Your Host

Meet Atsushi, Oyster Farmer and Host on Kumihama Bay

A third-generation farmer, a seasoned traveller, and one of the warmest hosts you are likely to meet anywhere in Japan.

Atsushi Toyoshima's family has farmed Kumihama Bay for three generations. The guesthouse he runs is a natural extension of that same rootedness, a minshuku that has welcomed Japanese travellers for over 40 years and has been opening its doors to the world since 2016.

He is an oyster farmer first and a host second, but the two have always belonged together. Visitors come to the bay for the water and the views and the quiet, and he has been the person on the other side of the door for almost a decade now.

"Atsushi is not your average host. He's an oyster farmer with a heart of gold, a storyteller with a wealth of knowledge, and a true steward of the environment. Every conversation with him is a window into the traditions and rhythms of the sea." ly c, Google review
On the oyster farm, Kumihama Bay
Background

A life that came home

Before Atsushi returned to Kumihama to take over the family farm and guesthouse, he spent years moving around the world. Canada three times. Hawaii. Hong Kong. China. Australia. Argentina. South Africa. Malaysia. Vienna. Czechia. He came back with an understanding of how visitors think and what makes them feel welcome, and that understanding shapes how he hosts now.

His family share the property in the quiet, unobtrusive way that feels very Japanese: his parents, his wife, and his daughter, each keeping to their own rhythms, present but not intrusive. The guesthouse is genuinely a home, not a hotel.

He is fluent in Japanese and English and is often the bridge that helps visitors understand where they are, what is in season, and how to spend their time.

What Guests Say

A Superhost rated 4.96 from 171 reviews

Atsushi holds Airbnb Superhost status with a 4.96 rating from 171 reviews, and has welcomed more than 300 families to the guesthouse since 2016. On HelpX he holds a five-star rating from 73 volunteers. Across all platforms the highest-scoring category is communication, rated a perfect 5.0 on Airbnb. He is a Guest Favourite, placing the listing in the top 10% of homes on Airbnb.

Guests come back. Volunteers stay in touch. The reviews are remarkably consistent: people talk about the warmth, the calm, and a sense of being looked after without being managed.

"He went above and beyond and then exceeded that." Riley, Airbnb (2026)
"The most friendly host you'll ever find." Cathinka Hauger, Google review
"It felt so authentic, so peaceful, and so Japan. I genuinely loved this place and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a real Japanese experience." Claire, Airbnb (January 2026)
★ Airbnb Superhost ★ Guest Favourite · Top 10% ★ 5.0 Communication
How He Hosts

A host who pays attention

What guests notice most about Atsushi is not what he says but what he does. A bicycle left ready at the door. A conversation that goes on longer than expected because he is genuinely interested. A local recommendation that turns out to be the best part of your trip.

He is unhurried, open-minded, and curious. The kind of host who makes you feel at home without making a performance of it. Patient with language and culture gaps, and experienced in helping international visitors find their feet in coastal Japan.

"We also really appreciated the thoughtful tips Atsushi shared with us in advance, they were interesting and helped us make the most of our time in the area." Felicitas und Martin, Airbnb (2026)
Gentle Moon Stays guesthouse from the pier
Building Something New

Initiatives growing alongside the farm

Alongside the farm and the guesthouse, Atsushi is developing projects that grow naturally out of what he already does. Volunteers and longer-term guests who share these interests often find ways to contribute here that go well beyond the farm.

Global Hosts Japan

Helping other Japanese hosts and small business owners welcome international guests, with consulting, cultural training, and English conversation sessions.

Community English Programme

A hybrid in-person and online conversation group for local learners. Open to volunteers who are confident speaking English with patience.

ChatGPT for Small Business

Helping rural businesses use AI tools to reach more customers and run more efficiently. Useful if you work in tech, marketing, or small business.

In Atsushi's Own Words
"Are you seeking a meaningful cultural exchange in Japan? I'm looking for motivated, curious, and open-minded people who are excited to help with our guesthouse and aquafarming projects, while also becoming part of our growing international collaboration. If you're looking for an authentic rural Japanese lifestyle with a deeper sense of purpose, you'll feel right at home here."
Atsushi Toyoshima, Gentle Moon Stays
Plan Your Stay with Atsushi

Atsushi reads every enquiry personally.

Tell him a little about yourself: when you would like to visit, what you are hoping to find, and any questions you have. He will reply directly.

Contact Atsushi Book a Homestay Volunteer on the Farm