Nagomi Visit Guest Story: "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!"

2025-08-01

[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.

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!).

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.

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 :)