Help care for a historic farmhouse and support the local community in rural Nagano, Japan

Informationen

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  Beschreibung

  I’m originally from Tokyo. After many years working in the corporate world, I’m now beginning a new chapter in rural Japan — one that feels slower, simpler and more connected to nature, traditional ways of living and the local community.
  
  My project has two closely connected parts: gradually caring for and improving a traditional farmhouse dating from the Edo period and its surrounding land, and contributing to the nearby rural community by offering practical support to elderly neighbours, farmers and local craftspeople when help is needed.
  
  The farmhouse is believed to be around 200 years old and is located in a rural village in southern Nagano Prefecture, officially recognised as one of Japan’s “Most Beautiful Villages”.
  
  The farmhouse and the land immediately surrounding it cover approximately 2,000 square metres. I also look after several small vegetable plots located separately nearby.
  
  Restoring the farmhouse properly will be a long-term project requiring careful planning, specialist knowledge and respect for its history. My current priority is to make the house and its surroundings cleaner, safer, more comfortable and more suitable for everyday rural life.
  
  This includes cleaning and organising the farmhouse, caring for the garden and vegetable-growing areas, clearing overgrown parts of the land, reusing natural materials such as bamboo, and carrying out small practical DIY projects.
  
  Like many rural communities in Japan, this area has an ageing population, and some elderly residents find it increasingly difficult to maintain their gardens, vegetable plots, homes and surrounding land. Whenever suitable opportunities arise, I try to support nearby residents with small, practical and non-commercial tasks.
  
  Helpers may sometimes join me in supporting elderly neighbours, local farmers, carpenters or craftspeople, depending on the season, current needs and the availability of the people involved. There may also be opportunities to meet local residents, learn from their farming, gardening, carpentry and traditional skills, and experience aspects of rural Japanese life that visitors would not normally encounter.
  
  I’m also very open to ideas and proposals from Workaway helpers. If you have particular skills, knowledge or experience that could contribute positively to the farmhouse, the land or the local community, I would be happy to discuss what might be possible together.
  
  For me, this project is not simply about restoring an old building. It is about gradually creating a home, caring for the surrounding land, supporting people in the local area, learning traditional and practical skills, and contributing in a small but meaningful way to the future of the rural community.
  
  I hope to welcome people who are practical, considerate, flexible and genuinely interested in rural life, community exchange and the realities of caring for an old countryside home.
  
  This is a volunteer cultural exchange centred around my private home, garden and everyday rural life. Any activities with neighbours or local residents are occasional, community-based and non-commercial.

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  Arten von Hilfe und Lernmöglichkeiten

  Karitative Arbeit

  Kunstprojekte

  Sprachpraxis

  Hilfe bei Ökoprojekten

  Seniorenbetreuung

  Unterrichten

  Leichte Gartenarbeit

  Kreative Heimwerkerprojekte

  Betreuung von Tieren

  Mithilfe auf einem Bauernhof

  Zubereiten / Kochen von Mahlzeiten für die Familie

  Hausarbeiten

  Leichte Instandhaltungsarbeiten

  Haus- & Haustiersitting
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  Interessengebiete

  

  Nachhaltigkeit

  

  Vegetarier / Veganer

  

  LGBTQ

  

  Farmarbeit

  

  Gartenarbeiten

  

  Architektur

  

  Kochen & Backen

  

  Yoga / Wellness

  

  Gebirge

  

  Natur
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  UNO-Ziele für nachhaltige Entwicklung, die dieser Gastgeber verfolgt

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  Was ist das?
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  Kultureller Austausch und Lernmöglichkeiten

  This is an opportunity to experience everyday life in rural Japan — its slower pace, changing seasons, local customs and close connection to nature.
  
  You may also learn more about:
  
  * Japanese culture, history and traditional architecture through living in and caring for a farmhouse dating from the Edo period
  * The realities of finding, maintaining and gradually improving an old vacant house in Japan
  * Gardening, small-scale vegetable growing and simple natural methods
  * Seasonal ingredients and plant-based cooking
  * Farming, gardening and practical rural skills shared by elderly neighbours and experienced local residents
  * Japanese carpentry and woodworking, including traditional techniques used by highly skilled local carpenters
  * Local traditions, rural landscapes and some of the challenges facing countryside communities today
  * Teamwork, practical problem-solving and the realities of everyday rural living
  * Japanese language, local etiquette and daily life in Japan from the perspective of someone originally from Tokyo
  
  The local area is home to elderly farmers, gardeners, carpenters and craftspeople with many years of experience and valuable practical knowledge. When suitable opportunities arise, you may be able to meet them, help with simple activities and learn directly from their skills and experiences.
  
  Depending on timing and availability, there may also be opportunities to visit a neighbouring carpenter’s workshop, learn basic woodworking techniques or work on a small furniture or woodcraft project. You may also have the chance to meet a highly skilled traditional carpenter specialising in temples, shrines and historic wooden buildings.
  
  These opportunities will depend on the season, current projects, local interest and the availability of the people involved. They should be understood as informal cultural and practical exchange rather than guaranteed lessons or professional training.
  
