We were a family with a young child who stayed at Keiko's place for three nights in early October. The place was large with ample room for a child to run around and even a small garden in the back. The place is quiet, with your normal suburban amenities nearby (super market, all night eatery). Keiko was a very gracious host and we really enjoyed being in a Japanese dwelling, rather than a hotel.

There are a number of things off the normal tourist track that maybe interesting. Two stops from Minowa is Kita Senju, which has a small narrow street lined up with restaurants and bars for salarymen after work. I was there one night and it was a very interesting and fun experience. We took our daughter to Kido Kido, a kid's playground with very local feel. And nearby is Hanayashika, the first Japanese themepark which is just very unique. Our daughter probably had equal fun at this place as with at Disney. Basically at this place, you get to experience a taste of how locals live, which is worlds apart from the touristy place and we really enjoyed it.

Keiko was very helpful in all things. She helped us with all the local language issue and getting the luggage delivery service to pick up our luggages for Narita (all the forms are in Japanese).