Nagomi Visit Guest Story: "giving us a card for our honeymoon and making us a welcome sign. It made us feel so special."

2024-07-15

[My host] and his wife were the kindest, most considerate hosts we could’ve ever imagined. They met us at the station with a welcome sign, and from there they showed us the best hosptality in their home and around Kobe. [My host] studied English hard to be able to communicate with us, and he did a very good job at educating us about Japan. He also gave us snacks and gifts which were so thoughtful! I can’t imagine a better representative of Japan.

[My host] talked to us about monuments around Kobe and showed us pictures. He taught us how to pay our respects at a Shinto temple, and taught us about the geography of Kobe. He showed the bay and the enormous bridge that Kobe is famous for. We talked about the differences in our culture and what made [my host] proud to be Japanese. We also talked about our stay so far and he gave us suggestions for what else to see and experience during our trip. He also helped us take many photographs, which turned out beautiful.

We learned that you should not walk on the middle of the path as you enter a shrine because that’s reserved for the gods. We also learned about train routes and about the city of Kobe. We learned that the autumn in Japan is very similar to the U.S. with the beautiful fall colors. They also introduced us to many, many new foods.

[My host's] wonderful wife prepared a huge meal for us, with an array of courses and small dishes. We remember the pickled plum, the delicious beef stew, and the cold noodle soup very fondly, but it was all delicious to try. Her fish was very good and we enjoyed eating the tofu as well. [My host] gave us a non alcoholic sparkling apple drink that was delicious.

My wife called it one of the best things we did on the trip.

[My host's] kindness, giving us a card for our honeymoon and making us a welcome sign. It made us feel so special.

Yes we do and we will continue to trade pictures!