[Important] Nagomi Visit will have a new operating organization starting September 1.
Your reservations and information remain unchanged.
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Blog
2025-08-21
We’d like to share an important update regarding the operations of Nagomi Visit.
Starting September 1, 2025, Nagomi Visit will be operated by BORDERLESS HOUSE Corporation.
The Nagomi Visit team will continue working together under this new structure, and there will be no changes to our services, the booking process, or fees. If you already have a reservation, it will go forward just as planned.
The only change is that from September 1, BORDERLESS HOUSE Corporation will become the data controller. BORDERLESS HOUSE Corporation will manage your personal information in line with current laws and maintain the same high security standards we have always followed. If you have any questions about how your personal information will be handled, please feel free to contact the Nagomi Visit team directly.
A Message From Our Founder
Hello! I’m Megumi Kusunoki, Founder of Nagomi Visit.
Since launching Nagomi Visit in 2011, we’ve welcomed more than 10,000 travelers from around the world (as of August 2025). Each of them joined a Nagomi Visit to connect with locals over a home-cooked meal in a Japanese household, and through these experiences, many wonderful friendships have been formed. These meaningful experiences were made possible thanks to the warm support of our wonderful hosts and curious, open-minded guests.
From day one, we’ve asked ourselves:
How can people from different cultures and languages build real connections?
We gradually built a simple system where anyone could participate by opening their home and sharing a meal from the same pot.
Our mission has always remained the same. We aim to create meaningful moments for both guests and hosts, and to help reduce the prejudice and indifference that often come from misunderstanding. We believe that continuing these kinds of exchanges can bring about small but genuine change.
In recent years, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve been exploring new ways to grow this initiative in a world where divisions feel even more present.
To build a stronger foundation and open up more opportunities for travelers and locals to come together, we’ve made this important move. We’re excited about what lies ahead and hope you’ll look forward to this next chapter of Nagomi Visit with us.
New Operating Company (from September 1, 2025)
BORDERLESS HOUSE Corporation
2F, 1-10-8 Yanagibashi, Taito-ku, Tokyo, Japan
Representative Director & CEO: Seiichi Lee
Thank you for being a part of the Nagomi Visit community. We look forward to welcoming you not just to a shared table, but into the everyday lives of our hosts. We hope you’ll enjoy the unique connections that come from this experience.
Megumi Kusunoki
Founder, NAGOMI VISIT
2025-08-01
Describe your host?
[My hosts] were such welcoming hosts from the moment they picked us up at the train station! Together, we went to the supermarket and got fresh fish to make rolled sushi together, and some traditional Japanese sweets to snack on. It was my birthday that day, and when we arrived at their house there were decorations hung up, and they even had a birthday cake for me — it was such a kind gesture and made the day even more special.
What did you talk about during your Nagomi Visit?
During the afternoon, we discussed our trip in Japan so far and where the family travelled to during their holidays. [My hosts] had welcomed many visitors, including old friends from university abroad and new people through Nagomi Visit. I come from Ireland, and my friend from Argentina, so we discussed our lives back home, the differences in schooling systems between our countries, typical foods, and other interests. [My host] works as an engineer for Canon, and I was happy to show him my analog camera and take some film photos of the couple (although it's a Pentax!).
What did you eat?
We had so much fun preparing rolled sushi and gyoza together — the fish from the supermarket was so fresh, and the gyoza were delicious! They had also prepared some other traditional dishes to enjoy with our meal.
Do you still keep in touch with your host?
We decided to try Nagomi Visit so that we could connect with and learn about Japanese culture through the people themselves — it ended up being much more than that! I still keep in touch with [my hosts] through Facebook, and will definitely be dropping in the next time I find myself in Japan. Thank you for your kind hospitality! Matane :)
2025-06-25
Describe your host?
