Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
19 Jun 2025
Reply rate
96.7 %
Usually responds within 5 days
Feedback
39
Email verified
Badges (3)
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Details
Description
My name is Richard, originally from the UK but have been living in Japan for 17 or so years. I run a non-profit organisation focused on Japanese giant salamander conservation. Part of our mission is to protect and improve areas surrounding the rivers in which the salamanders live and at the centre of that is an organic farming project and forest rewilding project.
Most of the help would be on the farm but other help might include practical conservation tasks such as building ramps, clearing bamboo from the river etc. In addition, occasional dog sitting and animal care (cleaning out chickens and goats) and use of any of your own skills and experience e.g. digital marketing, photography etc.
As a bonus there may be opportunities to join Japanese giant salamander viewing tours.
We offer basic food items (rice, oats, vegetables etc) and accommodation in exchange for around 20 hours a week of your time.
I've been welcoming Workawayers for 5 years now and it has been very rewarding! Long may it continue!
We are looking for hard working people who can use their own initiative, are happy to work independently and have an interest in wildlife and conservation. If you have other skills that might be of use to us, please get in touch!
We have a car that you can use if you have a valid international or Japanese driving license.
I’m a professional guide so I’m happy to take you on great hikes and cycling rides when I have time.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Farmstay help
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
You can experience living in a friendly, rural community in Japan. A great way to learn and practice Japanese. The area is perfect for those that enjoy outdoor pursuits such as hiking, surfing and so on.
The community are keen for guests to come and to share their culture and there are weekly gatherings with locals that workawayers often join.
Help
Organic farming (non-chemical), some nature conservation activities, helping the local community in order to build better bonds.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Japanese: Intermediate
Accommodation
Room is a shared house with other volunteers.
What else ...
Tottori has a lot to offer! Sand Dunes, Sand Sculptures, Fishing, Manga Museum, sea and beautiful mountains and more! Just 4 hours via Osaka via bus and close to Yonago or Tottori airports for a one hour flight from Tokyo,
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
Host ref number: 595344983941
Feedback (20)
14 May 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Lexi & Joe)
Lexi and Joe are the ultimate workawayers. Highly skilled, hard working, great attitudes and great people. Wish they could have stayed longer. The very best, welcome back anytime.
(Excellent
)
13 May 2025
Left by Workawayer (Lexi & Joe) for host
Richard was a fantastic host. Friendly and knowledgeable. His work with the Japanese Giant Salamanders is truly admirable and something more people should support. A great experience for anyone.
28 Apr 2025
Left by Workawayer (Jonathan & Rebecca) for host
We had a great time in Daisen with Richard!
The experience is a fantastic deal for a Workawayer:
- varied and interesting work (helping to build a sanctuary, organic farming, construction, building relations with the local community and various odd jobs),
- staying in traditional Japanese accommodation in a rural seaside village
- unique… read more
The experience is a fantastic deal for a Workawayer:
- varied and interesting work (helping to build a sanctuary, organic farming, construction, building relations with the local community and various odd jobs),
- staying in traditional Japanese accommodation in a rural seaside village
- unique… read more
13 Apr 2025
Left by Workawayer (Claudia & Greg) for host
We had a wonderful experience living and working in Tottori. It was great to meet and take care of all the farm animals 😊 the work was also very diverse: planting, building a ramp for the pigs, painting, cutting wood, etc. Richard was a great host, it was nice to get to know him a bit as a person too. There was also another workawayer while we… read more
31 Mar 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Claudia & Greg)
Greg and Claudia are wonderful people who worked really hard - the perfect workawayers! Would welcome them back any time.
(Excellent
)
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:
(4.9)
Communication:
(4.8)
14 May 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Lexi & Joe)
Lexi and Joe are the ultimate workawayers. Highly skilled, hard working, great attitudes and great people. Wish they could have stayed longer. The very best, welcome back anytime.
(Excellent)
13 May 2025
Left by Workawayer (Lexi & Joe) for host
Richard was a fantastic host. Friendly and knowledgeable. His work with the Japanese Giant Salamanders is truly admirable and something more people should support. A great experience for anyone.
28 Apr 2025
Left by Workawayer (Jonathan & Rebecca) for host
We had a great time in Daisen with Richard!
