Profile information
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Host rating
100 %
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Last replied
9 Oct 2026
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Reply rate
78.0 %
Usually responds within 10 days
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Feedback
6
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Email verified
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Host offers payment
Badges (3)
Find your perfect host
Min stay requested: 1 month or more
Details
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Description
I am a Japanese lady with a herd of goats, and other animals on a small farm in Hokkaido, surrounded by forest. I grew up in Eastern Hokkaido but moved to the mountains around Mt Yotei about 20 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. Many are traditional Japanese recipes, and 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, for whom we serve our farm-to-table breakfasts and dinners, though we also have a cafe on the mountain at Kiroro Ski Resort. 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 snow mobiles, and hike in the back country right off the back of the farm. From time to time, we focus on a specific large project to improve the farm, like building fencing, new stables, goat playgrounds, etc... and we will take on extra help specifically for that.
Our farm family is a rich mix of Japanese and international cultures, and we invite you to participate! -
Types of help and learning opportunities
Language practice
Help with Eco Projects
Light gardening
Creative DIY projects
Animal Care
Farmstay help
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
Light maintenance
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Interests
Sustainability
Farming
Books
Plant care
Architecture
Cooking & food
Gardening
Animals
Hiking
Adventure sports
Nature
Winter sports
Mountain
Sailing / Boating -
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
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Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Of course, I speak Japanese, so it is a good chance to practice 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. I am also always eager to learn new recipes!
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Host offers payment in line with the minimum wage
This host offers accommodation and payment.
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Help
Currently, I am looking for winter help with:
*** Baristas
*** Housekeeping and Cleaning
*** Snowclearing
*** Hosting and Serving Food
Couples are welcome!
Here in winter, this experience is best for adventurous people who love to ski or snowboard - especially backcountry.
Most of my income comes from short-term rentals, and so help with housekeeping is often needed. However, if you are interested in permaculture and regenerative farming, hardworking 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 a working holiday visa or a sponsored work visa— in some circumstances, I may be able to help), and I pay 1,400 yen per hour for the help you provide. -
Languages
Languages spoken
Japanese: Fluent
English: IntermediateThis host offers a language exchange
I want volunteers to practice their Japanese with me, and I hope I can improve my English, though I am happy to try new languages as well. There are two other Japanese staff members who can also speak a little English. Please note I have had help with writing this profile. My spoken English is intermediate at best. -
Accommodation
We have tiny private cottages for staff and helpers. As I am off-grid, 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 a fully equipped kitchen, a small library and some musical instruments. In summer, you can use the fire pit and barbecue. We sometimes share meals, as I love cooking for others, but you will be responsible for your own meals most of the time.
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What else ...
We are located a 30 min drive from Otaru, 1h from Niseko and 1h from Sapporo. The nearest ski resort (Kiroro Ski Resort) is only 7 km away, but we have our own back country range right off the back of the farm.
In winter, you will experience the famous Hokkaido powder (we get up to 20 meters of it!). While the ski resort is very beginner-friendly, advanced to expert riders will get the most out of the available terrain. You can also enjoy the Otaru Light Festival or the famous Sapporo Snow Festival.
In summer, the farm is an excellent gateway to unlimited natural spots, either in the mountains or by the ocean!
Fall sees the forest lush green, changing to vibrant red and yellow colours. You will also get to meet our wild neighbours, the sika deer!
We aim to slowly create a small community gathered around shared values of sustainability, friendship (between humans and animals too) and cultural exchanges. -
A little more information
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Internet access
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Limited internet access
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We have pets
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We are smokers
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Can host families
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Can host digital nomads
Our internet connection is good and there are many places to set up and work.
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Space for parking camper vans
We can accommodate any size of vehicle.
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How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
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My animals / pets
10 rabbits
7 chickens
3 horses & 2 ponies
30ish goats!
Lizzy the Hokkaido inu
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
Feedback (3)
Miwa-san, Liam and Tada-san are amazing people: welcoming, fun, easy to talk to and a pleasure to get to know and work with.
My main tasks were taking care of guests (check-in/out, housekeeping) and helping Miwa-san with breakfast and dinner services. After having been shown how things … read more
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
Photos
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
Feedback
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Accuracy of profile:
(5.0)
Cultural exchange:
(5.0)
Communication:
(5.0)
Miwa-san, Liam and Tada-san are amazing people: welcoming, fun, easy to talk to and a pleasure to get to know and work with.
My main tasks were taking care of guests (check-in/out, housekeeping) and helping Miwa-san with breakfast and dinner services. After having been shown how things … read more
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
