Hello! I'm a certified Japanese Tea Instructor with a deep passion for the world of Sencha (brewed green tea). After years of studying its history and art, I've recently embarked on a life-changing project. I moved to the beautiful Oita Prefecture in Kyushu and am currently in the process of restoring a traditional Japanese house (kominka) at Onsen district.

My dream is to transform this beautiful old house into a cultural space—a small teahouse and book cafe where people can slow down, connect with Japanese culture, and enjoy a quiet, mindful moment. On weekdays, I work remotely, and on weekends, I'm fully dedicated to bringing this dream to life. I'm a quiet, thoughtful person who finds joy in history, art, and sharing stories over a great cup of tea.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

For me, Couchsurfing is about genuine connection and cultural exchange. My entire project is about creating a bridge between Japanese culture and people from around the world, and I believe Couchsurfing is a perfect way to do that on a personal level. I'm here to meet interesting people from different backgrounds, hear their stories, and share my passion for the deeper, quieter side of Japan that you might not find in a guidebook. I believe the best travel experiences come from the people you meet, and I'm excited to be a part of that journey, whether as a host or a guest.

Interests

• tea
• hot springs
• onsen
• matcha
• teaching japanese
• matchmaking

Music, Movies, and Books

Music: I usually listen to calming and atmospheric music that's good for concentration or relaxation. Think instrumental music, Studio Ghibli soundtracks by Joe Hisaishi, or the thoughtful compositions of Ryuichi Sakamoto.

Books: I love old books with a story to tell. My shelves are filled with Japanese literature (like Natsume Soseki), essays on Japanese aesthetics (like Jun'ichiro Tanizaki's "In Praise of Shadows"), and books about art, ceramics, and history.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I think the most amazing thing I've done is the journey I'm on right now. I made the decision to leave a more conventional path to pursue a dream that felt truly meaningful to me. Finding this 100-year-old house in a small town, and deciding to pour my heart and energy into giving it a new life as a cultural hub, felt like a huge leap of faith. Every day I learn something new, whether it's about traditional carpentry or the history of my new hometown. It’s challenging, but building a dream from the ground up is the most amazing adventure.

Teach, Learn, Share

Teach: I can teach you how to properly brew authentic Japanese Sencha tea and appreciate its complex flavors. I can explain the differences between various types of Japanese tea and share the stories behind the culture.

Learn: I would love to learn about your country's tea or coffee culture! I'm also eager to hear about your travels, your perspective on Japan, and what "culture" means to you. If you speak another language, I'd love to learn a few simple phrases.

Share: I can share a peaceful, authentic moment of Japanese hospitality with you. I can also share my knowledge for great onsen in Japan.

What I Can Share with Hosts

A Taste of Japan: I will always bring a selection of high-quality, interesting Japanese teas from my region for you to try. I can hold a mini tea-tasting session for you and your friends!

A Helping Hand: I am a clean, quiet, and respectful guest. I'm happy to help with household chores, cook a simple Japanese meal together, or give you your own space when you need it.

Great Conversation: I can share stories about Japanese culture, art, and my unique project. I am genuinely curious to learn about your life as well.

Countries I’ve Visited

China, Italy, Tanzania, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, United States, Zambia

Countries I’ve Lived In

Japan