Amazing and unforgettable experience with the Enomoto family.
My friend and I spent a week with the Enomoto family in Umejima. Shinya and Jiaying told us about their lives, took us to the public bath, to the local okonomiyaki restaurant, Yuki their six year old son played with us.
They were super friendly and by talking to them everyday we deepened our understanding of the Japanese way of life.
Their house is beautiful. My friend used the traditional tatami room on the second floor whilst I used the western style one still sleeping on a futon on the floor. The house is big for Tokyo and having the whole second floor to ourselves was a real treat. Mornings were a bit chilly as the weather was particularly cold but that did not prevent us from enjoying every minute of our stay.
Some people have commented that the house is a bit far from central Tokyo. It is true that if you are in Tokyo for a very short stay it might be too far for you. On the other hand travelling back and forth everyday gave us a chance of experiencing the lives of real Tokyoites.
I recommend the Enomoto house without any hesitation.
Shinya, Jiaying, Yuki, thank you for making our stay memorable. We hope to see you in Europe!