Help restore a 200-year-old farmhouse & co-create a retreat in rural Japan

Details

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  Description

  Hi, I’m originally from Tokyo and now split my time between the city and the peaceful countryside of Nagano. After many years in marketing, I’ve decided to begin a new chapter – one that’s slower, more grounded, and more meaningful.
  
  I’ve completely fallen for Nakagawa Village – a small, charming spot in Nagano Prefecture, officially recognised as one of the most beautiful villages in Japan.
  
  My dream is to restore a 200-year-old kominka (traditional Japanese farmhouse) and eventually turn it into a retreat – a place where people can reconnect with nature, experience local culture, and feel part of something real. But this isn’t just about doing up an old house – it’s about building a space for connection, creativity, and community.
  
  At the heart of the project – from collaborating with Workawayers and locals to shaping a sustainable business – are values like preserving tradition, sustainability, and slow living.
  
  I hope this becomes a welcoming hub where people from around the world can experience the quiet magic of rural Japan, discover local ways of life, and be part of a broader effort to revitalise a region that, like many others in Japan, is slowly fading due to depopulation.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Art Projects

  Help with Eco Projects

  Gardening

  DIY and building projects

  Farmstay help

  Creating/ Cooking family meals

  Help around the house

  General Maintenance

  Help with Computers/ Internet

  House sitting
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  Interests

  

  Sustainability

  

  Vegetarian or vegan

  

  LGBTQ

  

  Farming

  

  Gardening

  

  Architecture

  

  Cooking & food

  

  Yoga / Wellness

  

  Mountain

  

  Nature
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  This is a great opportunity to get a real feel for:
  
  ・Authentic rural life in Japan
  ・Japanese culture, history, and traditional architecture
  ・Hands-on farming and seasonal food
  ・How to find and renovate an akiya (vacant house)
  ・Teamwork, project planning, and building something from the ground up
  ・Everyday language tips, travel advice, and what it’s really like living in Japan – from a Tokyo local’s perspective
  
  If you’re thinking about living or working in Japan longer-term, I’m more than happy to share what I’ve learned and help you along the way.

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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 project centres around restoring a 200-year-old kominka farmhouse (roughly 21,500 square feet in size) and preparing it to become a retreat space. The property sits on a vast piece of land, surrounded by beautiful mountains, bamboo groves, and farmland. It’s a truly special setting – peaceful, secluded, and full of character.
  
  There’s plenty to do, and I really appreciate people who are proactive and happy to muck in wherever help is needed.
  
  In the early stages of the project, especially as this is the very beginning, tasks might include:
  
  ・Creating raised garden beds and experimenting with natural farming (very welcome!)
  ・Bamboo trimming and general gardening
  ・ Building a wood fence
  ・Carpentry, house repairs, and general DIY work
  
  Not a top priority at this stage, but also helpful:
  
  ・Web-related support, social media, or videography
  ・Anything creative, hands-on, or simply helping out with whatever’s needed on the day
  
  Farmers (or aspiring ones!) are especially welcome, as there are several plots of farmland on site.
  If you’re interested in getting involved with farming in Japan, this could be a brilliant opportunity to learn, grow, and connect with the land 😊
  
  The hourly wage is ¥1,000, though I’m open to offering a slightly higher rate for those with exceptional experience or specialised skills.
  
  The usual schedule is 4 to 5 hours a day, around 4 days a week.
  We’re flexible with time off – just let us know if you need a break or have other plans.

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  Languages

  Languages spoken
  English: 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

  Vegan & plant-based friendly!
  
  You’ll be staying in the traditional kominka itself – a charming, well-kept Japanese farmhouse full of character and history. Some areas may still be under renovation as the project develops, but I’ll make sure your stay is comfortable, safe, and homely. Depending on how many people are staying, you may have a private room or share with other Workawayers.
  
  As for meals, basic plant-based ingredients will be provided, and you’re welcome to prepare your own food. We can also cook together from time to time if you like.
  
  If you need dairy products, feel free to bring your own. However, as I follow a plant-based lifestyle, I kindly ask that no meat or fish be cooked on the premises.
  
  Just a quick note: this is a non-smoking household, and a sense of cleanliness and tidiness is very much appreciated – especially as we’ll be sharing the space while the project is still taking shape. Thanks for your understanding!

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  What else ...

  During your time off, you’ll have the chance to explore this stunning part of Japan. Some nearby highlights include:
  
  ・Matsumoto – a historic castle town, about an hour away
  ・The scenic Kiso Valley, along the old Nakasendō trail
  ・Local onsen (hot springs), forest walks, and mountain hikes
  ・Peaceful rivers, traditional temples, and beautiful countryside views
  
  If you’ve got an international driving permit, I can lend you an electric bicycle or car (shared between Workawayers). Nakagawa is a calm and inspiring place – ideal for creativity, reflection, and reconnecting with nature.

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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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  Can host digital nomads

  This host has indicated that they love having digital nomads stay.

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  Two

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