More than a week after our return from Tokyo, we are still missing Keiko's very comfortable place. We simply loved the house -- the place was really roomy for Tokyo standards, also very clean and functional. Keiko has great taste in decorations, and all the little touches made a big difference. My 5yo especially loved the tatami room -- the fragrance when we first stepped into the room was unforgettable. If our schedule wasn't so packed, we would have loved to spend days just lazing around the house and thoroughly enjoying the place.
The house was literally a min away from the nearest metro entrance, and we had no problems at all heading to different parts of Tokyo and beyond. Supermarket and Macs and yakiniku and Chinese food (great mapo tofu) and quaint little shops nearby, including "Joyful Minowa" with its ramen street and bargain stores, and also Tokyo's last "streetcar" (tram) just six minutes walk away. In short, love the neighborhood.
Keiko herself is an accommodating, kind and thoughtful host. We were delayed getting to the house from the airport, and she was regularly checking in to make sure we're alright, patiently waiting by the roadside for our arrival and helped with our luggages. Japanese snacks and coffee capsules added to the welcome, and she dropped by with cake and pastries as well during our stay. On the day of departure, not only did Keiko arrange a reasonably-priced ride for us to the airport, she was there to send us off with a farewell gift of traditional Jap dessert. We inadvertently left a cooler bag behind and Keiko immediately called and asked what she could do to help.
All in all, we were made to feel v welcomed at her place, and felt v reassured knowing we could turn to her if any help was needed at anytime. We certainly hope to be able to stay at her place again for our next trip to Tokyo. Hontou ni arigatou na, Keiko-San! :)