Hello, my name is Kenichi.

I live on Awaji Island in Japan, a beautiful island located between Kobe and Tokushima.

I run a Japanese restaurant and work as a chef. Cooking is not just my job, it is a big part of my life. I especially enjoy working with seasonal seafood and local ingredients.

Recently my life has changed a little, and I now live alone in a single-story wooden house. The house feels a bit too big for one person, so I thought it might be nice to welcome travelers from around the world again.

I used Couchsurfing many years ago and had wonderful experiences meeting people from different cultures. Those memories stayed with me, and now feels like a good time to start again.

One reason is to practice English, but more than that, I want to live my life fully and stay connected with the world. Life sometimes changes direction, and this feels like a new chapter for me.

I enjoy calm conversations about culture, food, travel, and life. I prefer a quiet atmosphere rather than a party style.

If the timing works and my schedule allows, I might take you for a short drive around Awaji Island or share some local food together.

My English is not perfect, but I enjoy meeting people and learning from different cultures.

Life is short, and meeting new people makes it richer.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I decided to restart Couchsurfing at a new stage of my life.

Of course, one reason is to practice English. But more importantly, I want to stay connected with the world and continue meeting people from different cultures.

Life sometimes changes direction, and recently I have felt a strong desire to live my life more fully and experience new perspectives.

For me, Couchsurfing is not just about a place to stay or a place to host travelers. It is about human connection, sharing stories, and learning from each other.

I believe that meeting people from around the world makes life richer and more meaningful.

Interests

Besides cooking, I am very interested in business and management. Running a restaurant has taught me a lot about how to build and run something meaningful.

In my daily life, I enjoy running and spending time in nature. I like activities such as hiking, camping, and exploring new places.

I also love driving, skiing, and traveling.

Recently I stopped drinking alcohol regularly, but I still enjoy wine occasionally. These days I prefer tea and a healthier lifestyle.

Health and fitness are important to me. I usually train every day, including running, strength training, and HIIT workouts.

I enjoy meeting people who value a healthy and balanced lifestyle.

• culture
• design
• cooking
• traveling
• business
• webdesign

Music, Movies, and Books

Jazz classic

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

One of the most amazing experiences in my life has been building my own restaurant.

Starting from nothing and creating a place where people come to enjoy food and spend meaningful time together has been very special to me. Seeing guests happy at my restaurant is something that still moves me.

Another unforgettable experience has been traveling and hiking in the mountains in Japan. Standing on a mountain and seeing the vast natural scenery always reminds me how beautiful the world is.

I also remember the moment when my house was finally completed. Building something with your own effort and seeing it become real brings a deep sense of fulfillment.

For me, amazing moments are not only about big achievements, but also about those simple moments when you realize how meaningful life can be.

What I Can Share with Hosts

guest room with bed. (2person maximum)
toilet. bathroom.

Countries I’ve Visited

Cuba, Czech Republic, Egypt, Hungary, India, Mexico, Morocco, Poland, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey

Countries I’ve Lived In

Japan