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What is Nagomi Visit?

  What is Nagomi Visit? We build friendships not business transactions. In 2009, Nagomi Visit's founder Megumi visited Denmark for the first time and was invited to a local family's home for dinner. The new bonds she made from eating this home cooked meal became the inspiration for Nagomi Visit. The first Nagomi Visit happened in September 2011 with four guests and hosts that met in various homes in Tokyo. For the guests, the Nagomi Visit was their first time in a Japanese home. It was an opportunity to interact with locals beyond asking a few questions at a tourist information desk. For the host, being able to meet new people in the comfort of their own home was both relaxing and exciting. Though each Nagomi Visit is just a few hours, having a conversation over a meal made it easier for both the hosts and the guests to open up. Many friendships have formed since we began as an organization. Former guests and hosts have reunited all over the world. The simple Nagomi Visit exper...
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Important Update About Nagomi Visit’s Operations

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 1...

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!"

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 ana...

Nagomi Visit Guest Story: "it was a wonderful opportunity for the young men to exchange experiences and advice."

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....

Nagomi Visit Guest Story: "I became very emotional — moments like these remind me how powerful kindness and connection can be."

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 e...

Nagomi Visit Guest Story: "We discovered what the children were learning in school, similar to North America but with a Japanese flare."

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.

Nagomi Visit Guest Story: "This experience reminded us traveling to other countries isn't about just seeing new places — but an opportunity to open yourself up to others."

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 abo...