Hospitality List : FAQ

What is a “Hospitality List” ?

We are a volunteer group in Japan to support those cyclists traveling throughout Japan by providing our homes as accommodation (home-stay), guiding the guests around the neighborhood on bikes (one day guide) or responding to questions about bikes and cycling routes. As of January 2010, from Hokkaido (Northern part of Japan) to the south of Honshu Island, 37 people (families) have been registered.

If I want to use this service, how much information do I need to disclose?

The JCN Hospitality List does not require pre-registration nor login. However, if you would like to use the Hospitality List, we request you to introduce yourself so that we can communicate in a better way. If you have any photos or blogs, those would help us a lot for the smooth communication, even if your blog is written in your native language which we don’t understand!

Is this service (providing accommodation, meals, one-day-guide and all the information) all free of charge?

Yes, all are free. We do not receive money in return. We just simply hope that we can exchange general information about your country, especially about the cycling life.

Do I need to bring any souvenir?

Not particularly. Instead, when you finish the cycling trip in Japan, please send us your travel report, travelogue and photos, which may help other cyclists who are planning to travel Japan by bikes.

• Rider's reports

Is there any limitation to the number of nights to stay?

The JCN Hospitality List does not specify any limitations. Please contact the individual host family.

We are traveling in a group (two or more people together). Will you let us to stay?

As you know, a typical Japanese home is relatively small, but if you are a couple, it is usually not a problem. If you are more than three people, please contact the individual host family.

This time my trip is not by bike. Do you still accept me to stay as home stay guest?

As a general rule, we are offering free accommodation to those who are traveling by bikes. However, some host families will accept even if you are not this time. Please contact the individual host family.

Is the parking space for my bike safe?

Not all host families have the space for a bicycle indoors. However, all host families are also enthusiastic cyclists and they have their own beloved bikes, so they are aware of safe places to park the bikes and will pay maximum attention to your bikes.

Can I pitch a tent at host family’s house?

Usually, there is no space to set up a tent in a Japanese house. However, in Japan, it is relatively easy to find a place to pitch a tent. For more information, please see this link.

I’ve tried to reach the host on the Hospitality List, but no reply from them…

We apologize for the inconvenience. It could be that the host family is traveling or does not have internet connection and not able to respond your e-mail. We try to keep the list as up to date as possible, if there is no reply even after several weeks, please contact us .