Village and lodge life while discovering Japanese Alps in Nozawa Onsen, Japan

Details

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  Description

  We are a small family living in a traditional onsen village in the Japanese Alps, about two hours from Tokyo by Shinkansen.
  
  We are looking for someone to stay with us during **September** and help us with some everyday tasks around the house and a few projects we have planned. September is a quiet time of year here, so this is a relaxed arrangement with plenty of free time to enjoy the area.
  
  In exchange for your help, we provide free accommodation and one meal per day.
  
  The help we need is varied and practical and may include:
  
  * Cleaning and general housekeeping
  * Moving and organising things
  * Helping with small projects around the house
  * General tidying and maintenance
  * Other everyday tasks where an extra pair of hands would be helpful
  
  There will not be work every day. We will simply ask for help when we have something that needs doing, depending on the projects at the time. We are looking for someone who is reliable, practical, and happy to help out when needed.
  
  We provide separate accommodation, so you will have your own place to stay. We simply ask that the accommodation is kept clean, tidy, and well aired out throughout your stay.
  
  Life in Nozawa Onsen
  
  Nozawa Onsen is a great place to experience a quieter and more traditional side of Japan. The village is famous for its 13 free public onsen baths, which are spread throughout the streets and are a big part of everyday village life.
  
  There are plenty of things to do in your free time: explore the old streets, visit local shrines and temples, enjoy cafés and restaurants, go hiking or cycling, or simply explore the surrounding mountains and countryside.
  
  September is a beautiful time to be in the area, with plenty of opportunities for hiking, photography, cycling, and day trips. The village is also well connected to the wider region, with Iiyama Station around 25 minutes away by bus and easy access to Nagano and Tokyo by Shinkansen.
  
  If you are looking for a relaxed place to spend September in Japan, with free accommodation, a daily meal, plenty of free time, and the opportunity to experience life in a traditional Japanese mountain village while helping us out here and there, we would love to hear from you.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Light gardening

  Creative DIY projects

  Help around the house

  Light maintenance

  Help with Computers/ Internet
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  Interests

  

  Music

  

  Languages

  

  Photography

  

  Cooking & food

  

  Architecture

  

  Animals

  

  Cycling

  

  Fitness

  

  Mountain

  

  Yoga / Wellness

  

  Nature

  

  Camping

  

  Winter sports

  

  Outdoor activities

  

  Adventure sports
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  Nozawa Onsen is a traditional Japanese mountain village with a strong local identity and a close-knit community. Living here gives you the chance to experience everyday village life beyond the usual tourist experience — from using the public onsen baths and exploring local traditions to discovering the surrounding mountains and countryside.
  We are happy to share some of our knowledge of the area, recommend places to visit, and help you get settled into village life. September is a particularly quiet time in Nozawa, which makes it a good opportunity to experience a slower and more local side of Japan.
  We also enjoy learning about different cultures and meeting people from different backgrounds, so we hope the experience can be a genuine exchange through shared meals, conversations, and everyday life.

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  Host offers payment in line with the minimum wage

  This host offers accommodation and payment.

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  Help

  The core of the work is keeping our lodges at a consistently high standard throughout the winter season. This includes housekeeping, laundry and linen management, general upkeep of all spaces, snow clearing in the mornings, and more. Our operation is dynamic, and the day-to-day can vary depending on guest needs and the situation in the lodges.
  
  We place a strong emphasis not only on the condition of the properties, but also on the overall guest experience. If guests request something, we do our best to make it happen — this can include more spontaneous tasks, such as picking up food in the evening or assisting with special requests.
  
  Our goal is to create a seamless, high-quality stay where guests can fully relax and enjoy their time. Attention to detail, flexibility, and a proactive, service-oriented mindset are essential.
  
  As we are operating in Japan and regularly communicate with local suppliers, contractors, and guests, we are looking for people who can speak Japanese.

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  Languages spoken

  German: Fluent
  English: Fluent
  Japanese: Fluent
  Malay: Fluent

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  Accommodation

  Private or shared room in a shared house

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  What else ...

  Nozawa Onsen is an easy place to fill your free time in winter. The 13 free public onsen baths are a highlight in themselves, especially after a day outside. The ski resort is directly accessible from the village, and there are also quieter activities like snowshoeing and winter walks in the surrounding nature.
  
  Everything in the village is within walking distance: cafés, restaurants, bars, onsens, and the lifts — creating a lively and social atmosphere throughout the season. There’s a good mix of traditional local spots and newer places run by the international community, including a small climbing gym with a café and a very relaxed atmosphere, where we also like to spend time during winter.
  
  The village is well connected: Iiyama Station is about 25 minutes by bus, with Shinkansen access to Nagano and Tokyo, making it easy to travel on your days off.

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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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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  More than two

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  My animals / pets

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