HOMESTAY
Peek behind the tourism scene, diving deeper into local culture not as a tourist, but as a member of a local family.Be it harvesting vegetables with a farmer, trying your hand at fishing with a fisherman, ringing the day’s first bell at a temple with a monk- participating in the daily activities of your host family will allow you to experience the island life from the locals’ point of view.
Food lovers will find dinner time at a local family’s house to be the highlight of their trip. Learn how to make authentic Japanese delicacies with your host mother and then sit down at the dinner table with the whole family for the most fantastic meal of your life.
The delicious food might fill up your stomach, but the laughter shared with your host family will fill up your heart, and soon enough it will feel like you’ve found your second home.
There’s no better way to connect with the local culture than by fully participating in it. Whether it’s catching your dinner at a local harbor, helping to prepare a dinner full of local dishes, or getting your hands dirty in a kitchen garden, taking part in the daily routine of a local family is the best way to immerse yourself in the local life and form meaningful bonds that will last a lifetime.
Families on Ojika Island have welcomed their first guests in 2006. Since then numerous travelers from all over Japan, as well as overseas, have found their second home on our tiny island.
| Number of Guests | Price (per person) | What's included? |
| 2-6 Guests | 9,000 yen (excluding tax) | Dinner & Breakfast Pick-up at ferry terminal Medical insurance |
| 1 Guest | 12,000 yen (excluding tax) | 12,000 yen (excluding tax) |
※Please make a reservation at least two weeks in advance.
※You are welcome to experience Ojika as a family. Children under the age of 3 stay for free. Please note that two infants count as “1 Guest”.
※ During the high season (Golden Week and summer vacation) “1 Guest” reservations are not accepted. We apologize for any inconvenience caused.
Ojika is called the Island of Wholehearted Hospitality. Here you will find a microcosmos of everything that is wonderful about Japan including many traditional values, such as caring for each other without expecting anything in return.
Growing, Harvesting and Cooking Your Own Food
Discover the joy of living in harmony with nature. On Ojika Island the daily routine revolves around preparing your food from scratch. Together with your host family, you will harvest vegetables and catch fish for dinner. The dinner time is the highlight of the day with everyone gathered around the table, feeling grateful to have each other to share the day’s produce with.
Feel the initial nervousness melt away as your hosts win over your heart with their sincere hospitality. Just like your grandparents, islanders show their affection through food, making sure you are well fed. So just kick back, relax, and let yourself be pampered.
For islanders, food is one of the most important cultural assets and they take a lot of pride in their traditional cuisine. So make sure you say “Itadakimasu” before you eat and enjoy your food with a grateful heart. There is no bigger gift you can present your host family with!
your hosts
Being the only guest means that you will have the undivided attention of your host family. Feel relaxed and at home, without worrying about disturbing other guests.
【 Solo Traveler 】
Many solo travelers choose homestay to unwind and immerse themselves in a different way of life.
【 Friends and Couples 】
Friends and couples enjoy the intimate life stories of their hosts. Just like your grandparents they give the best advice!
【 Groups 】
The more the merrier! Our homestay program offers a range of activities that you can all do together.
【Catch Your Own Dinner】You will be fishing using sabiki (flasher rig) for Japanese horse mackerel. This style of fishing is very easy and even beginners can enjoy themselves. Your host dad will be by your side the whole time making sure you are doing okay.
【Make Local Dishes】Learn to cook some of Ojika’s authentic dishes from locally produced ingredients together with your host mom. Some of the dishes that you can make include Kamaboko, Oshizushi (pressed sushi) and Tokoroten depending on the season. You can also learn how to fillet fish and make sashimi.
【Harvest Vegetables】Enjoy gardening in the fresh air and sunshine. Your host mom will teach you how to tend to vegetables and you will even be allowed to handpick some for dinner.
【Temple Experience】Visit a beautiful temple to meditate, chant sutras and do some calligraphy. The second day of your homestay wake up early to ring the temple bell together with the temple priest.
See the sample itinerary below to give yourself an idea of what to expect.
※Reservations for two or more nights are accepted.
※We can incorporate extra activities into your homestay if informed in advance.
※Schedule adjustments might be required in case of poor weather conditions.
DAY 1 | ||
【Arriving on Ojika Island】 |  | (Ferry from Sasebo arriving at 2PM) |
【Visit the Tourist Information Office】 |  | Ojika Island Tourism office is located inside the ferry terminal. Here you can complete your payment, drop off your bags and grab a bike to explore the island until 4 PM. |
【Meet Your Host Family】 |  | Your host family will pick you up from Ojika Island Tourism office at 4 PM and drive you to their home. There you can catch your breath and chat with your hosts over a cup of tea. |
【Experience】 |  | It's time to experience the island life with your host parents! |
【Finishing Touches】 |  | Join your host mom in the kitchen to help with the final dinner preparations. |
【Dinner Time】 |  | Bond with your family at the dinner table filled with delicious local dishes. |
【Rest Time】 | After a long day of new experiences enjoy a soothing bath before you slip into a cozy futon to have a good night's rest. | |
DAY 2 | ||
【Breakfast】 |  | Enjoy a peaceful breakfast with your host family. |
【Time to Say Goodbye】 |  | At 9 AM (or earlier if required) your host parents will drive you to the ferry terminal. ※Guests staying for 2+ nights will be asked to spend their "free time" outside from 9 AM until 4 PM. |
【Leaving Ojika Island】 |  |
There’s More!
From various marine activities and trekking on Nozaki Island to gourmet, cultural and other unique experiences, Ojika is a destination that delivers. Apart from the homestay, Ojika Island has a selection of unique lodgings that will give you a feel for what it’s like to live on an island.
Considering to stay with a local family or have questions about Ojika in general? We are here to help!
| Number of Guests | Price (per person) | What's included? |
| 2-6 Guests | 9,000 yen (excluding tax) | Dinner & Breakfast Pick-up at ferry terminal Medical insurance |
| 1 Guest | 12,000 yen (excluding tax) | 12,000 yen (excluding tax) |
※Please make a reservation at least two weeks in advance.
※You are welcome to experience Ojika as a family. Children under the age of 3 stay for free. Please note that two infants count as “1 Guest”.
※ During the high season (Golden Week and summer vacation) “1 Guest” reservations are not accepted. We apologize for any inconvenience caused.