Our visit with [my host] and her family was an unforgettable experience. I was particularly excited to meet [my host], a mother of three teenage sons, as I have a 19-year-old son interested in studying abroad in Japan. [My host]’s sons have both studied abroad, so it was a wonderful opportunity for the young men to exchange experiences and advice.
The evening began with snacks and tea, giving the boys a chance to get to know each other. They quickly bonded over shared interests in anime, movies, and video games, and my son enjoyed practicing his Japanese while they practiced their English. Watching these young adults connect and share their worlds was truly heartwarming.
Later, we enjoyed a delicious home-cooked meal, and the lively conversations continued. The evening flew by, and none of us wanted it to end, but we had to catch the last bus. [My host]’s entire family kindly saw us off at the station, a gesture that perfectly reflected their warmth and hospitality.
As a fellow mom, I also loved chatting with [my host] as we watched our kids thoroughly enjoy the evening. It’s a memory I’ll treasure forever. Thank you, [my host] and family, for such a special experience!
2025-06-24
Describe your host?
[My host] was incredibly kind, welcoming, and thoughtful. From the moment we arrived, she made us feel at home — not just as guests, but like family. She went above and beyond to create a meaningful experience for us, especially for our daughter.
What stood out most was how genuine and attentive she was. She took the time to learn about us, share her own stories, and create a beautiful atmosphere of cultural exchange and friendship. Her best friend and their children were just as warm and open, and seeing all the kids play together was truly heartwarming.
We felt so much love and generosity from [my host] and her family. It’s a connection we’ll always treasure, and one we hope to continue in the future.
What did you talk about during your Nagomi Visit?
We talked about our life as overseas Filipino workers and why we are now living in Ireland instead of the Philippines. [My host] and I also discovered that we work in the same profession, which made our conversation even more interesting.
We shared stories about places in the Philippines that her family would like to visit, and we also talked about the current situation in Japan. While cooking takoyaki together, we talked about the ingredients, food, and drinks we enjoyed. We even exchanged some basic Japanese words and learned a bit more about each other’s language.
[My host] also shared her love for making origami, which was lovely to hear. It was a meaningful and fun conversation that made us feel truly connected.
What did you eat?
We ate thick sushi roll, takoyaki, and lots of kids' foods that our daughter loved. We actually bought the same kids' foods and brought them back here to Ireland.
What was your most memorable moment?
Our most memorable moment was when the host family surprised our daughter with a beautiful birthday celebration. They sang to her, decorated their home with so much love, prepared a cake for her to blow out, and even gave her thoughtful gifts. As parents, our hearts were overflowing with happiness.
It meant so much to see our daughter celebrated in such a warm and sincere way, especially while being far from home. I became very emotional — moments like these remind me how powerful kindness and connection can be. We will forever be grateful to [my host], her family, her best friend, and their wonderful children.
One day, I hope we can welcome them to Ireland and return the warmth they shared with us.
Do you still keep in touch with your host?
Yes 😍
Why did you go on a Nagomi Visit?
I joined Nagomi Visit because I wanted my daughter to meet Japanese children and experience genuine cultural exchange from a young age. I believe these connections can leave lasting impressions and maybe even grow into future friendships. As a small family living abroad, originally from the Philippines and now in Ireland, we deeply value moments where we can learn from others and share our own story as an overseas Filipino family.
This experience gave us something truly special: a glimpse into everyday Japanese life, beyond the tourist spots. It reminded us how food, family, and conversation can bring people together, no matter where we’re from. I’m so grateful for the warmth and openness of the family who welcomed us — it’s a memory we will carry with us for years to come.
2025-05-12
Describe your host?
[My hosts] were a wonderful family of 4. The children were 9 and 7 years old. They were very welcoming and conversation was easy even with the language barrier.
What did you talk about during your Nagomi Visit?
We talked about our lifestyle in Canada including our favourite foods, hobbies, and our families.
Did you make any new discoveries?
We discovered what the children were learning in school, similar to North America but with a Japanese flare.
