Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
11 May 2026
Reply rate
93.8 %
Usually responds within 4 days
Feedback
11
ID verified
Email verified
Badges (5)
Details
Description
🏡 Art, Life, and Co-creation Project
🌟 Vision: Building Together, One Step at a Time
Welcome to Step House in the historic town of Hagi, Yamaguchi Prefecture. I'm TORU, an artist.
After living abroad for over 10 years, I returned to Japan to transform a vacant house into a space for cross-cultural exchange — tackling social issues like depopulation and empty homes through art and human connection. This is not a finished guesthouse. It's an ongoing project, and I'm looking for people who enjoy building something together, step by step.
Step House is also a prototype — the first node of a wider network of vacant home communities across Japan.
---
🙋 About Your Host
I'm neurodivergent — when I'm focused on one thing, switching to another becomes difficult. Responding to messages or calls can be a challenge, and when tasks pile up, I can get overwhelmed. I'm navigating this openly, and part of what Step House is about is figuring out how to manage a space, connect with people, and explore possibilities within those realities.
My schedule is flexible and sometimes spontaneous. Clear, on-the-go communication will be key. That said, I'll always treat you with respect and do my best to give you privacy and space.
Step House is still a work in progress. I can only host one person or group at a time.
✅ Who I'm Looking For
- Self-motivated and independent — you find your own rhythm without being managed
- Comfortable with both physical work and everyday life tasks
- An early riser — this project is not suited to a "sleeping until noon" lifestyle
- Able to cook a proper meal independently
- Flexible and easy-going about shared daily life
📅 Availability
Step House is most active from March to July and from September to November.
August, December, and January–February are quiet months — I am usually traveling and not hosting during these periods.
📍 Access
Hagi, Yamaguchi Prefecture.
- From Fukuoka: Shinkansen to Shin-Yamaguchi → bus to Hagi (first 10:15 am, last 5:50 pm, ~1hr)
- From Tokyo: Shinkansen or night bus to Yamaguchi → bus to Hagi
Please check your transport options and schedule before getting in touch.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Charity Work
Art Projects
Language practice
Help with Eco Projects
Teaching
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Babysitting and creative play
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Help with Computers/ Internet
House & pet sitting
Interests
Vegetarian or vegan
Water sports
Music
Gardening
Events & social
Culture
Carpentry
Languages
Drawing & painting
DIY & crafts
Art & design
Nature
Yoga / Wellness
Hiking
Outdoor activities
Sailing / Boating
Camping
Adventure sports
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Guests can learn and experience the local lifestyle of Japan, as well as the history of Hagi City.
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Help
🛠️ What You'll Be Doing
Work is flexible and shaped around your skills.
[March – July] — Physical & Outdoor
- Gardening and weeding
- Exterior wall and studio painting
- DIY and basic construction using reclaimed materials
- Vegetable patch management *(currently building one from scratch — soil knowledge welcome)*
[September – November] — Creative & Operational
- Project planning, documentation, and communication
- Design work (flyers, signage, social media)
- Event planning and community outreach
[Year-round]
- Cooking and daily life support — if physical work isn't your strength, helping in the kitchen is a great way to contribute
- Systems & AI design — building workflows and communication tools to scale this model; input welcome
- Electrical work & mechanics — practical skills are always useful
*Materials and tools are provided as needed.*
Languages
Languages spoken
Japanese: Fluent
English: Intermediate
Chinese (Mandarin): IntermediateThis 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
🏠 Facilities
- Private Japanese-style room (tatami, futon, air conditioning, heater)
- Shared kitchen (IH electric stove, seasonings provided)
- Shower room and flush toilet
- Wi-Fi available
- 3 bicycles for free use (repairs at your own cost)
- Studio Nomad — shared creative workspace (clean up after use)
- Parking space available for campervans
🍳 Food & Daily Life
Provided: pasta, noodles (udon, soba, etc.), soy sauce, miso, salt, oil, and basic seasonings. There may be vegetables in the fridge — feel free to use them, but don't count on it.
Beyond the basics, food costs are worked out based on contribution — no fixed rules, just honest communication. Shopping together: split 50/50.
When I'm home, you'll take the lead on cooking. Meals are sometimes shared, sometimes separate — flexibility is key.
Dishes: If you cooked, you don't wash up. Whoever eats takes care of the dishes.
Supermarkets are within walking or cycling distance.
What else ...
Hagi is a town where history and nature blend beautifully, perfect for exploring during your vacation.
A large river flows in front of the houses, with shrines and fields nearby.
Activities abound to enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings, such as strolling along the coast or through the mountains.
You can deeply immerse yourself in Hagi's rich history by visiting UNESCO World Heritage sites, strolling through remarkably well-preserved samurai residences and merchant districts, exploring traditional temples, and discovering local museums. Visiting Hagi-yaki pottery workshops and browsing local craft shops is also highly recommended.
For transportation, many attractions are easily accessible on foot or by bicycle, allowing you to soak up the local atmosphere while touring.
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
Have a car parking space.
How many Workawayers can stay?
One
My animals / pets
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
Feedback (5)
During her residency, I could away traveling, but she responsibly took care of tasks such as cleaning the house and maintaining the garden and wall painting at studio. And she actively created… read more
Toru himself was a very inspiring person for me. During our shared meals we had many conversations about life motivations,… read more
Toru is genuinely… read more
the place have all the facilities you need.
we had culture exchange, making meals and eating together.
and there were another workaway so we shared some space and I enjoyed it very much.
the work was not hard, you communicated about the hours and it pretty chill.
thank you for the hospitality it was amazing!
Photos
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(4.6)
Cultural exchange:
(5.0)
Communication:
(4.8)
During her residency, I could away traveling, but she responsibly took care of tasks such as cleaning the house and maintaining the garden and wall painting at studio. And she actively created… read more
Toru himself was a very inspiring person for me. During our shared meals we had many conversations about life motivations,… read more
Toru is genuinely… read more
the place have all the facilities you need.
we had culture exchange, making meals and eating together.
and there were another workaway so we shared some space and I enjoyed it very much.
the work was not hard, you communicated about the hours and it pretty chill.
thank you for the hospitality it was amazing!
Toru is a great host, who always did everything he could to make things (and tasks) clear, comfortable and fair. He was open to feedback, flexible, and… read more
They helped with house cleaning, weeding,a nd cooked delicious veggie meals. Also left notes for future guests!
They enjoyed local activities like cycling to the shops and hot springs, bringing a fresh vibe to life in Hagi. I'm so appreciated. Thank you so much! Toru
