Ep 1. Living like locals in Misawa

In the first episode of the 36th season of House Hunters International, viewers are taken on an adventure to Misawa, Japan. The episode, entitled "Living like locals in Misawa," follows the journey of a military family as they search for their dream home in this small town.

The episode begins by introducing the main cast - the Blanding family. Hailing from the United States, the Blandings are a family of four, consisting of parents Brian and Tiffany, and their two daughters, 7-year-old Kylie and 5-year-old Hailey. Brian is in the military, and the family has been stationed in Misawa for a period of three years. They are excited to make the most of their time in this foreign land and are now ready to find a place to call their own.

Misawa is a small town in the Aomori Prefecture of Japan, and the Blandings are keen to experience a traditional Japanese lifestyle. They have been residing in base housing since their arrival and are now looking for a home outside of the American Military Base. The Blandings want to immerse themselves in the local culture and live like true locals. They are excited at the prospect of being in close proximity to the various temples, shrines, and museums that Misawa has to offer. They are also looking forward to experiencing the traditional Japanese cuisine that the town is known for.

The Blandings meet with their real estate agent, Akiko, who shows them three different properties. The first property is located in a quiet residential area, surrounded by nature. It is a traditional Tatami-matted house, with sliding doors and an outside garden. The home has two bedrooms, a Japanese-style bathroom, a spacious living room, and a modern kitchen. Even though this home offers an authentic Japanese experience, it requires a lot of upkeep, which may be difficult for the American family.

The second property is a bit more modern. It is a two-story, four-bedroom home, located in a quieter part of town. It has a large open-plan living area, a modern kitchen, two bathrooms, and a garage. This property would be ideal for the family's needs, but it is further from town than they had hoped.

The final property of the three is another traditional Japanese home. It has a slightly larger living room than the first property but only one bedroom. It is located on the outskirts of Misawa, allowing the family to experience a quieter lifestyle. It has a large garden and a separate building that can be used as an additional guesthouse.

Throughout each property viewing, the Blandings discuss the pros and cons of each option. They take into consideration the home's location, size, and aesthetic appeal. They also discuss how each property will accommodate their two young daughters and conclude that finding a property with a large garden is essential because their daughters enjoy playing outside.

After viewing all three properties, the Blandings sit down with Akiko to discuss their decision. They share their favorite aspects of each home and explain their reservations about each one. Ultimately, they decide to make an offer on one of the traditional Japanese homes, impressed by its location, garden, and authentic aesthetic.

In conclusion, "Living like locals in Misawa" is an exciting and engaging episode of House Hunters International. The Blandings' desire to immerse themselves in Japanese culture is both inspiring and heartwarming. This episode is enjoyable for anyone who loves to travel, loves houses, or is curious about other cultures. It highlights the exciting experience of moving to a new country and the challenges that come with finding a home abroad. House Hunters International Season 36, Episode 1 is a must-watch for anyone who loves travel, exploring new cultures, or just loves experiencing something different.