Enjoy simple living, outdoor adventures, fitness and a small rural community in Otoyo, Japan

Informationen

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  Beschreibung

  Hi, I'm Violet, the owner, located in the mountains of Kochi Prefecture on the island of Shikoku, Japan.
  
  Originally from a finance background, I left the corporate world to build a business in rural Japan. Today, our company operates a CrossFit and HYROX gym, accommodation properties, a riverside BBQ facility, and outdoor activity rentals. Our long-term goal is to help revitalize our local community by attracting visitors from around Japan and overseas to experience the beauty of rural Shikoku.
  
  We are a small family-run business. I live nearby with my husband, three children, and our friendly black Labrador, Vader. My team also includes international staff (up to now, volunteers from other platforms) from around the world, creating a relaxed and multicultural environment.
  
  The accommodation side of our business is growing quickly. We currently operate a highly rated Tiny House rental and just opened another older house rental in the area. We are also developing additional house rentals to meet increasing tourism demand. Many of the traditional Japanese houses in our area have been vacant for years, and part of our mission is to restore these properties and bring new life back into the community.
  
  What I love most about living here is the lifestyle. There is very little traffic, the air is clean, and we are surrounded by mountains, rivers, forests, and wildlife. In summer you can swim in the river, paddleboard, hike, or simply relax outdoors. At night, the stars are incredible because there is almost no light pollution.
  
  This is not the place for someone looking for nightlife, shopping centres, or a busy city atmosphere. Life here is quiet, peaceful, and closely connected to nature. Most people who enjoy their time here love hiking, fitness, photography, outdoor adventures, reading, or simply slowing down and enjoying a different pace of life.
  
  The staff house is conveniently located just one minute walk from the train station, four minutes from our gym, and four minutes from the local grocery store. While the village is small, larger towns and popular tourist destinations such as the Iya Valley, Kochi City, and the Seto Inland Sea are easily accessible by train or car.
  
  If you're looking for an authentic rural Japan experience, enjoy working independently, and would like to be part of a growing hospitality business, we'd love to hear from you.

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  Arten von Hilfe und Lernmöglichkeiten

  Kreative Heimwerkerprojekte

  Leichte Instandhaltungsarbeiten
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  Interessengebiete

  

  Camping

  

  Yoga / Wellness

  

  Natur

  

  Gebirge

  

  Wassersport

  

  Outdoor-Aktivitäten

  

  Wandern

  

  Radfahren

  

  Erlebnissportarten

  

  Fitness
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  Kultureller Austausch und Lernmöglichkeiten

  One of the most unique aspects of living here is experiencing both the challenges and opportunities facing rural Japan. Ōtoyo is one of Japan's most depopulated and economically challenged towns, with a predominantly elderly population and many young people having moved to larger cities. Like many rural communities across Japan, the town faces challenges such as population decline, vacant homes, and labour shortages.
  
  At the same time, Ōtoyo is blessed with incredible natural beauty and outdoor tourism opportunities. The Yoshino River that runs through our area is considered one of Japan's premier white-water rafting destinations, attracting adventure tourists from across Japan and overseas. Several rafting companies operate locally, and visitors come for rafting, kayaking, hiking, cycling, camping, and river activities throughout the year.
  
  Part of our mission is to help bring new visitors, investment, and opportunities to the area through tourism, fitness, and hospitality. By staying here, you'll gain a firsthand understanding of both the realities of rural Japan and the innovative ways local businesses and communities are working to create a sustainable future.
  
  As the owner of a CrossFit and HYROX gym, I am also happy to share knowledge about fitness, coaching, strength training, and gym operations. Staff are welcome to use the gym and join our classes and gym events.
  
  One of the things I enjoy most about hosting international staff is learning about different cultures, perspectives, and ways of life.
  
  This is not a hostel-style environment with large groups of travellers. The cultural exchange here comes from working together, sharing everyday experiences, and becoming part of a small rural CrossFit community for a period of time.
  
  If you're curious, independent, and interested in experiencing authentic life in rural Japan, you'll likely find this a rewarding and memorable experience.

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  Die vom Gastgeber angebotene Vergütung entspricht dem Mindestlohn

  Dieser Host bietet Unterkunft und Bezahlung.

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  Arbeit

  PAID POSITION: Housekeeping & Seasonal DIY Projects — Rural Japan
  
  *****THIS IS A PAID POSITION. *******
  Accommodation and utilities are also provided.
  A VALID VISA PERMITTING THE WORK IS REQUIRED. Proof of your visa status must be provided before starting work.
  
  HOUSEKEEPING APPLICANTS MUST HAVE PRIOR CLEANING EXPERIENCE.
  
  >>>>>>We receive a LOT of applications, so please clearly describe your relevant cleaning experience and/or DIY skills in your application. Applications without relevant experience will not be considered for the corresponding position.
  
  We are a small accommodation and fitness business in the beautiful mountains of Otoyo, Kochi Prefecture, Shikoku, Japan. We operate a Tiny House B&B and additional guest accommodation, and we are preparing more properties for future guests.
  
