First time I've in my 19 trips to Japan I've stayed with a host, and it was an absolute pleasure. I had to book a place last minute (the night before arrival) got a response very fast, I asked a few questions about arriving which might have been a bit inconvenient due to the time I was arriving, was assured it was OK.
Beautiful house, lovely person to talk to and quite easy to get to from the train station, about 15 minutes walk only 3 turns, very easy.
I definitely would like to stay here again.