Artists welcome to join creative art projects in Hagi, Japan

Details

• 

  Description

  Nice to meet you!
  I'm TORU, I work as an artist creating paintings and sculptures.
  
  I used to live in Shanghai, but after returning to Japan, my family and I moved to Hagi in 2021. I now have a 4-year-old daughter who comes to stay at Step House every weekend. I typically work remotely while pursuing my own artistic endeavors.
  
  I also have ADHD traits, making it difficult for me to maintain contact with many people. By opening this place conditionally, I'm experimentally creating a way for people to visit fluidly. I sincerely hope that living together with you all will become an opportunity for cooperation and learning.
  
  I purchased this house and gradually repaired it until it was finally livable. The name Step House signifies moving forward step by step.
  
  Japan currently faces various challenges, including population decline, increasing vacant homes, and finding ways to coexist with foreigners. I want to use this place and learn through practical experiences with everyone. I hope Step House becomes a place where we can share experiences and ideas.
  
  In my past art activities, I've undertaken projects utilizing local resources, focusing on regional history and culture. I feel that sharing from different perspectives can be a catalyst for discovering a region's charm and challenges.
  Step House itself is not a finished product; I want to value the dialogue and process of building it together.
  
  Step House consists of two adjacent houses.
  One is my home, and for Workaway guests, and the other one is Airbnb. But I will not ask you to assist with my business. Additionally, I plan to clean a nearby studio to use as a shared studio or gallery, and for studio exchanges with Artist friends, and I may stay there occasionally.
  
  🎨 Volunteer Activities and Communal Living
  
  There are no fixed hours for volunteering here, but please ask for the following:
  
  Please help prepare daily meals (lunch 12-1 PM, dinner 6-7 PM) and clean the living space.
  
  I welcome your participation in projects. Work at your own pace and use your strengths.
  
  Activities:
  DIY, painting, gardening, upcycling, and more.
  
  Exchange of Ideas and Skills: While I share my knowledge, I also want to learn from your experiences and perspectives.
  
  
  Stay Conditions at Step House
  
  To encourage more guests to visit casually, I have set the following conditions:
  
  ・The stay period is limited to one week.
  
  ・Please take care of your own (meals, cleaning, etc.).
  
  ・Meals are vegetarian, vegetable-based dishes. I provide potatoes, carrots, onions, etc. We'll share the cost of ingredients and enjoy meals together.
  
  ・Self-sufficient individuals are welcome. I work during the day and cannot provide personal care or transportation. I cannot exchange cash.
  
  ・ welcome those who can cooperate and help other guests. The house is not large, so sharing space is important.
  
  
  🚌 Access Information to Hagi
  
  Shinkansen: Get off at Shin-Yamaguchi Station and transfer to a bus or JR train.
  
  Bus: Take the Hōchō Bus bound for “Hagi Bus Center” *Last bus departs at 17:50.
  
  Train: Take the JR San'in Main Line bound for “Higashi-Hagi Station”.
  
  Car: One parking space is available.
  
  
  🚌 Hōchō Bus Timetable/ Hagi Bus Center
  
  From Hagi Bus Center to Danchi Mae (15 min)
  
  Main Departure Times: 7:25, 9:20, 11:35, 13:30, 15:05, 17:15
  
  From Danchi Mae to Hagi Bus Center (Travel Time: Approx. 15 min)
  
  Main Departure Times: 8:25, 10:07*, 12:35, 14:17*, 16:13, 18:25
  
  *Services marked with an asterisk do not stop at Higashi-Hagi Station.(JR train ST.)
  
  ※Schedules may be delayed or changed due to traffic conditions.
  Inquiries: Hōchō Kōtsū Hagi Office TEL 0838-22-3811
  
  🗓️ Staying and Applying
  
  
  Those wishing to stay should contact me at least one week in advance. After confirmation, you may come directly.
  I will accept stays for one week.
  
  I look forward to meeting you!

• 

  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 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

  🎨 Volunteer Activities and Communal Living
  
  There are no set hours for volunteering here, but ask for the following:
  
  ・Please help prepare daily meals yourself (lunch 12-1 PM, dinner 6-7 PM) and clean the living space.
  
  ・Work at your own pace, utilize your strengths.
  
  Activities: DIY, ART, painting, gardening, upcycling, etc.
  
  Exchange of ideas and skills: I want to learn from your experiences and perspectives.

• 

  Languages

  Languages spoken
  Japanese: Fluent
  English: Intermediate
  Chinese (Mandarin): Intermediate

  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 Tatami room and bed (Japanese style)
  ・Facilities: air conditioning, a heater, an electric kitchen, a flush toilet, and a shower room.
  ・Food(vegetarian): We'll share all food costs equally but workawayer can get their own food if prefer so.
  I'd like to learn about each other's food cultures through delicious meals.
  Supermarkets are also conveniently located within walking or biking 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.

• 

  Can possibly accept pets

  Yes, if not a Big animal.

• 

  How many Workawayers can stay?

  Two

• 

  My animals / pets

Website Safety

Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host

Feedback (1)