Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
13 May 2026
Reply rate
85.9 %
Usually responds within 65 days
Feedback
9
Email verified
Host offers payment
Badges (4)
Details
Description
Come experience life in the mountains of Japan!
We run a small, cozy lodge in the beautiful mountain town of Minakami, located in Gunma Prefecture, about one hour from Tokyo by train. Our area is a paradise for lovers of the outdoors, known for skiing, snowboarding, hiking, rafting, canyoneering, and relaxing in hot springs all year round.
Minakami has a welcoming mix of Japanese locals and outdoor-loving foreigners. It’s a peaceful town with a few bars and restaurants, and a strong sense of community. With easy access to trains and bullet trains, it’s a great jumping-off point for exploring places like Tokyo, Kyoto, or nearby ski resorts.
We are currently offering:
Free accommodation
A 2 seat car to drive (manual transmission)
900 -1,500 yen per hour depending on the job and level of experience.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Gardening
DIY and building projects
General Maintenance
Help with Computers/ Internet
House & pet sitting
Interests
Self development
DIY & crafts
Carpentry
Music
Art & design
Water sports
Outdoor activities
Hiking
Mountain
Winter sports
Yoga / Wellness
Nature
Camping
Fitness
Adventure sports
Dancing
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
We (a husband-and-wife team) purchased and renovated the lodge ourselves and continue to run it as a family business. During your stay, you’ll have the chance to learn about what goes into running a guest lodge in Japan, including hospitality, cleaning systems, and guest turnover routines.
There are also opportunities to explore DIY projects, woodworking, art, and home renovation, especially if you’re interested in hands-on skills. We’re happy to share what we’ve learned along the way — from tackling old buildings to building furniture and creating cozy spaces from scratch.
You’ll also get a unique glimpse into Japanese mountain town life, connect with locals, and experience a slower, nature-based lifestyle surrounded by rivers, forests, and hot springs.Host offers payment in line with the minimum wage
This host offers accommodation and payment.
Help
We are currently looking for Workawayers who are serious, reliable, and able to commit for a longer stay.
The main work involves helping with cleaning and preparing the lodge between guest stays. You will usually work in pairs or small groups of 2 to 3 people, and together you will be responsible for getting the whole lodge ready for the next guests.
The lodge includes:
• 7 guest rooms, with 16 beds in total
• 2 showers and 4 toilets
• A main common room with a loft
• In summer: a BBQ area, outdoor fire pit, and garden spaces
• In winter: occasional snow shoveling around the lodge
A full turnover usually takes around 3 to 6 hours, depending on how many guests stayed and how much cleaning is needed.
During the summer months, we may also ask for occasional help with gardening and maintaining the outdoor areas.
We are looking for people who can work carefully, take responsibility, and understand that preparing a clean and welcoming space for our guests is an important part of the lodge.
Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Persian (Farsi): Fluent
Japanese: IntermediateThis host offers a language exchange
A great place for 日本人 to practice their English before moving abroad!
Accommodation
Our lodge is divided into a guest lodging area and a separate staff living space. Our manager lives on site on the second floor, and we, the owners, live in the house next door.
As a Workawayer, you will stay in a shared bedroom with up to three other people, depending on the season. There is also a shared bathroom, shower, and a large commercial kitchen space.
It is important that you are able to drive during your stay with us, as this will give you the freedom to go to the grocery store and move around the area more easily.
We also have a 2-seat kei truck that you are welcome to use during your stay, as long as you have an international driver’s permit and are comfortable driving manual transmission. It’s a great way to explore the area, visit nearby onsen, hiking trails, and national parks.
What else ...
We especially welcome independent, detail-oriented, and self-motivated people who take initiative without always needing to be asked. We appreciate those who are actively bettering themselves in their free time, enjoy working with purpose, and thrive in a calm, natural environment.
As busy parents running a family business, we truly value Workawayers who are reliable, responsible, and self-reliant. While we’re always available to support and communicate clearly, we appreciate helpers who can manage their tasks with maturity and a strong work ethic.
During your free time, you’ll have plenty of chances to enjoy all that the area has to offer. You can swim in the clear river right next to the lodge, hike nearby mountains, visit famous onsen, or take day trips to places like Oze National Park and other stunning natural areas. Whether you’re here for the adventure or the peaceful surroundings, Minakami is an incredible place to reset, reconnect, and explore.
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.
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
My animals / pets
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
Feedback (5)
Her primary responsibility was cleaning the lodge, which she carried out with exceptional care and attention to detail. Beyond that, she was always eager to learn and help with a wide range of tasks. During her time with us, she assisted… read more
As workers, they excelled. They followed through on their tasks diligently and used good… read more
During my stay I learned… read more
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:
(5.0)
Cultural exchange:
(4.6)
Communication:
(4.8)
Her primary responsibility was cleaning the lodge, which she carried out with exceptional care and attention to detail. Beyond that, she was always eager to learn and help with a wide range of tasks. During her time with us, she assisted… read more
As workers, they excelled. They followed through on their tasks diligently and used good… read more
During my stay I learned… read more
Work was never stressfull with them. Even when it was sometimes hardwork, it kind of didn't feel like it was. They have a good, positive energy that makes everything confortable.
They always offered me to join them for… read more
In terms of work, they had good common sense, a diverse skill set, and a reasonably high standard of detail. As a result, we got a… read more
I love… read more
His personality is modest and relaxed, He was very easy to work and live with.
