My Stay with SekaiCo
It was an amazing time. Through SekaiCo, I learned so much about Japanese culture, language,and different philosophy of life and habits that was interesting to experience as european. The connections I made with the local community and the other members I stayed with are truly irreplaceable.
Impressions of the Local People
Everyone was kind and warm-hearted. While rural areas are sometimes perceived as being closed-off, the people I met in Aisho Town made me feel welcomed from the very beginning. At first, I was a little worried about whether I would be accepted, but with SekaiCo’s support, I was able to meet many wonderful people in the community.
Even those who didn’t speak English actively tried to communicate, making it a great environment to practice Japanese. Being in a small town where everyone knows about SekaiCo created a sense of closeness with people, such as the town office staff and neighbors. Everyone is taking care of others,in this close-knit community I felt like a part of this community.
Impressions of Aisho Town
I would say it’s a perfectly balanced town. I’m not a fan of the hustle and bustle of large cities, but at the same time, being in a place that’s too rural with nothing nearby isn’t ideal either.
In this regard, Aisho Town offers the best of both worlds. Surrounded by nature, with close-knit relationships and a tranquil atmosphere, it embodies the charm of rural life. At the same time, everyday necessities were within cycling distance, so I never felt inconvenienced. Additionally, the town’s location provides easy access to major cities like Kyoto, Osaka, Nagoya, and Ise, allowing for weekend trips to explore various places—a definite highlight of my stay.
What I Loved About SekaiCo
The surrounding shrines, sake breweries, and views of Lake Biwa have retained their timeless beauty. Popular tourist spots are often crowded and altered for tourism, making it hard to feel their authentic essence. However, the historical shrines, temples, streets, and landscapes near Aisho Town remain a natural part of people’s lives.
It’s precisely because these places are unassuming that they allow you to deeply experience the culture and history. Being close to such authentic expressions of Japanese life was a rare and extraordinary experience.
Most Memorable Moments
One of my favorite memories was canoeing on Lake Biwa. A group of us went to Okishima, an island on the lake, and it was such a fun experience. Another standout moment was enjoying hanami (flower viewing) under the cherry blossoms in spring.
Aisho has so many cherry trees, and the view of everything painted pink was absolutely breathtaking and worth seeing. My time with SekaiCo has been an unforgettable experience, and if I get the chance, I would definitely return to Aisho Town. I truly miss it and everything about the town.