  We are looking for reliable, practical and independent people to help us maintain our accommodation and develop new properties.
  
  There are two types of work available, depending on your experience and the season: housekeeping and cleaning, or seasonal DIY and property preparation.
  
  >>POSITION 1: HOUSEKEEPING & CLEANING<<
  
  Previous professional or paid cleaning/housekeeping experience is essential for this position.
  
  This role suits someone who takes pride in creating clean, welcoming spaces for guests and can work independently without constant supervision.
  
  Main Responsibilities
  
  Guest Accommodation Cleaning
  Cleaning our Tiny House guest accommodation after guest checkouts
  Cleaning additional guesthouses as they open
  Preparing rooms for arriving guests
  Making beds and changing linen
  Laundry, ironing pillowcases and steaming bedding
  Restocking guest amenities
  General Cleaning
  Vacuuming, mopping and dusting
  Cleaning bathrooms, kitchens, windows and mirrors
  Dishwashing
  Rubbish sorting and disposal
  Maintaining outdoor guest areas, including the BBQ terrace
  
  Other Tasks
  Cleaning gym changing rooms once a week
  Keeping the facility exterior tidy
  Light gardening, including weeding, trimming small branches and general tidying
  Helping prepare empty houses for renovation and future B&B use
  
  Working Hours
  As this is an accommodation-based business, working hours vary depending on guest bookings and checkouts.
  Most weeks involve 2–5 working days, depending on occupancy and operational needs.
  
  Typical shifts:
  
  Option 1 — Approximately 2.5 hours/day
  10:00–12:00: Cleaning
  Approximately 30 minutes in the afternoon: Putting laundry away and ironing pillowcases
  Total: Approximately 2.5 hours of paid work
  
  Option 2 — Approximately 3.5 hours/day
  10:00–13:00: Cleaning
  Approximately 30 minutes in the afternoon: Putting laundry away and ironing pillowcases
  Total: Approximately 3.5 hours of paid work
  
  Pay: ¥1,050 per hour, paid weekly in cash.
  
  Work is generally scheduled around guest checkouts, so some weeks may be busier than others. Additional hours may occasionally be available during peak periods or when preparing new properties for guests.
  
  Schedules will be provided in advance, although flexibility is appreciated as last-minute bookings sometimes occur.
  
  >>POSITION 2: SEASONAL DIY & PROPERTY PROJECTS<<
  
  Available primarily from December to March, when accommodation cleaning requirements are lower.
  
  We are looking for someone with genuine hands-on DIY experience who enjoys practical projects and helping transform empty houses into comfortable, attractive guest accommodation.
  
  This role is particularly suitable for someone with experience in home improvement, decorating, basic maintenance, furniture assembly or renovation projects.
  
  Main Responsibilities
  Painting walls and other surfaces
  Carrying out light property maintenance and basic repairs
  Replacing shoji paper where applicable
  Hanging pictures and artwork
  Assembling furniture for new accommodation
  Furnishing and preparing rooms for guests
  General property improvements and finishing work
  Helping prepare empty houses for use as guest accommodation
  Keeping work areas tidy and organised
  
  Projects will vary depending on the property's needs and your skills. We are looking for someone practical who works carefully, follows instructions and takes pride in completing jobs properly.
  
  Experience Required
  Previous hands-on DIY, decorating, maintenance or renovation experience
  Comfortable using basic tools and following instructions
  Good attention to detail and a practical, problem-solving attitude
  Able to work independently once tasks have been explained
  Willing to help with cleaning or general property tasks when needed
  You do not need to be a professional builder or tradesperson, but you must have genuine practical experience.
  
  When applying, please describe the DIY projects you have completed and the skills you can offer. Photos of previous projects are welcome.
  
  Working Hours & Pay
  Working hours depend on the projects available and the stage of property preparation.
  Pay: ¥1,050 per hour, paid weekly in cash.
  
  Accommodation and utilities are provided as described below.
  
  Housekeeping may still be required during this period, depending on guest bookings. Applicants interested in both types of work are welcome to apply.
  
  WHAT YOU WILL GET IN RETURN
  
  Accommodation and utilities provided
  Private accommodation equipped with a bed, bedding, a fully equipped kitchen and a BBQ grill
  Welcome pack with bed linen and towels on arrival
  Free access to our CrossFit and HYROX gym (membership value ¥24,500/month)
  Free use of our electric-assist bicycle rentals (normally rented to guests for ¥6,600/day)
  
  We ask all staff to use electricity responsibly and turn off air conditioning, lights and appliances when leaving the house. Excessive utility consumption may result in a contribution towards additional costs.
  
  WHAT WE LOOK FOR
  Regardless of the position, we value people who are:
  Honest, reliable and punctual
  Physically fit and comfortable with active work
  Independent, practical and detail-oriented
  Respectful of shared accommodation and other staff
  Comfortable living in a quiet, rural area
  
  For housekeeping: Previous cleaning or housekeeping experience is essential.
  For DIY: Genuine hands-on DIY, decorating, maintenance or renovation experience is essential.
  
