We had intended on getting some experience with living in a traditional Japanese setting, and Akanene's place certainly provided us with not only a one-of-a-kind experience, but also offered a clean and quiet, peaceful house to go home to after a long day of sightseeing. The garden walkway leading up the house also provided a tranquil experience and mornings there were quiet and peaceful.

As we travelled everywhere using public transportation, we decided on commuting to the house by foot from the closest station (Sumiyoshi station) - it was a 15-20 minute walk for us (we walked slower with luggage etc), and this gave us a lovely opportunity to see and experience a more suburban/less bustling side of Tokyo and interact with locals, which was what we aimed for on this leg of the trip.

The place was kept very clean and Akanene and her husband Mitsu had thought of everything in their supplied house manual (with detailed but easy to follow instructions on how to use utilities in the house as well as recommendations for restaurants!). Prior to the trip, they also provided us with very clear and detailed instructions on how to get to the house which helped us navigate the streets despite our limited Japanese skills.

The only thing that was unfortunate for us was that we had to leave a day earlier than anticipated - and this entirely because of a sudden emergency back at home in Sydney and that we had to fly back a day early! Akanene's husband Mitsu was incredibly understanding during this time, and remained their kind, helpful selves even though I phoned them early in the morning to inform them of my early departure.

Thanks Akanene and Mitsu for your generosity, kindness and personal touches in providing a unique stay in Japan.