Homestay in Japan

[Gacktpause]

Hi,
I'm planning a 6 week trip to Japan (March 1-April 15, roughly), and I am hoping to be able to do a homestay in Kyoto for the 4 weeks in March.
I'm not associated with, or interested in, organized classes/schools, so I want to find a homestay program not connected to a school or other academic program...
Does anyone know of any programs? I found one [homestayinjapan], which looks like the perfect thing, but I was wondering if there was anyone here who had heard of it or used it. I would just like to check the reputation of the company. :relief:
Thanks!

[Mike Cash]

Are you coming here alone as a minor?

[Gacktpause]

I'll be 18 at the time of traveling, and I'll be flying with my brother (19), but we are going to separate for a time while in Japan...

[rompom]

Have you tried one of the homestay websites like crashpadder.com? It's pretty new but may have some properties in Japan.

[Gacktpause]

Thank you for the suggestion, I'll definitely check that site out. Have you used it (or known anyone who has)?

[rompom]

I haven't I'm afraid - going to upload my room (which is no use to you as it' sin London!), but I read about it in the UK Telegraph yesterday. Let me know if you have any luck with it!

[Gacktpause]

Thanks. ^__^ I just checked and it doesn't look like there are any places in Japan T__T But any resource is a good one, and I'll keep my eye on it. Who knows, something could come up!
I've also been looking at...

worldwidehomestay

&

IHA (International Homestay Agencies)

...if anyone has heard of them.

Thanks again!

[dreamer]

I am pretty sure they have a homestay programs in Shimane since we did it a few weeks ago.

You might wanna check with the SIC: http://www.sic-info.org/

[Zirdante]

http://www5a.biglobe.ne.jp/~eil/incoming/homestay/ihp_e.html That looks good, you can apply for a 1-4 weeks homestay.

Just google homestay in japan, you get a lot of results.

[Zirdante]

This homestay thing looks pretty good, most of the places are like 188€/week with meals included. Thinking of going to tokyo this summer for a few weeks, looks like a good option.

[Gacktpause]

Throwin' some info right back atcha, I think I've finally decided on using homestay-in-japan.com. I liked their positive attitude and openness on the website, also their response to questions has been very timely and friendly. :-) If that's what I go through, I'll let you know how it went. :D

Thanks for your input!

[Zirdante]

I suggest you try http://www.homestayweb.com first. No extra fees, and you only pay the host family that you contact and make a deal with.

But yeah, that which you linked - they do the searching for you with the registration fee.

The cheapest I found from homestayweb was 30€ a day + breakfast and supper.

[Gacktpause]

Yeah, I checked that one out but I preferred the idea of going through more of a focused program. I don't want to do the homestay because it's cheaper than other options, I'm actually drawn to the cultural experience. From first appearances I just thought homestay web was a little too unfocused, like you just arrange with people, and that's not really what I'm looking for.

Thanks ^^

[maushan3]

It depends where you want to go and what you want to do. If you want to explore the city and Japanese culture make sure the program or website you're using places you in Kyoto, Osaka, Tokyo or any other major city.

I am pretty sure they have a homestay programs in Shimane since we did it a few weeks ago.
You might wanna check with the SIC: http://www.sic-info.org/

You were in Shimane? haha what a coincidence I went to visit a Spaniard friend of mine for a week and he was going nuts living in a place like that. Pretty cold and lonely place I must say. Did you like it?

Mauricio

[Gacktpause]

Most of the programs have families in the major cities, unless they're more grass-roots orgs. I'm hoping to be able to stay in Kyoto....That way I could explore greater Kansai with relative ease, it seems. :-)