Connect with the locals and learn about organic farming on Ishigaki Island, Japan

Details

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  Description

  We run a small eco-hotel and organic farm in the north of Ishigaki Island, in a very quiet village between the sea and the jungle. Our project is a mix of hospitality, environmental work and community involvement. We reopened the place recently and are improving it step by step: renovating the buildings, expanding the farm, developing new activities for guests, and creating local environmental projects with schools and NGOs.
  
  We grow vegetables in greenhouses and open fields, we take care of a large orchard, and we organise regular beach cleanings because this area receives a lot of plastic after storms.
  It is a small team, so everyone helps with a bit of everything: hotel tasks, cooking simple breakfasts, gardening, light farm work, cleaning the beach, small repairs, and helping with creative projects like photography or videos if you are interested.
  
  Life here is simple. The area is beautiful, quiet, and a bit remote, so it suits people who enjoy nature, the sea, and a slower rhythm. We work seriously but without stress, and we try to keep things honest, practical and friendly. If you like learning new skills, helping local projects and living close to the ocean, it should be a good match.
  Minimum stay: 5 months

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Charity Work

  Help with Eco Projects

  Light gardening

  Creative DIY projects

  Farmstay help

  Creating/ Cooking family meals
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  Interests

  

  Events & social

  

  Politics / Social justice

  

  Culture

  

  Videography

  

  Sustainability

  

  Farming

  

  Charity work

  

  Plant care

  

  Photography

  

  Languages

  

  Gardening

  

  Carpentry

  

  Cooking & food

  

  Astronomy

  

  Nature

  

  Water sports

  

  Sailing / Boating

  

  Hiking

  

  Mountain

  

  Beach

  

  Adventure sports
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  We are a small team living in a remote part of Ishigaki, so daily life here naturally creates a lot of cultural exchange. Workawayers join us for beach cleanings with the local community, small village events, and sometimes environmental activities with local guides or school projects.
  People in the area are friendly but quiet, so it’s a good place to experience a more rural side of Japan, far from the big cities.
  We can share what we know about life on a small island, organic farming in subtropical conditions, coral and seagrass conservation, and the way an independent eco-hotel is run behind the scenes. Some of us practise Japanese Budo, some know about local ecology, and everyone here cooks a bit, so there are always things to learn or try together.
  Hosting people from different backgrounds is always useful for us. We learn new ways of working, new ideas for the hotel, and we enjoy hearing different perspectives. If you are curious and open, you will fit in easily and you will get a good sense of how a small Japanese island community works.

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  Host offers payment in line with the minimum wage

  This host offers accommodation and payment.

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  Help

  We are looking for an experienced farmer, ideally with a background in permaculture, natural farming or organic farming.
  
  ---- Opening: September 2026
  --- Minimum commitment: 5 months
  --- No application for under 5 months will be considered.
  --- No visa support. Japanese national, long terme visa, or working holiday visa holders only.
  
  This is not a "help us harvest vegetables" position. We are looking for someone capable of taking care of the farm with only broad instructions, organizing their own work, planning priorities and keeping the farm productive throughout the season.
  From November to March, during the busiest farming season, our hotel full time staff helps with the farm, as a two full time equivalent. From April to October (end of last season / beginning of next one, one part time helps).
  
  The farm consists of:
  • approximately 1,000 m² of vegetable gardens
  • approximately 7,000 m² of tropical orchard
  
  Typical tasks include:
  • planting, seeding and harvesting
  • pruning fruit trees
  • mowing and brush cutting
  • irrigation management
  • compost production
  • weeding (yes, lots of it...)
  • pest management using natural methods whenever possible
  • repairing fences and small structures
  • maintaining tools and equipment
  • keeping the farm clean and organized
  • occasional deliveries or shopping for farming supplies
  
  A small kei truck is provided for work, therefore a valid driving licence is mandatory.
  
  We are looking for someone who enjoys working independently. Most days, you will organize your own schedule and decide what should be done first. We trust people and expect the same level of responsibility in return.
  
  The climate is subtropical. Summers are hot, humid and physically demanding. Mosquitoes, spiders, geckos and the occasional snake are simply part of daily life.
  
  The farm is located in a very quiet area of northern Ishigaki Island. This is a wonderful place if you enjoy nature, but it is definitely not suitable for someone looking for nightlife or constant social activities. Being resourceful and comfortable living in a remote location is essential.
  
  We welcome:
  • couples (20 hours/week each)
  • solo travelers (35 hours/week)
  
  Salary is the local minimum wage (currently ¥1,023/hour).
  Accommodation is provided free of charge.
  Fuel for the work vehicle is included.
  
  If you enjoy building things, improving systems, repairing equipment or bringing new ideas to make the farm more efficient, you'll have plenty of opportunities to do so. We value initiative much more than simply following instructions.
  
  We care much more about attitude than speed. We prefer someone who takes ownership of the farm, notices problems before being asked, and enjoys leaving the place in a better condition than they found it.

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  Languages

  Languages spoken
  English: Fluent
  French: 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

  Workawayers are accommodated in our farmhouse, located directly on the farm where they work.
  Accommodation is completely free and is never deducted from your salary.
  The farmhouse was fully renovated in 2025.
  The farm is located in a quiet rural area surrounded by tropical nature, approximately 20 minutes from Ishigaki city. It is an ideal place for people who enjoy peaceful surroundings, outdoor life and beautiful landscapes.
  A small work truck is provided for farm duties, and personal use (for shopping and daily necessities) (fuel included).
  Most of the time, you'll be the only person working on the farm, making this an ideal position for someone who enjoys independence and responsibility.

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  What else ...

  We are located in a remote part of Ishigaki, so it’s helpful to know that buses are limited. Workawayers have access to a shared car for shopping and exploring the island on their days off, and bicycles are available for short trips around the village. The area is perfect for hiking, swimming, kayaking, photography and discovering quiet beaches.
  
  Life here is calm. People in the village enjoy the silence and the starry sky at night, so we try to keep noise low in the evenings. We also sort trash carefully, as Ishigaki has strict recycling rules. Nothing complicated, but it’s good to be aware of it before coming.
  
  Weather can change quickly in this region, and typhoons are possible, so flexibility is part of daily life. If you enjoy slow living, being outdoors and helping with meaningful environmental projects, this place should suit you well.
  
  If you’re interested in contributing outside of your work hours, we can also direct you to local non-profit initiatives, such as environmental groups, school projects or community activities. It’s a good way to meet people and learn more about the island.

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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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