I stayed at Keiko's place with my niece who will be studying Japanese this fall in college. We couldn't ask for a better introduction to Japan. Keiko was warm, friendly and helpful. Her place was the perfect traditional Japanese home we were looking for. It was fun to sleep on tatami mats with rooms separated by shoji screens. There is even an area dedicated to tea ceremony. Keiko was so generous. She served us matcha on our way out- including explaining part of the traditions around the tea!
The location is a little out of the way- which was perfect for us. It is a quiet neighborhood- easily accessible by Japan Rail and metro. The shopping/eating district is very close, and is largely a non-tourist zone. Again perfect for us. We enjoyed buying food at the local super markets (there are multiple in walking distance) and eating in. There are also numerous noodle shops up and down the shopping street. We had especially good ramen!