What is a good website to find host families in Japan?

What is a good website that gives you a list of host families to choose from? ?

• I am looking for a site where I can find a host family to live with in Japan. I don't want to enter some big program where you have to pay like 8000 dollars to the program. I just want a reliable site where I can choose from a list of host families and see information about them and then I can handle the transportation and stuff. I would really appreciate it..thanks!

• Answer:

  I don't think it exists. Try to look at things from the host family's point of view. Why would they accept a total stranger into their family for weeks or months without knowing the person at all? He or she could be a total jerk, or even someone with a criminal tendency. How would they know that you won't just disappear without paying them (if you're supposed to pay at the end of the stay)? What is the family supposed to do if the guest suddenly gets sick and needs operation? And how would you know they will not take your money without actually letting you stay (if you pay in advance)? What would you do if there's some emergency in the family and suddenly can't accept you the day before your arrival? The organizer/agency is there to minimize these risks and make other necessary arrangements, and they need money to do that, even if they are non-profit organization (some are, some are not). If you don't want to pay for these services, I think you should look for minshuku (family-run lodging where guests are provided with room and meal, biut NOT treated as a family member).