FAQ

• QWhat is NiaHomes?

  ANiaHomes is a website specially designed to connect those interested in participating in homestays in Japan with host families living in Japan.

  Do you want to immerse yourself in Japanese local culture or lifestyle?
  Are you looking for a more authentic travel experience that you won’t have staying at a hotel or vacation rental?

  NiaHomes exclusively lists accommodation with host families who are willing to welcome you into their homes with the warmest hospitality.

  Discover your perfect homestay and begin your adventure in Japan with NiaHomes!

• QWhat is a NiaHomes “homestay”?

  ANiaHomes “homestay” grants an opportunity for guests from anywhere in the world to interact with people from the local community.

  There are two types of homestays dealt with by NiaHomes:

  1) Shared-living type
  The host family lives in the same house as the guest for the duration of their stay.
  
  2) Interactive type
  The host family resides at a property nearby, while maintaining their availability to interact with guests on a daily basis (e.g. when they live next door or another house on the same premises).

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  We do not call it a “homestay” if guests meet the host family only when checking-in or checking-out, or if there is no direct communication between guests and host families.

• QWho are the typical NiaHomes host families?

  AAll host families listed on NiaHomes are eager to welcome you into their homes and communicate with you as your family in Japan.

  Also, each and every one of them is registered as a “Private Lodging Business Operator” certified by their local governments. This means that they must closely adhere to the rules of the Private Lodging Operations, which include keeping properties clean, safe, and secure for guests, and preventing potential disagreements involving guests, host families and neighbors.

• QWho are the typical NiaHomes guests?

  APeople who are interested in participating in homestays in Japan or experiencing Japanese local culture or lifestyle.

  When registering as a guest, submission of an identification document is required, which must then be verified by the NiaHomes Team. Only verified guests can make a booking through NiaHomes.

  From solo travelers to families and friends, for both short and long stays. NiaHomes welcomes anyone from around the globe, including residents of Japan, to join the NiaHomes community.

• QCan I book a homestay just for one night?

  AYes, you can book from one night to a longer term to suit your travel plan.
  * Please check the minimum length of stay of each listing.

• QIs there a registration fee?

  ARegistration is free of charge for both guests and host families.

• QIs there a handling charge?

  AWhen your booking request is accepted by the host, you will pay the accommodation fee which includes a 20% service fee and consumption tax.

  The accommodation fee includes:
  1) Room charge
  2) Service fee (20% of the room charge)
  3) Consumption tax for the service fee (10% of the service fee)
  
  You will register your payment information when sending a booking request.
  The accommodation fee will be charged to your registered credit card when the host accepts your booking.
  
  * You will not be charged if the host declines your booking request or does not confirm your request within 48 hours.

  [Example]
  When the room charge is 10,000 yen, the accommodation fee is 12,200 yen.

  Room charge 10,000 yen ＋ Service fee 2,000 yen ＋ Tax 200 yen ＝ Total payment 12,200 yen