We nailed it by picking this place for our stay in Japan!! From the moment Mikako came running out to the taxi to greet us upon arrival, right up to the tearful farewell on departure day, Mikako and Yuji's commitment to making us feel welcome and at home throughout our 2 week long stay was unwaivering. Their home is beautiful and was always beautifully kept. They provided all the necessities and then some. They shared their love for their country and culture with us through the traditional foods they prepared, the language and traditions they helped us to understand, the guided tours they took us on and, when they couldn't accompany us, the appropriate guide maps and train/metro/walking routes needed to get ourselves to the destinations. Their home is a mere 5 min walk to the nearest train station (which gets you anywhere you want to go) and there are many shops, grocery stores and restaurants, all within walking distance to their place which is situated in a safe and quiet neighborhood. It really made our stay in Japan that much more wonderful knowing we had a comfortable and welcoming place to come "home" to each day with the most gracious hosts to greet us. These are the kind of people I would be happy to host in my own home. I know where I'll be staying on my next visit to Japan!