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Description
We’re Shota and Yuho, a couple who traveled to many countries before starting this shared house in the mountains of Kimino Town. Our experiences as backpackers taught us the value of community, nature, and living simply — lessons that inspired us to create the Knots Community, a project aimed at building a sustainable way of life in the countryside.
We live with our 5-year-old daughter in a hand-built house near the shared house where life flows at a natural pace, surrounded by mountains and greenery. During the day, we work at the share house together with the residents, and at night, we return home to rest. Our days are filled with small but meaningful routines — heating water with firewood, growing seasonal vegetables, cultivating Japanese pepper, and harvesting fruits like persimmons and chestnuts in autumn.
We currently have 3.7 hectares of land, and our goal is to restore and develop it through sustainable projects. We’re passionate about creating a place that connects people with nature and promotes eco-friendly living.
We’d also love to hear your ideas, share experiences, and learn together as we build this project.
We also have six chickens and a curious kitten named Chaya.
Right now, a Regional Revitalization Volunteer lives with us in the share house. They organize events and workshops to help revitalize the local area — and volunteers who are interested in community activities are more than welcome to join and take part!
Transport
It takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes by car from Osaka Kansai Airport.
Just a short walk away from the share house, you’ll find a quiet river where people often go fishing or spend time in nature.
Since there’s no supermarket nearby, we usually drive about 30 minutes by car to get groceries.
You’re welcome to join us on shopping trips if you’d like, and we also have a weekly market truck that comes by, where you can buy daily essentials.
On weekends, you can visit a small café close by, or relax at the nearby onsen and restaurant— the perfect way to relax and experience the slower pace of countryside Japan.
Life here is about more than sharing a space — it’s about sharing experiences, ideas, and moments together.
Day schedule
Our usual working hours are from 9:00 to 12:00 or 13:00 to 17:00, depending on the season and the type of work that takes priority. Total of 5 hrs, 4 days per week.
Once the day’s tasks are finished, you’re free to relax, explore the area, or spend your time as you like.
Workawayers will not be involved in any income-generating business activities (e.g., guest house operations). The gardening and farming activities are private work and not for any business purpose — we simply enjoy growing food for daily life and sharing it with everyone who stays.
About meals
We ask workawayers to prepare their own meals, but you’re welcome to use our homegrown vegetables, fresh eggs from our chickens, and the seasonings available in the kitchen.
From time to time, we also enjoy cooking together and having BBQ nights, sharing good food and conversation under the stars.
What to bring
• Comfortable clothes that are suited for outside work
• Outdoor shoes
• Soap, Shampoo, Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Towels
What We’re Looking For
• People who enjoy teamwork and community life
• Interested in sustainable living, farming, DIY, or countryside culture
• Open-minded and curious about learning new skills.
If you’re curious about sustainable living, community life, and the beauty of rural Japan, come join us at — and experience this new form of sharing for yourself.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Art Projects
Language practice
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
Animal Care
Farmstay help
Babysitting and creative play
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
House sitting
Interests
Drawing & painting
Writing
Plant care
Music
Vegetarian or vegan
Pets
Self development
Sustainability
Farming
Events & social
Culture
Carpentry
Gardening
DIY & crafts
Cooking & food
Books
Art & design
Architecture
Animals
Outdoor activities
Mountain
Dancing
Camping
Nature
Yoga / Wellness
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
You’ll also have the chance to learn from Shota’s experience as the founder of an organization, which restores traditional Japanese houses — a great opportunity if you’re interested in architecture or sustainable housing.
You can also learn Japanese cuisine from Yuho.
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Help
By joining our small community, you’ll gain hands-on experience in rural life while living alongside other residents and volunteers. Activities change with the seasons, but may include:
• Growing and harvesting vegetables
• Foraging for wild plants and mushrooms
• Learning about hunting and food processing
• Collecting and storing firewood
• Language and cultural Exchange
• Participating in local events.
• Babysitting
Languages
Languages spoken
Japanese: Fluent
English: 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
About accommodation
The share house is equipped with a shared kitchen, a common bathroom, and a shower room available for all residents.
Availability varies based on the share house's vacancy status. Currently, we can accommodate guests in two rooms (a small room and a large room).
Small room: ~2 people
Large room: ~4 people
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
This host can provide space for campervans.
Can possibly accept pets
This host has said they are willing to accept those travelling with a pet.
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
My animals / pets
Chickens
Chaya
