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Description
Hey everyone,
My wife, our one-year-old son, and I are a cross-cultural family from Latvia and Japan. We recently purchased a property in the countryside near Ena City in Gifu Prefecture and are currently working to bring it back to life.
Our goal is to open the doors to people who want to connect, exchange skills and knowledge, and have a safe, welcoming place to spend time in this area. I am documenting the process, so I would appreciate it if you are comfortable appearing in videos from time to time.
At the moment, I am exploring the area and learning about hospitality, as well as how to organize myself to be a good host. We are not looking for someone to work hard every day. Instead, we want to invite people to explore this new space together with us and to be curious and creative about the potential activities that can happen around the space.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Art Projects
Language practice
Help with Eco Projects
Teaching
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Farmstay help
Babysitting and creative play
Help around the house
Help with Computers/ Internet
Interests
Videography
Technology
Sustainability
Self development
Events & social
Culture
Writing
Photography
Music
DIY & crafts
Carpentry
Blogging
Art & design
Animals
Architecture
Yoga / Wellness
Outdoor activities
Nature
Mountain
Hiking
Fitness
Camping
Adventure sports
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
We are a Latvian–Japanese couple who have recently begun a new chapter of our lives in the countryside of Japan. Our home is an old rural house that we are carefully reviving through hands-on, DIY-style renovation and daily life rooted in nature, craft, and human connection.
By staying with us, we hope you will find space to grow as a person through shared experiences, meaningful conversations, and everyday rhythms of rural life. There is a natural opportunity to improve language skills through communication with us and with local people in the area.
I work as a carpenter and focus on traditional, practical renovation methods. I am happy to share basic carpentry skills, along with other hands-on knowledge such as gardening, simple repair work, videography, media creation, and basic marketing concepts. These are skills I use in daily life and enjoy passing on to those who are curious.
Our lifestyle also includes mindfulness and movement practices. On a typical day, this may include yoga, meditation, slacklining, time spent in nature, and exploring the surrounding area. We have a close connection with a local Buddhist temple, where visitors may have the opportunity to experience zazen meditation.
More than anything, we aim to create a space where people can gather, exchange skills and perspectives, and connect on a deeper level than what is usually possible through short visits or online interactions. We value shared meals, conversations, and moments of presence.
From our visitors, we hope to receive honest feedback, fresh perspectives, and the chance to hear your story. We see this as a mutual exchange—learning from one another and, ideally, forming lasting friendships.
We are explorers at heart and genuinely enjoy connecting with people who are open, curious, and respectful of different cultures and ways of living.
Help
What You Can Be Involved In During Your Stay
Life here is hands-on, slow, and shared. Depending on the season, your interests, and what is happening around us, you may be involved in a mix of the following activities.
DIY Renovation & Craft
You can take part in the ongoing revival of our old countryside house and surrounding spaces. Everything is done in a practical, learning-focused way, with attention to traditional methods and reuse of materials where possible.
Gardening & Outdoor Work
We spend a lot of time outside caring for the land. This can include garden cleaning, basic landscaping, planting, maintaining paths, and learning how rural Japanese spaces are traditionally shaped and maintained.
Media, Storytelling & Creative Work
If you are interested in media or creative expression, you can be involved in videography, photography, basic editing, writing, and storytelling. This may include documenting daily life, renovation progress, community moments, or simply learning how stories are shaped and shared in an authentic way.
Community & Local Life
We value real connection with people and place. From time to time, this may include helping on small local farms, joining local workshops, seasonal activities, or informal gatherings with neighbors and friends. These moments offer insight into countryside life beyond tourism.
Mindful Daily Living
Daily life here naturally includes slower rhythms and mindful practices. You are welcome to join yoga, meditation, slacklining, walks in nature, and local exploration. Through our connection with a nearby Buddhist temple, there may also be opportunities to experience zen meditation.
Cultural & Human Exchange
Shared meals, conversations, language practice, cultural exchange, and simply spending time together are an important part of the experience. We value curiosity, openness, and respectful dialogue more than productivity.
Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Japanese: Fluent
Latvian (Lettish): Fluent
Russian: Fluent
German: Beginner
French: BeginnerThis 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.
Accommodation
The House is currently being renovated and so it is a little like creative workshop space all around but you will have a private 6 tatami room for yourself . The house is located on a little hill where you see all town and mountains around. there is hiking trails , waterfall, shrine, river, lots of beautiful rice fields...
Food here is simple and flexible. The priority is for visitors to prepare their own meals using ingredients we provide. You are welcome to use our kitchen and cook in your own style.
From time to time, you may be invited to join shared meals or community gatherings, especially during local events or when friends visit. These moments are part of the cultural exchange but are occasional rather than daily.
There is also a local restaurant just a five-minute walk from the house, as well as a few other dining options within the town for those who prefer to eat out.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
This host has indicated that they love having digital nomads stay.
Space for parking camper vans
This host can provide space for campervans.
Can possibly accept pets
This host has said they are willing to accept those travelling with a pet.
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
My animals / pets
Photos
