.gl/AtLN48uTfYWierN16
https://maps.app.goo.gl/RW81fwo1LVWqioT58

+Art building museum in Aoyama
https://maps.app.goo.gl/pZ55iZux6wySvKfb8

+Art building museum in Odawara
https://maps.app.goo.gl/sEoEonXEgZS3cjh18

+Old folk house museum in Kanagawa
https://maps.app.goo.gl/gWfZ6eNDP3s5GD6v9

***Local festivals***

+Festival Events in Tokyo
https://tokyocheapo.com/event-category/festival/

+Art festival in the university (Sep.)
https://tokyocheapo.com/events/geisai-tokyo-university-arts-festival/

-Advice

+SIM

I recommend "Japan Travel SIM"(https://tr.iijmio.jp/) – rechargable 3GB SIM card with a service period of 30 days. Cards can be purchased at the Narita and Haneda airport locations listed below. Cards and recharge coupons can also be purchased at all major electronics stores.

Haneda Airport:
(Vending machine)
Terminal 3 (International Arrivals)
Terminal 3 Level 2 (Arrival Floor) KEIKYU railway ticket gate side
https://maps.tokyo-haneda.com/su/BICC3CoP

Narita Airport:
(Information Center)
Terminals 1 and 2
SKYLINER and KEISEI INFORMATION CENTER
Terminal 1 https://goo.gl/maps/xfBsTEVudhGy21LA8
Terminal 2 https://goo.gl/maps/sJo6aZNmNaLTdPoD9

+IC Card

Rechargeable “smart” cards or IC cards are the most convenient way to pay for train and bus fares in Japan. Vending machines, convenience stores and larger chain restaurants also accept IC cards.

+Welcome Suica

If you come to Tokyo, I recommend purchasing the "Welcome Suica" card for foreign travelers. You can buy it at ticket machines in airports.
https://www.jreast.co.jp/multi/en/welcomesuica/welcomesuica.html

Please note the following about "Welcome Suica" card:

Valid for 28 days:
The card will become invalid 28 days after issuance.
Balance is non-refundable:
Even within the validity period, any balance added to the card cannot be refunded. You must use up the balance.

Countries I’ve Visited

Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Canada, China, Cyprus, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Greece, Indonesia, Italy, Laos, Malaysia, Netherlands, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Vatican City State, Viet Nam

Countries I’ve Lived In

Japan