Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
25 Jul 2025
Reply rate
97.7 %
Usually responds within 12 days
Feedback
5
Email verified
Host offers payment
Badges (4)
Details
Description
🗓️ We are currently looking for help from mid-September to mid-October 2025. There’s a chance the stay could be extended through to early December, but we haven’t confirmed our plans yet. If you’re available and love mountain life, feel free to reach out!
⚠️ Note: We are currently no longer accepting Workawayers for the 2025–2026 winter season (Dec–March). Please do not message about winter availability. Thank you!
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
Babysitting and creative play
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Help with Computers/ Internet
House 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
What kind of work is involved?
Workawayers will primarily help with cleaning and turning over the lodge between guest stays. You’ll work in pairs or small groups (usually 2–3 people) and be responsible for preparing the entire space for incoming guests.
The lodge includes:
• 7 guest rooms (16 beds 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 takes around 3 to 5 hours, depending on how many guests stayed and how messy the lodge is.
In the summer months, we may also ask for occasional help with gardening and maintaining the outdoor areas.
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 space and a separate staff living space. There are no other staff on-site, and we (the owners) live in the house next door. As a Workawayer, you’ll have your own private bedroom, bathroom, shower, and large kitchen in the staff area. It’s a comfortable, quiet setup with plenty of space and privacy — perfect for relaxing after work or cooking your own meals.
We also have a 2-seat kei truck that you are welcome to use during your stay if you have an international driver’s permit and are comfortable driving manual transmission. It’s a great way to explore the area and 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
We have great Wifi and private space, You will have plenty of time time to work or study on weekdays.
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
My animals / pets
Feedback (3)
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
Photos
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:
(4.7)
Communication:
(4.7)
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.