  Visa requirements: You must have a valid visa that permits the specific paid work you will undertake. Proof of your visa status must be provided before starting work.
  
  LIFE IN RURAL SHIKOKU
  
  We are based in Otoyo, Kochi Prefecture, surrounded by mountains, rivers and beautiful countryside. This is a quiet rural area rather than a busy tourist destination, so it is best suited to people who enjoy nature, outdoor activities and a slower pace of life.
  
  Please note that this is a genuine paid work opportunity in accommodation and property development, not a tourism or social-hostel position. We are looking for people who are motivated to contribute, take responsibility for their work and help us create excellent guest experiences.

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  Gesprochene Sprachen

  Englisch: Fließend
  Japanisch: Fließend

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  Unterkunft

  Staff will stay in our shared staff house, a renovated traditional Japanese home located in the centre of our small mountain village.
  
  The house is a single-storey home and is best suited for up to two single people or two couples. While modest in size, it is comfortable, clean, and provides everything needed for daily life in rural Japan.
  
  The house includes:
  Two bedrooms (one Western-style room with a bed and one traditional tatami room with futons)
  Small tatami living room
  Kitchen with basic cooking facilities (fully equipped)
  Toaster, microwave/oven, fridge/freezer, IH cooker, electric kettle, rice cooker
  Shower room
  Toilet
  Washing machine (located outside)
  Outdoor clothes drying area in the garden
  BBQ grill
  
  Each staff member or couple will have their own private sleeping space. Bedding, bed linen and towels are provided.
  
  Accommodation is provided free of charge as part of the position and is not deducted from wages.
  
  Meals are not included, allowing staff the flexibility to cook and shop according to their own preferences. The local grocery store is only a 4-minute walk from the house.
  
  High speed wifi available in the staff house and at the gym.
  
  The garden offers space to relax outdoors, have a BBQ, or enjoy the firepit. Staff are welcome to grow their own herbs or vegetables if they wish. There are also several fruit trees on the property, and staff are welcome to enjoy the fruit when it is in season.
  
  The property owner lives nearby and maintains a vegetable garden behind the house. This area is private and not part of the staff accommodation, but you may occasionally see him working in the garden. He is friendly and part of the local community, and we ask staff to be respectful and courteous neighbours.
  
  The house is located:
  1 minute walk from the train station
  4 minutes walk from our CrossFit gym
  4 minutes walk from the local grocery store
  
  Please note that this is a traditional rural Japanese home, not a modern apartment. If you enjoy simple living, nature, and experiencing authentic rural life in the Japanese countryside, you'll likely feel right at home here.
  
  TRANSPORTATION
  The train station is just a 1-minute walk from the staff house, and the grocery store, gym, and several local amenities are all within walking distance. There are no cafes, restaurants or nightlife.
  
  Popular activities in the area include white-water rafting, hiking, cycling, river swimming, paddleboarding, fishing, visiting hot springs, and exploring the famous Iya Valley and other parts of Shikoku.

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  Was noch ...

  ADDITIONAL INFO
  This opportunity is best for people who enjoy nature, quiet surroundings, and independent living. Life in Ōtoyo is very different from life in Japan's major cities. There are no cafes, restaurants, shopping malls, nightlife, or large international communities nearby. Instead, you'll find mountains, rivers, fresh air, and a slower pace of life.
  
  On your days off, there are plenty of opportunities to explore the area. Popular activities include white-water rafting, hiking, cycling, river swimming, paddleboarding, fishing, visiting hot springs, and exploring the famous Iya Valley. Several rafting companies operate locally, making this one of Japan's best-known adventure tourism destinations.
  
  HOUSE RULES
  Please respect other staff members and shared living spaces.
  Clean up after yourself in the kitchen, bathroom, and common areas.
  Turn off lights, air conditioning, and appliances when leaving the house.
  Quiet hours are from 8:00pm to 7:00am.
  Smoking is not permitted inside the house.
  Overnight guests are not permitted.
  Please be respectful of our neighbours and the local community.
  The house and garden are shared spaces. Treat them as you would your own home.
  
  BEFORE YOU APPLY
  This position is ideal for someone who is genuinely interested in housekeeping, hospitality, and experiencing rural Japan.
  
  It may not be a good fit if you are:
  Looking for a party atmosphere or busy social scene
  Expecting city-style convenience and entertainment
  Uncomfortable working independently
  Unwilling to perform cleaning and housekeeping tasks
  Looking for full-time employment
  
  We value honesty, reliability, initiative, and attention to detail. Previous experience in hotels, guesthouses, Bnb cleaning, housekeeping, or commercial cleaning is highly desirable.
  
  If you enjoy simple living, outdoor adventures, fitness, and being part of a small rural community, we would love to hear from you.

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