Dine with locals

So you've had sushi for breakfast at Tsukiji and scoffed some late-night takoyaki from a street vendor after last round at the bar. In terms of getting a taste of Japan's culinary marvels, that's a good start. But when it comes to having an authentic cultural experience, there's nothing quite like getting off the tourist trail and sharing a meal prepared by locals.

Founded in 2011, Nagomi Visit is a non-profit organisation that invites locals in Japan to open their homes to connect with people from all over the world and share their lives over lunch or dinner. 'We believe in the spirit of the Japanese idiom "onaji kama no meshi o kuu" and hope that people will come together by "eating rice out of the same pot",' says Nagomi Visit's COO Alisa Sanada. As of October 2013 more than 106 hosts and 583 guests from 38 countries have chosen to be a part of the Nagomi experience. Sanada says this is because 'we make sure to stay true to one basic principle: nagomi' (which means 'Japan' and 'to befriend').

To sign up for lunch or dinner with your Japanese hosts, simply visit Nagomivisit.com and fill in the booking form. It's best to book at least two weeks in advance, if not earlier, and the dinner costs ¥3,150, which covers the ingredients and helps to keep the non-profit organisation up and running. For more information and to make a booking, click here.