What did you eat?
We had a delicious dinner with small salads, miso soup, rice, takoyaki, and a variety of homemade dangos for dessert. The children showed us how to make the takoyaki.
What was your most memorable moment?
The entire evening was memorable — great conversation, excellent food, and company.
Do you still keep in touch with your host?
Yes, we continue to communicate by email and hope to do so going forward. We share family photos and experiences.
2025-05-05
Describe your host?
[My hosts] are an incredibly kind and generous couple that live in the city of Kobe, a short 30-minute commute from Osaka.
[My hosts] welcomed us into their home and shared a delicious, home-cooked meal that we’ll never forget. But their hospitality didn’t stop there — they also spent the day showing us around their beautiful city. From a scenic observatory and the harbor to a peaceful temple and downtown Kobe, they gave us a glimpse into local life in a smaller Japanese city — something we never would have experienced on our own.
During our entire 2.5 week trip through Japan, this Nagomi Visit was truly a highlight. As a couple from Canada, we were touched by their genuine interest in learning about our lives and culture. With the help of Google Translate, an incredible meal and local snacks, and a lot of laughter, we were able to build a connection with them that felt like a genuine friendship.
This experience reminded us traveling to other countries isn't about just seeing new places — but an opportunity to open yourself up to others. It also showed how easy it is to connect with others across the world, if you're willing to be kind and curious.
What did you eat?
[My hosts] did an outstanding job creating a meal for us, it was incredibly delicious and well-thought-out. We had tonkatsu (fried pork cutlets) with different sauces, as well as sushi, miso soup, Nikujaga (beef noodles with potatoes), and salads. They had an assortment of tea (matcha, green tea), as well as different dessert items such as mochi and other snacks. They even had some natto and other fermented fruits such as plum and daikon for us to try. These are just the items I remember! There honestly was so much energy and thoughtfulness that they put in to make an incredible meal that highlighted local Japanese dishes.
2025-04-02
Describe your host?
[My hosts] were incredibly welcoming and went above and beyond to make us feel at home. They were kind, accommodating, and genuinely excited to share their culture with us.
What did you talk about during your Nagomi Visit?
We spoke about daily life in Japan, how people live, and what the local lifestyle is like. Since our visit was towards the end of our trip, [my hosts] asked us about our journey so far — what we had seen, what we liked, and what foods we had tried. We also shared stories about Bulgaria, our traditions, and the food we eat back home.
Did you make any new discoveries?
Yes! We learned how to make matcha tea properly and discovered how delicious Sukiyaki can be when made the traditional way. We also saw wild parrots in the Sakura trees, which was an unexpected and beautiful surprise.
What did you eat?
We had Sukiyaki, and it was absolutely amazing!
If you participated with others, what were their thoughts about the Nagomi Visit?
I was with my husband, and he enjoyed the experience just as much as I did. We both felt so welcomed and had a wonderful time.
What was your most memorable moment?
Everything was memorable! From the start, when [my hosts] took us to a street lined with Sakura trees, to the delicious dinner they prepared for us. They even dressed us up and gave us insight into their daily lives. It was a truly special experience.
Do you still keep in touch with your host?
Yes, we do! [My hosts] showed interest in Bulgaria, and we would love to welcome them to our home if they ever decide to visit.
2025-03-21
Describe your host?
[My host] was so sweet and her son was so cute. They met us at the train station with a sign with our names on it. [My host] drove us to her apartment and made us miso katsu and okonomiyaki. It was so delicious. We talked about many topics like food and travel. We chatted for a few hours before having to leave. Her son waited for us to get on the train and screamed "mata ne" as we left. Such a wonderful experience.
What did you talk about during your Nagomi Visit?
