Perhaps as I was born and bred in a city state, the notion of a homestay programme was not enticing to me. I was no longer a middle- or high-school student so the idea of staying under someone else’s roof, inconveniencing a local family was fairly unsettling for me. Furthermore, in contrast to many Singaporeans, I was not particularly fond of traveling. All factors considered, I thought I would come to dislike this entire Kagoshima experience.

I could not have been more mistaken.

I could attempt to list the inexhaustible attractions that the prefecture of Kagoshima boasts, but I doubt I can do justice to the rich heritage that this beautiful seaside city has. The Sakurajima island (which hosts an active volcano) and the Sengan-en (UNESCO World Heritage Site) were two magnificent places of interest I had the good fortune of visiting on my short Kagoshima trip.

However, in my opinion, these sites – as breath-taking as they might be – were tourist attractions, that is to say that anyone visiting Kagoshima could see them. In actual fact, what left the greatest impact on me was actually something completely different. It was something very grounded, something very simple – yet elusive to the average visiting Kagoshima tourist: the everyday life of a Japanese local.

I could not have asked for a better host family than the Aradono’s. They brought me to places like sand steam onsen, local temple, pottery master’s workshop and whiskey distillery. As much as I enjoyed those experiences, the most exclusive place which I had the privilege of visiting was... an authentic Japanese elementary school. Watching the elementary school students running their hearts out on a Saturday morning marathon, I felt nostalgic and honored that I was allowed to be part of this family experience.

I was not keen to be a tourist in Kagoshima. I wanted to experience, albeit over a short period, the everyday life of the Japanese local. Hence, I relished the home-cooked breakfast that was prepared for me, I loved the feeling of walking the pet dog and greeting the neighbours, and I even got to visit a car dealer in Kagoshima for a car wash!

As soon as I met the Aradono’s, my feeling of uneasiness towards homestay was tossed out of the window. From carrying a huge placard with my name written on it during the first meeting, to specially making a cake during the welcome party bearing a Merlion cookie, the Aradono family has gone out of their way to not only make me feel welcome in their household, but also integrated me into their lives, introducing me to their neighbours and friends! It was a fantastic three days. With a blink of an eye, it was time to leave Kagoshima but it only left me wanting to go back to Kagoshima more!

I am happy to take back my words about what I previously felt towards a homestay programme. I have learnt so much from this trip and it gave me a wonderful opportunity to interact with local Japanese and experience a truly unique adventure!