  I’m also very open to what you can bring to the exchange. If you have skills or ideas related to gardening, farming, woodworking, art, sustainability, language or education, I would be happy to discuss how they might be shared in a respectful and useful way.
  
  As this is a very rural part of Japan, opportunities for local residents to meet people from different countries and cultural backgrounds can be limited. International visitors can bring new perspectives and positive energy, while also gaining a deeper understanding of rural Japanese life.
  
  If you are considering living in Japan longer term, particularly outside the major cities, I would also be happy to share what I have learned about finding a home, adapting to rural life and becoming part of a local community.

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  Projekte mit Kindern

  Dieses Projekt schließt möglicherweise den Umgang mit Kindern ein. Mehr Informationen findest du in unseren Verhaltensregeln und Tipps hier.

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  Arbeit

  As the project is still in its early stages, the help is varied, practical and hands-on. The main focus is on improving the living environment inside the farmhouse, caring for the surrounding land and gardens, and gradually making the property cleaner, safer and easier to manage.
  
  Professional experience is not necessary. I’m mainly looking for people who are practical, reliable, willing to learn and comfortable helping independently at times.
  
  ◼️ Typical tasks may include:
  
  * Cleaning, sorting and organising rooms inside the farmhouse
  * Carefully sorting old household items and stored belongings
  * Tidying storage areas and organising tools and materials
  * Helping in the private garden and around the property
  * Weeding, mowing and clearing overgrown areas
  * Cutting back bushes, small plants and young bamboo
  * Collecting leaves, branches and other natural materials
  * Picking up and separating old rubbish around the property
  * Preparing and maintaining small vegetable-growing areas for personal use
  * Sowing seeds, planting seedlings and harvesting vegetables for our meals
  * Composting and trying simple natural gardening methods
  * Watering plants and carrying out seasonal garden maintenance
  * Simple DIY, woodworking and minor repairs around the private home
  * Moving and carrying materials
  * Cooking and occasionally sharing simple plant-based meals
  * Cultural and language exchange
  
  The exact activities will depend on the season, weather, current priorities and your skills and interests.
  
  There may also occasionally be opportunities to join me in supporting elderly neighbours, local farmers, carpenters or craftspeople with small, practical and non-commercial activities.
  
  This might include helping to tidy a private garden, clear an overgrown area, maintain a vegetable plot, move materials or organise a workspace. These activities will depend on local needs, timing and the availability of the people involved.
  
  Any community activities will be carried out respectfully and with the agreement and guidance of the local resident or craftsperson. They are intended as cultural and community exchange, not as formal professional training or unpaid commercial work.
  
  Please understand that this is an old rural property that I have only recently started looking after. Some areas are still dusty, overgrown or disorganised, and not every task will be creative or glamorous.
  
  Some days may involve muddy, repetitive or physically tiring work, such as pulling weeds, carrying materials, cleaning dusty rooms, sorting old objects or collecting rubbish. I hope to welcome people who do not mind getting their hands dirty and can find satisfaction in helping an old home and its surroundings gradually become more cared for.
  
  This is a volunteer cultural exchange only. There is no paid position, and no help with a commercial business, paid accommodation, guesthouse preparation or spaces intended for paying guests is requested.
  
  ◼️ This stay may be a good fit for someone who:
  
  * Is respectful, honest, open-minded and easy to communicate with
  * Is practical and willing to help with ordinary everyday tasks
  * Is comfortable working independently at times
  * Can follow instructions carefully and ask questions when unsure
  * Is willing to take initiative without making significant changes or decisions without permission
  * Is tidy, considerate and respectful of shared spaces
  * Has some experience living independently
  * Enjoys nature and a calm, quiet rural lifestyle
  * Has a genuine interest in Japanese culture, traditional houses and countryside communities
  * Is interested in cultural exchange rather than only free accommodation
  * Understands that rural life can involve insects, dirt, changing weather and physical outdoor activities
  * Prefers a peaceful environment, as this is not a party-style place
  
  Basic Japanese is helpful but not essential. A willingness to learn and make an effort to communicate respectfully with local people is more important.
  
  This stay may be particularly suitable for someone with a little more life experience, practical confidence or experience living independently.
  
  A positive attitude, reliability, consideration for others and clear communication are more important than specialist skills.

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  Sprachen

  Gesprochene Sprachen
  Englisch: Fließend
  Japanisch: Fließend

  Dieser Gastgeber bietet Sprachaustausch an
  My main interest is British English, especially the wide variety of regional accents across the UK. I’m also interested in learning other languages, particularly German and French. I’d be happy to share Japanese through everyday conversation and daily life here in rural Japan.
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  Unterkunft

  ◼️ Accommodation
  
  You’ll be staying in the farmhouse itself — a traditional Japanese home full of history, character and a unique rural atmosphere.
  
  ◼️ Your own private room
  
  You’ll have your own private bedroom, giving you a comfortable personal space during your stay.
  
  Please be aware that this is an old private farmhouse rather than a fully renovated guesthouse. Some areas are still being cleaned, organised and gradually improved, so the house may occasionally feel a little rough around the edges.
  
