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

Details

• 

  Description

  I’m originally from Tokyo, and after many years working in the corporate world, I decided to move to a small village in southern Nagano and try a different way of life.
  
  I’m now taking care of an old Japanese farmhouse from the Edo period, believed to be around 200 years old, and the land around it. There’s quite a lot to look after, and restoring the house will take time. For now, I’m slowly working on making the house and garden a nicer place to live, while figuring out what needs to be done along the way.
  
  There’s always something to do, depending on the season. Most of the work involves gardening, growing vegetables and herbs, clearing bamboo, pruning trees, tidying up the property and doing small DIY jobs and repairs.
  
  In autumn and winter, we spend more time clearing bamboo, cutting back trees and keeping the property in good shape. In spring, we focus more on the garden, preparing vegetable beds, growing herbs, starting seeds and seedlings, and building raised beds.
  
  I’m also planning to restore parts of the farmhouse with the help of local carpenters. I’d really like to learn more about traditional Japanese building methods and hopefully share some of that experience with helpers who are interested. It will depend on the carpenters' schedules and how the project develops.
  
  I also spend time helping elderly farmers in the village with their work. It’s something I really enjoy, and when there’s an opportunity, I’d be happy for helpers to join me. It’s a nice chance to meet people in the village and see what everyday life here is like.
  
  For spring 2027, we’ll mostly be working on the vegetable and herb gardens, preparing beds, sowing seeds, growing seedlings, clearing bamboo and doing some DIY and general maintenance around the property. Things might change depending on the weather and what needs doing at the time.
  
  I’d be particularly happy to hear from people who have experience with gardening, especially growing herbs, or who know a bit about plants and garden design. If you enjoy DIY, woodworking, carpentry or working on old houses, that would be great too. There’s a lot I’m still learning myself, so I’m always interested in hearing other people’s ideas.
  
  But having particular skills isn’t the most important thing. I’d really like to welcome people who are interested in Japanese culture, willing to learn some Japanese and happy to get involved with the local community. Being open to meeting people, communicating even when the language is difficult, and taking some initiative are things I value.
  
  I’m not expecting anyone to be an expert. I’d just like to share this place with people who enjoy being outdoors, don't mind getting their hands dirty and are interested in experiencing everyday life in a Japanese village.
  
  Any activities with local residents are optional, occasional and non-commercial.

• 

  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Charity Work

  Art Projects

  Language practice

  Help with Eco Projects

  Elderly Companionship

  Teaching

  Light gardening

  Creative DIY projects

  Animal Care

  Farmstay help

  Creating/ Cooking family meals

  Help around the house

  Light maintenance

  House & pet sitting
• 

  Interests

  

  Sustainability

  

  Vegetarian or vegan

  

  LGBTQ

  

  Farming

  

  Gardening

  

  Architecture

  

  Cooking & food

  

  Yoga / Wellness

  

  Mountain

  

  Nature
• 

  UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

  ...

  ...

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  What's this?
• 

  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  You’ll experience everyday life in rural Japan by living in an Edo-period farmhouse and helping to care for it. Along the way, you can learn about traditional houses, gardening, growing vegetables, seasonal plant-based cooking and the practical challenges of rural life.
  
  When opportunities arise, you may meet local farmers, gardeners or carpenters, help with simple tasks and learn from their experience. I’m also hoping to create informal English conversation exchanges with local children and adults, where we can learn about each other’s cultures.
  
  These activities depend on the season and the availability of local people, so they aren’t guaranteed lessons or professional training. I’d love to learn from you too, whether you bring ideas about gardening, woodworking, art, language or something else.
  
  If you’re interested in living in rural Japan longer term, I’m happy to share what I’ve learned about finding a home and becoming part of a local community.

• 

  Projects involving children

  This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.

• 

  Help

  The help is varied and hands-on. We’re gradually making the farmhouse and its surroundings cleaner, safer and easier to care for. You don’t need professional experience, but you should be reliable, practical and willing to learn.
  
  ◾️ Typical tasks may include:
  
  Cleaning and organising rooms, tools and stored belongings
  Gardening, weeding, pruning and clearing overgrown areas and bamboo
  Preparing vegetable plots, sowing seeds, raising seedlings and harvesting for our meals
  Composting and other seasonal garden tasks
  Small DIY and woodworking projects around the home
  Cooking and sharing simple plant-based meals
  
  In March and April, the main focus will be preparing for the growing season, gardening, clearing bamboo and working on DIY projects. Tasks will vary with the weather, current needs and your interests.
  
  There may also be opportunities to join me in helping elderly neighbours, farmers or local craftspeople with small, non-commercial tasks. I’d like to arrange informal English conversation and cultural exchanges with local children and adults too, if there is interest and the timing works for everyone.
  
  This is an old rural property, so some work will be dusty, muddy or repetitive. I’m looking for people who don’t mind getting their hands dirty and enjoy seeing gradual progress.
  
  This is a volunteer cultural exchange around my private home and garden. Helpers will not be asked to work on a commercial business or accommodation for paying guests.

• 

  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.
• 

  Accommodation

  ◾️ Accommodation
  
  You’ll have a private bedroom in the farmhouse, with Wi-Fi, a simple temporary kitchen and a shared bathroom, usually shared by no more than three people. This is an old home that I’m gradually improving, so please expect simple facilities and occasional dust, insects or humidity.
  
  I live about a 10–15-minute walk away. We’ll often work together, but you’ll have plenty of independence and should be comfortable looking after yourself and the shared spaces. I’m nearby if you need help.
  
  ◾️ Food
  
  I provide basic plant-based groceries, such as rice, vegetables, tofu and noodles. Meals are usually self-catered, though we may sometimes cook together. You can buy additional food for yourself, but please don’t cook or prepare meat or fish at the farmhouse.
  
  ◾️ Shared living
  
  Smoking is not allowed inside. Please clean up after yourself, keep shared spaces tidy, sort rubbish correctly and use water and electricity thoughtfully. Clear communication and respect for the house and others are important.

• 

  What else ...

  ◾️ Free time
  The village is a peaceful place to walk, read, work on a personal project or simply enjoy the countryside. The Ina Valley offers mountain views, cafés, farmers’ markets, onsen and hiking. Komagane, the Kiso Valley and Matsumoto are also possible day-trip destinations.
  
  Public transport is limited, and the nearest JR station is about a 35-minute walk from the farmhouse. I may sometimes be able to offer a lift, but please don’t rely on me for regular transport. This stay suits someone who enjoys a slower pace and is happy to plan their own free time.
  
  ◾️ Is this stay right for you?
  This stay is best suited to someone around 26 or older with some work and independent living experience. You should be reliable, punctual, tidy and comfortable working independently at times.
  
  I hope you’re genuinely curious about Japanese rural life, language and culture, and approach differences with respect. Basic Japanese is helpful, but a willingness to learn matters more. Please be prepared for a quiet home, outdoor work, insects and changing weather.
  
  ◾️ Before applying
  
  Please read the full profile and begin your message with **“I read everything.”**

• 

  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.

• 

  How many Workawayers can stay?

  Two

• 

  My animals / pets

  

  Charlie

  5 year old tibetan terrier
  

Website Safety

Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host

Feedback (1)