I went to Japan for holiday and we stayed at a Japanese inn for the first time. When we were there, the staff served us dinner in our room. We had sashimi and even a small hotpot, just like what my friends had been posting on their Instagram! When the staff said “さあ、どうぞ召し上がってください saa, doozo meshiagattekudasai” (Enjoy your food), I wanted to reply “Thanks for the food” but how do I say it in Japanese?

My parents have acted as host parents for many years to Japanese overseas students who came to study at our local universities. When my father passed away, a few of these former overseas students whom he had previously hosted actually came all the way from Japan for his funeral. I was very touched by their kind gesture. I cannot speak any Japanese, but I want to say “Thank you for coming” in a thank-you letter. What should I say?