JAPAN IS OPENING AGAIN TO TOURISTS -- From October 11th 2002 you only need negative PCR test or record of vaccination ( three shots) to enter Japan as a tourist from most destinations.
So we will be open to swaps, (we are not taking points now) if you can come to Japan from mid Oct to early December. Otherwise all of March, May and late June early July 2023 all possible.
PLEASE NOTE: THE DELICATE TRADITIONAL JAPANESE ROOM NOT SUITABLE FOR VERY YOUNG CHILDREN.
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We are probably in one of the best locations you could wish for if you want to see Tokyo and experience the culture. We are very central and often bicycle everywhere we need. The house, on a quite residential street, is handy for stations with many train lines to choose from. Most tourist sites are just 10 minutes away. Time Out has a guide to our area known as Kagurazaka ("where the gods come to play") : http://www.timeout.com/tokyo/things-to-do/kagurazaka-area-guide
A two-story, DETACHED, wooden, family house set on top historic Waradana hill. One of Tokyo's highest points and therefore one of the most exclusive in central Tokyo. Wooden flooring throughout decorated in western style, sofa, etc, but also added attraction of a traditional Japanese tatami mat living/bedroom. Rather shabby in some areas but decoration and renovation nearly complete. I recently took over the house from my father and I am redecorating/renovating.
PLEASE NOTE. The Japanese traditional room has just been totally renovated which means, I'm afraid, no children over one and under 12 allowed in there. It is the second bedroom, so bear in mind please before requesting a swap.
Total floor area: 114 sqm
Very posh neighbourhood and extraordinarily intimate, village-like and quiet for such a big, bustling city. What is really a small residential area with low-rise houses and apartments in the middle of the biggest city in the world. It's an historic area where Edo's first castle was built and we are just outside the walls of the present Emperor's palace. You will be right at the centre of all of it but protected from the traffic and crowds here. There are hardly any cars and we are set back from the road hidden among other houses cheek by jowl. We have a narrow space around the house filled with about 10 trees. Plenty of light upstairs.
Close to all the famous spots and served by about 6 train lines nearby. Delightful shopping/dining street 2 minutes walk away. One the best in Japan and has many festivals -- Matsuri -- the greatest of all at end of July http://www.timeout.jp/en/tokyo/event/11764/Kagurazaka-Matsuri-2014. The village is called Kagurazaka. Known as Little Kyoto in Tokyo we have geisha on the doorstep, historic dining inns and charming cobblestoned alleyways and courtyards to enjoy. Some of the best eating in Japan including Michelin star restaurants.
The FT mentions here: https://www.ft.com/content/c3ab7e73-f3da-4683-b65e-135a8df5fd8f
More info here:
https://www.ambassadors-japan.com/en/tokyodailylife/344/
Quite a lot of space inside the house compared to typical Japanese homes but still rather tiny compared to homes in the USA for example. But the house is comfortable. The three upstairs rooms are small. There you will find a cosy "den" with lots of light and a long terrace with plants and seating for two, a bedroom and a newly decorated study. The study can be turned into another bedroom. So can the den.
Traditional Japanese bathroom BTW which we turned into a wet room with shower and traditional Japanese deep, short bath. And a delightful Japanese traditional tatami mat room which doubles as a second bedroom with futons downstairs. There is also a sofa-bed in the living room that requires futons.
So we can accommodate four comfortably and six at a push.
Why Tokyo? According to a survey of over 54,000 travelers conducted by Internet travel site TripAdvisor, Tokyo beat out New York and Barcelona as the city with “the best overall experience.”
http://www.multivu.com/mnr/70425525-tokyo-tops-tripadvisor-world-city-survey-amongst-global-travelers
Please note: older children are welcome, but owing to the delicacy of the paper-screened, traditional tatami room, we are unable to accommodate smaller children under 13 and over one year old unless you will be responsible for damages.
