Help with our permaculture projects and experience slow life in Myoko-shi, Japan

Details

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  Description

  Join along to experience the slow life, in the Japanese countryside. Off of the beaten path of the usual and away from the overtourism sites of Japan. We are an Australian and French/ Japanese couple based in the mountains and ski area of Myoko area, and national park area, in Niigata prefecture who speak Japanese, English and French. We are Located in Suginosawa, near Myoko Kogen station.
  
  You'll be staying in a cabin style private accommodation, in a quiet woodland area below the mountains, the total opposite of the busy cities. There is a kitchen, bathroom, toilet, the bedroom can be for two people, for friends, or a couple, or an individual who doesn't mind sharing the space.
  
  We would love it you could join to experience this quieter side of Japan, we will need help with firewood making, stacking, a helping hand with renovations, sawmilling, if you'd like to help us with our developing Permaculture projects in our various personal garden.
  
  We're also happy to do a language exchange, if you'd like to practice Japanese, French, English.
  
  Close by to Myoko Togakushi Renzan National Park, with the trail head directly from our house. Also close to the Shin-etsu and Amatomi Trails. There is lots of hiking trails, mountains to summit and natural hot springs, onsen. Also close by is Lake Nojiri in Shinanomachi a great summer spot to Kayak, Sail, SUP, Swim and cool down in the summer heat. The sea of japan is around 40 min drive from our house, fishing, surfing, beach time along Naoetsu beach.
  
  Suginosawa is accessible with countryside style public transportation, the closest train station is Myoko Kogen station, accessible from Nagano station, there is a bus a few times a day which stopes close by. We recommend personal transport, you will need your own car or bicycle.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Language practice

  Help with Eco Projects

  Gardening

  DIY and building projects

  Creating/ Cooking family meals

  Help around the house

  General Maintenance
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  Come to Myoko and learn about mountain slow life, traditional Japanese mountain vegetable in Spring and mushroom harvesting in Autumn/Fall. Vegetable conserving/ pickling. Traditional Japanese mountain cooking.

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  Projects involving children

  This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.

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  Help

  We need help with renovation/ construction projects, Sawmilling, Firewood making and stacking, personal gardening, Landscaping, Building Maintenance.
  
  We're also happy to do a language exchange, if you'd like to practice Japanese, French, English.

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  Languages

  Languages spoken
  English: Fluent
  French: Fluent
  Japanese: Fluent

  This host offers a language exchange
  This host has indicated that they are interested in sharing their own language or learning a new language.
  You can contact them directly for more information.
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  Accommodation

  We have a one Bedroom cabin with 2F Kitchen/ dining, Bedroom with wood stove.
  1F Toilet, Bathroom, laundry.
  The front of the cabin has a deck to enjoy the sun and read a book.
  The Cabin is private for work away only.
  This would be perfect for a couple, or a group of 2 people who are friends.

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  What else ...

  If you'd like to experience Japan that is less touristy, off the beaten path and closer to a local Japanese person's day to day life. Your time off can be enjoyed by the lake at Nojiri, hiking in the mountains, mountain biking at Alpen Blick ski resort, (formerly Ikenotaira) or soaking in a natural hotspring (Onsen) like Tsubame Onsen or going to the beach for a surf or to enjoy the ocean and its delicious sea food. We are in Niigata prefecture, but located close about 45 mins drive, 50 mins local train to Nagano station. Nagano is a lovely city, with Zenkoji temple, and the famous snow monkeys in Yudanaka area, where there's great onsen/hot springs.

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  A little more information

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    Internet access

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    Limited internet access

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    We have pets

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    We are smokers

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    Can host families

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  Space for parking camper vans

  We have flat space to park and connect to power / water if required.

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  Can possibly accept pets

  This host has said they are willing to accept those travelling with a pet.

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  Two

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  Hours expected

  Maximum 4 hours a day, 4 days a week