Student Blog

3 min read

Nestled in the serene landscapes of rural Kumamoto, Japan, lies a unique opportunity for international students to immerse themselves in the local culture and hospitality through a homestay experience. My first homestay with a delightful elderly lady in the picturesque region of Asoguni, Kumamoto was nothing short of heartwarming and enriching.

Our adventure began when we arrived at the quaint home of an elderly lady, or obachan as we called her, and she welcomed us with open arms. Her home, saturated with the charm and history of rural Japan, gave off warmth and comfort. A very unique thing I noticed as soon as I entered the living room of the house was that the walls were filled with loving messages from all the people that visited her home and experienced a homestay with her.

We brought special snacks from Beppu as a token of our appreciation, which she received with heartfelt gratitude. Her genuine smile and the sparkle in her eyes made us feel right at home. Inside her cozy abode, we met her pet cat who looked really old, moved slowly but with a grace that spoke of a life well-lived in the serene countryside.

After taking a moment to freshen up, we joined our host in the kitchen as she was preparing dinner. The evening's menu featured a traditional Japanese hotpot, known as “nabe”. This communal dish, cooked at the table, involved simmering a variety of fresh vegetables, tofu, and slices of meat in a savory broth. As we were preparing the salad and setting the table, obachan shared stories of her life in Kumamoto, enriching our understanding of the local culture and traditions. The smells of hotpot filled the air of the dining room, making our mouths water in anticipation. When the hotpot was ready, we sat around the table and enjoyed it with special Kumamoto rice, and it turned out to be a delicious and hearty meal. The warmth of the hotpot was particularly comforting, given the chilly weather outside. The dinner was accompanied by light-hearted conversations and laughter, creating a bond among us that transcended the language barriers as none of us were fluent Japanese speakers, but we managed to hold the conversation with her.

She also treated us to a delightful Japanese dessert of red bean paste buns, which added a sweet ending to an already perfect meal. She then presented each of us with a special gift: a packet of that special Kumamoto rice. This gesture was both generous and thoughtful, showcasing the region's famed produce. The rice, carefully packed in three separate bags, symbolized her gratitude and the bond we had formed during our short stay.

This homestay was a beautiful blend of cultural immersion, heartfelt hospitality, and simple pleasures. The elderly lady's kindness, the traditional hotpot dinner, and the shared moments of laughter and learning left an indelible mark on us. This whole experience was impressive to me because there is nothing like this in my own country. That is why it was a completely new experience for me. As we departed the next morning, we carried with us not just the packets of rice and the breakfast that she packed us, but also cherished memories of a truly special time in the rural heart of Kumamoto. This brief yet impactful experience made me realise the profound connections that can be made through homestay experiences and the unique charm of rural homestays.

If you ever have the chance to do a homestay experience, I highly recommend embracing the opportunity—it is a journey into the heart of Japanese hospitality and culture that you will treasure forever.

Abid Aziz

Hello, I am Abid, a 3rd year student studying Hospitality and Tourism. After trying multiple times, I finally got the position of a Student PR Assistant and I am happy to start my journey here. My message to all the readers would be that "Do not let people tell you that you cannot have it all!"