is not really culture difference , is just plumbing difference .

Now, that is funny too!

Ha Ha! Cracked me up too!!

I am planning and saving for a trip to Japan in the next year or two. My husband and I do not want to stay in a traditional western hotel (where's the fun in that?) so, a homestay does sound wonderful ... But, how is the privacy? How many different people stay with one family? Do they offer tours of Japan?

Also, are there any traditional Japanese hotels? I have been looking and looking on the internet for one but they all seem to be typical American-like hotels.

Thanks for the help

Hello

No.
No privacy in homestay.
Paper thin walls.. eat and bathe when it is "time" (when they tell you to)

"Ryokan" is old style Japanese Inn (thread here on the forum and video on our youtube page)

A little better, privacy wise, but not much!

If you want privacy.. western style hotel is the way to go.

How much Japanese can you speak?

Thanks for the info petina!

Hmm ... Wow, I didn't know they were like that. I wouldn't last with the bathe when it is "time." When I'm on vacation I take one shower in the morning and another when I go out at night!!

...and I eat as much as I can

We know enough Japanese to visit (I hope! Haha)