Profile information
Host rating
80 %
Last replied
21 Feb 2024
Reply rate
57.4 %
Usually responds within 4 days
Feedback
5
Email verified
Host offers payment
Badges (1)
Details
Description
I am a Japanese lady with a herd of goats, horses and other animals on a small Hokkaido farm surrounded by forest. I grew up in Eastern Hokkaido but moved to the mountains around Mt Yotei about 15 years ago. I make many things in my kitchen that are good for the health of people, animals and the planet including miso, mirin, plum wine, cheese, pickles, cereals, jams, sauces etc etc. Many are traditional Japanese recipes, many are recipes I have learnt from people all over the world. The farm is set up as a farmstay and wilderness retreat, so most of the business caters to staying guests who we serve our farm to table breakfasts and dinners. In summer the guests relax in nature or with the animals. In winter many of my guests ski at the nearby ski resort or ride horses. From time to time we focus on a specific large project to improve the farm like building a dam, or an outdoor bath, or a fence etc and will take on extra help specifically for that.
Currently I am specifically looking for people with the following expertise or experience:
- Earthbag Construction
- Vermicomposting Toilets
- Horse riding/training
- Carpentry, Welding, Electrical, Plumbing
- Wix
- Hotel management and housekeeping
- Rocket Stove Construction
Types of help and learning opportunities
Language practice
Help with Eco Projects
Teaching
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Farmstay help
Creating/ Cooking family meals
General Maintenance
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Of course I speak Japanese, so it is a good chance to practise your Japanese skills. I am also happy to teach people genuinely keen to learn many of the Japanese culinary skills I have, though please understand they are seasonal. For example, making miso is best done in winter and many of the preserves I make can only be done at other times of year depending on harvests and foraging. Also, please note I have had help with writing this profile. My spoken English is intermediate at best.
Host offers payment in line with the minimum wage
This host offers accommodation and payment.
Host has indicated that they will pay at least the minimum hourly wage of their country for each hour worked and that accommodation will also be provided. They are asking for help with a business or business activity. Contact the host directly via the site messenger for more information and details about the wage provided. Any arrangements should be agreed in advance with your host.
Help
Mostly, I am looking for help with looking after my animals - particularly if you have experience with milking goats or riding/training horses - I run horse trekking for the local resort and am always looking for people who can ride. Most of my income comes from short term rental and so help with housekeeping is sometimes needed. However, if you are an excellent cook, interested in permaculture, regenerative farming, hard working and handy with DIY, I am also keen to hear from you.
As I run a business, helpers need the appropriate visa to work (either working holiday or sponsored working - in some circumstances I may be able to help) and I pay 1,000 yen per hour for the help you provide.
Languages
Languages spoken
Japanese: Fluent
English: IntermediateThis host offers a language exchange
I want volunteers to practise their Japanese with me and I hope I can improve my English, though I am happy to try new languages as well. I have two other Japanese staff who can also speak a little English.
Accommodation
There is a shared dormitory (free for Workawayers) but you can upgrade to a private room if available. As I am offgrid, there is a limited supply of water, electricity and in winter, kerosene. As such, these utilities are metered and you will need to pay for what you use to encourage environmentally friendly usage. There is a communal lounge with library and musical instruments. In winter, breakfasts and dinners are shared with our staying guests and other staff. In summer we share lunches and dinner, mostly just with other staff. Outside of these meals you will need to be responsible for your own meals. For the meals that are provided, I expect your help with making and cleaning up.
What else ...
In summer, around the farm you are free to roam widely on foot, bike or horseback, or just enjoy lounging with the animals. There are many beautiful places to sit and read or paint, surrounded by playful goats. In winter, we are famous for powder skiing and snowmobiling. Advanced to expert riders will get the most out of the terrain that is available.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
Our internet connection is good and there are many places to set up and work.
Space for parking camper vans
We can accommodate any size of vehicle.
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
Hours expected
Summer: 10 to 30 hours per week. Winter: 20 to 40 hours per week. More hours may be possible if you need them on a case by case basis.
Feedback (2)
He has an incredible skill set of diverse talents, most important of which is a genuine ability to learn new things (both taught and worked out by himself) quickly and efficiently. He is the quintessential life long learner and he has clearly picked up a lot of knowledge, experience and honed a lot of abilities. Additionally, he… read more
Feedback
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Accuracy of profile:
(5.0)
Cultural exchange:
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Communication:
(5.0)
He has an incredible skill set of diverse talents, most important of which is a genuine ability to learn new things (both taught and worked out by himself) quickly and efficiently. He is the quintessential life long learner and he has clearly picked up a lot of knowledge, experience and honed a lot of abilities. Additionally, he… read more
