The apartment looked exactly like it did in the photos. In fact even better in person. It was actually a lot cozier and bigger than I expected. We stayed in Yumi's apartment for 8 nights and it really felt like our home in Japan. It was a perfect place for our family of 5 (with smaller kids). We actually appreciated that it was a quiet neighbourhood.

Yumi's apartment had everything you could ever need. I especially loved her well equipped kitchen. It really felt like she anticipated what a guest would need. There was even a clay pot if you wanted to make stews (we didn't). The bathroom was immaculate. And it was good that the shower area had it's own door, so someone else could use the toilet if needed.

Yumi was the most attentive host. She responded to all my questions while I was planning my trip. She even helped me acquire tickets to an attraction. And when there were last minute changes to our arrival details, Yumi gave me advice on how to deal with the situation. This was over and beyond her duties as host. It was like she was doing this for me as a caring friend. I am very grateful for Yumi's care and attention. Perhaps because she is a mother herself, she knows what it's like for a mom to travel with kids.

The neighbourhood was just as Yumi described. It is a quiet, residential neighbourhood. And literally 3 minutes from the subway station. And just two stops away from Shinjuku-san-chome -- the Isetan and Takashimaya station! Fun. But even just walking around Yumi's neighbourhood, we enjoyed the quaint narrow streets. There is a nice fully stocked grocery 5 minutes away. And 7-11 is about 25 steps away from the house.

All in all, we really loved our stay in Yumi's apartment. I will recommend this place to my friends and family. And I hope to return here some day. Thank you so much, Yumi.