I had a delightful four-week stay at Hotaka’s house. She is everything you could ask for in a host: tidy, welcoming, and intriguing (she has traveled extensively and speaks six languages fluently). She goes out of her way to assist her guests whenever possible, such as by helping me secure tickets to the Ghibli Museum on a short notice. By the end, I was saying goodbye to not only an excellent host but also a wonderful friend. I immensely enjoyed my time here and hope to stay again in the future.