We talked about our jobs, travel and life in a small town in Japan. [My host] lived in Australia and New Zealand and I'm from the US and my friends is from Brazil. We talked about how Japanese influenced our lives because I grew up in Hawaii and learned Japanese in school and had contact with many Japanese tourists. [My friend] is from Sao Paulo which has the largest group of ethnic Japanese people outside of Japan so he was familiar with many things Japanese.
Did you make any new discoveries?
[My host] explained that her son's name was composed of two "light" kanjis. She chose this because she wanted him to be filled with light. He was very genki and rambunctious and we had fun playing with him and his toys.
What did you eat?
Okonomoyaki which we helped make. So yummy. Miso katsu which apparently was a specialty of the area and dark miso soup with fried tofu. When we left [my host] gave us a donut that she made to eat later.
If you participated with others, what were their thoughts about the Nagomi Visit?
I think this is such a smart concept. Many tourist just see the big cities and the touristy things and never interact with the locals. This gave us insight into how real Japanese people live their daily lives.
What was your most memorable moment?
Probably when [my host] and her son greeted us at the train station with a sign. That was really cute.
2025-02-20
Describe your host?
[My hosts] were wonderful hosts. In addition to making and sharing an enormous and very tasty meal, [my hosts] accompanied me around many interesting sites in Niigata that I would otherwise never have known to visit, especially natural sites outside of the city centre. [My hosts] were very friendly and this made me feel comfortable quickly. I appreciated getting to know them a little and believe we will stay in touch in the future.
What did you talk about during your Nagomi Visit?
We talked about Japanese authors that we both like, food, upcoming travel plans and places we have already visited, differences in work culture, each other’s families and what to see and visit in Niigata. [My hosts] also talked about other people who visited them before and I discussed what I did on my trip so far.
Did you make any new discoveries?
[My hosts] took me to a supermarket and explained some interesting foods and encouraged me to ask questions. I learned a lot about the city and learned how to make onigiri. I appreciated being welcomed into [my hosts] home to observe customs — though [my hosts] never made me feel uncomfortable, even though I am sure my table manners were awful! I also learned by observation how the single-use filtered coffee bags work (I was using them like a tea bag in my hotel, instead of opening the top. What a difference it makes to the strength of the coffee when you open it!)
What did you eat?
[My hosts] made a delicious meal with a great variety of dishes. I am a vegetarian, which is uncommon in Japan, and I appreciate how much trouble [my hosts] went through to prepare authentic foods without using any meat or fish. Some of the food included tempura vegetables, gyoza (these were the best gyoza I ever had, no exaggeration), onigiri, gobo and carrot salad, potato and cheese bake, and many vegetables and rice.
What was your most memorable moment?
There were too many to narrow down to just one.
Do you still keep in touch with your host?
Yes, I believe and hope so. I hope that I can meet with [my hosts] in France where I live.
2025-02-02
Describe your host?
[My hosts] have recently relocated back from the U.K to Asakusa - which is a wonderful location. We had already exchanged a bit of information about each other, so by the time [my hosts] met me at our arranged meeting place we already had lots to talk about. We took a short walk back to their lovely apartment where [my hosts] were preparing dinner.
What did you talk about during your Nagomi Visit?
A lot! [My hosts] are well traveled, with lots of interesting experiences both in and outside Japan. [My hosts] had also traveled to my home country (South Africa), and we had studied in the same U.S State (Oregon). I enjoyed hearing about their experiences growing up with friends and school, and their recent year in the U.K.
Did you make any new discoveries?
I learnt a lot about work and school culture in Japan, as well as regional differences in culture between Tokyo and Kyoto for example. That was very enjoyable to learn about.
What did you eat?
[My hosts] also introduced me to okonomiyaki and takoyaki, which was absolutely delicious!
What was your most memorable moment?
For me, it was meeting some wonderful hosts, from beginning to end and learning about their experiences growing up, working and traveling. We also discovered this was our first Nagomi experience for both of us - which was fun!
Do you still keep in touch with your host?
We have exchanged contacts details and I am sure we will keep in touch!
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