  As with many traditional countryside homes, there may sometimes be dust, insects, seasonal humidity or other small inconveniences. I’ll do my best to keep the accommodation clean, safe and comfortable, but you should be happy with simple rural living and the work-in-progress nature of the house.
  
  ◼️ Independent living and shared responsibility
  
  I live in a separate house nearby, around a 10–15-minute walk or a two-minute drive away. We will often work together and spend time together, but our everyday living spaces are generally separate.
  
  This gives helpers a good level of privacy and independence, while I’m still close by if you need help, have questions or would like to spend time together.
  
  As I will not always be present at the farmhouse, the living arrangement is based on trust, clear communication and respect for the house rules. Helpers should be comfortable living independently, taking responsibility for shared spaces and communicating with me when needed.
  
  ◼️ Facilities
  
  * A simple temporary kitchen with the basic equipment needed for everyday cooking
  * One shared bathroom, normally used by no more than three people in total
  * A private bedroom for each helper
  * Wi-Fi and basic household facilities
  
  I’m planning to install a more permanent kitchen and hope to add a second bathroom in the future. For now, the facilities are simple rather than luxurious, so please come with realistic expectations.
  
  ◼️ Meals and groceries
  
  I’m vegan and follow a plant-based lifestyle, so the basic groceries and ingredients provided at the farmhouse will be plant-based. These may include rice, vegetables, noodles, tofu, seasonings and other simple everyday staples, depending on the season and availability.
  
  The general arrangement is self-catering. Helpers will normally prepare their own meals and may also cook together. We may occasionally cook and eat together when our schedules allow.
  
  Most of the time, I will purchase the basic groceries and bring them to the farmhouse. When our schedules allow, we may also go grocery shopping together.
  
  Vegans, vegetarians and people who are comfortable with a mostly plant-based diet are very welcome.
  
  You’re welcome to buy additional food or personal items for yourself, but I kindly ask that no meat or fish be cooked or prepared on the premises. Please also be considerate when storing any non-plant-based food in the shared kitchen.
  
  ◼️ House rules
  
  This is a non-smoking home, and smoking is not allowed inside the farmhouse.
  
  Please clean up after yourself, wash and put away anything you use, and help keep the kitchen, bathroom and shared spaces comfortable for everyone.
  
  I also try to live in a mindful and environmentally responsible way, so I would appreciate your cooperation with:
  
  * Using water and electricity carefully
  * Turning off lights, heating and appliances when they are not needed
  * Separating rubbish and recycling correctly
  * Avoiding unnecessary waste
  * Treating the house, furniture, tools and surrounding land with care
  
  Respectful communication, consideration for others and a willingness to contribute to the shared living environment are essential parts of the exchange.

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  Was noch ...

  ◼️ What else...
  
  During your time off, you’ll have the chance to experience a beautiful and less touristy part of rural Japan. The village is calm and peaceful, making it a good place for walking, reading, creativity, reflection and reconnecting with nature.
  
  ◼️ Nearby places and activities include:
  
  * The Ina Valley and southern Nagano, with farmland, small towns and views of the Central and Southern Alps
  * Local cafés, farmers’ markets and roadside produce shops
  * Onsen, forest walks, rivers and mountain hiking
  * Traditional temples, shrines and peaceful countryside scenery
  * Komagane and the surrounding mountain areas
  * The Kiso Valley, including sections of the historic Nakasendō trail and old post towns such as Narai-juku
  * Matsumoto, around 1 hour and 20 minutes away by car
  
  The scenery and activities change with the seasons. Depending on when you visit, you may experience spring flowers, green rice fields, summer festivals, autumn colours, local harvests or snowy mountain views.
  
  ◼️ Getting around
  
  Public transport is limited in this area, and the nearest JR station is around a 35-minute walk from the farmhouse. Trains are also not very frequent, so having a car is the easiest way to explore independently.
  
  I may sometimes be able to drive you to a nearby station or another convenient location when you would like to take a day trip. However, there are often two or three helpers staying at the same time, so I may not always be able to arrange individual lifts or transport for everyone.
  
  For this reason, this stay is best suited to people who are happy to enjoy the local area on foot and spend quiet time in the countryside. You should be comfortable finding your own ways to enjoy your free time, such as walking, reading, cooking, gardening, working on a personal project or simply relaxing at the farmhouse.
  
  This may not be the best place for someone who expects frequent sightseeing trips, daily transport or constant activities organised by the host. It is better suited to people who enjoy a slower pace, value independence and can appreciate the experience of living in a quiet farming community.
  
  ◼️ Before applying
  
  Please read the full profile carefully before sending a message.
  
  To show that you have read and understood the description, please begin your message with:
  
  **“I read everything.”**

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  Etwas mehr Information

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    Internet Zugang

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    Eingeschränkter Internet Zugang

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    Wir besitzen Tiere

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    Wir sind Raucher

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    Familien möglich

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  Kapazität - wie viele Workawayer maximal

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  Meine Tiere/Haustiere

  

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