One week sharing a modest apt. in western Japan with Society member, Brad Parker.  This is a non-luxurious, 4th-floor, older building with NO elevator.   Can accommodate 1 or 2 people:  sofa in spare room opens into bed platform. Date of visit to be mutually convenient time in 2007.  Winter is mild here -- no snow (usually) and not the cold of Boston. Good location to explore Hiroshima & Kyoto as one-day trips by Bullet-Train (Shinkansen).  Tokyo is NOT CLOSE!  One can also take high-speed boat to S. Korea in a few hours.  Visitor supplies own food and understands there is no maid service [Brad does not serve breakfast in bed.] Apt. has small TV (non-cable); CD player; DVD player; small balcony that is for hanging out wash ONLY (no one sits on balconies in Nippon!).   Laundry must be done in shop that is 10 minutes away, by foot (500 yen per wash and dry).  Brad is willing to do some guiding locally only, as his time permits.  Train station is 10-minute walk (both local & high-speed) and local airport can get you to Tokyo in 1.5 hours.  Old castle here is main thing to see, and there is an architecturally unique mall near to castle with river close by.  Many shops in the area; taxis ALWAYS available; public toilets much easier to locate than in US!    As for language:  most Japanese people have had 6 years of English class if they have finished high school, and Brad will be able to clue you in for basic words.  Clubs & bars (straight and gay) abound in this city of Kokura and most stay open all night.  NO PARTIES at Brad’s nest!! Value:  $750