The experience is a fantastic deal for a Workawayer:
- varied and interesting work (helping to build a sanctuary, organic farming, construction, building relations with the local community and various odd jobs),
- staying in traditional Japanese accommodation in a rural seaside village
- unique… read more
The experience is a fantastic deal for a Workawayer:
- varied and interesting work (helping to build a sanctuary, organic farming, construction, building relations with the local community and various odd jobs),
- staying in traditional Japanese accommodation in a rural seaside village
- unique… read more
13 Apr 2025
Left by Workawayer (Claudia & Greg) for host
We had a wonderful experience living and working in Tottori. It was great to meet and take care of all the farm animals 😊 the work was also very diverse: planting, building a ramp for the pigs, painting, cutting wood, etc. Richard was a great host, it was nice to get to know him a bit as a person too. There was also another workawayer while we… read more
31 Mar 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Claudia & Greg)
Greg and Claudia are wonderful people who worked really hard - the perfect workawayers! Would welcome them back any time.
(Excellent)
15 Mar 2025
Left by Workawayer (Caleb & Irene) for host
We really enjoyed this workaway. Despite some troubles with the unexpected snow, Richard was super amenable and kind with everything. Juggling days around and jobs to make the experience as fair as possible. We had a lot of fun digging up concrete and the animals are very cute. Lily the goat is my favourite. We miss them. It's very convenient… read more
12 Mar 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Honour & Joe)
Honour and Joe are really great people and great workawayers too! They are very friendly, positive and hard working. Welcome back anytime!
(Excellent)
18 Jan 2025
Left by Workawayer (Tiarnan ) for host
What an incredible experience! If you love the outdoors, a slower movement of life and a few wild antics, this is the place. I arrived in August with the intention of staying 1 month and ended up staying for 3. During this time I done plenty of Giant Salamander tours and surveys which is a highlight for any animal lover. I strimmed and strimmed… read more
31 Dec 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Tiarnan )
Tiarnan is really hardworking, very adaptable but most of all a really decent person. He took part in river surveys, cut LOTS of grass, helped with animals and a whole lot more. Top -level workawayer.
(Excellent)
9 Oct 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Kalina & Sander)
Kalina and Sander stayed with me recently for a few weeks. They were nothing short of AWESOME! Kalina especially worked really hard when Sander had to leave to travel back to Norway. They cut grass, looked after animals, helped with nature tours and managed the vegetable gardens. They are also very nice people and fun to be around. Welcome back… read more
(Excellent)
9 Oct 2024
Left by Workawayer (Kalina & Sander) for host
Get ready for some hard work and good fun!
We stayed with Richard for almost a month and definitely would have stayed for longer, if we had the time to spare, as we had a great time on this Workaway. :)
The preservation of the Japanese Salamanders is such an important cause, so for us it was a great privilege to get to learn about the project… read more
We stayed with Richard for almost a month and definitely would have stayed for longer, if we had the time to spare, as we had a great time on this Workaway. :)
The preservation of the Japanese Salamanders is such an important cause, so for us it was a great privilege to get to learn about the project… read more
2 Oct 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Roisin)
Roisin and Declan were really, really great workawayers and are all-round great people. They have an incredible work ethic and are very skilled in many ways. I fully trusted them to do their very best when asked to carry out tasks. Welcome back anytime!
(Excellent)
5 Sep 2024
Left by Workawayer (Luis Maria) for host
We stayed with Richard for about 3 weeks, and during that time we learned a lot about the Japanese giant salamander. We helped with the maintenance of its habitat and joined several guided tours to discover this fascinating creature in its natural environment. We also worked on Richard's organic farm and assisted with housekeeping at his… read more
2 Aug 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Luis Maria)
Luis was a great workawayer that always gave his best. He is also a very nice man. It was great to talk with him about football, also! He introduced me to mate, the Uruguayan tea-like drink and other aspects of his culture. Thoroughly recommended!
(Excellent)
30 Jul 2024
Left by Workawayer (Declan) for host
We had a really great time with Richard and would definitely recommend this Workaway, particularly if you have a passion for wildlife and conservation. We were lucky enough to go on Japanese Giant Salamander tours which were incredible. We felt very fortunate to be able to experience this really unique opportunity! Richard is a charismatic,… read more
27 Jul 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Declan)
Roisin and Declan were really, really great workawayers and are all-round great people. They have an incredible work ethic and are very skilled in many ways. I fully trusted them to do their very best when asked to carry out tasks. Welcome back anytime!
(Excellent)
21 Jul 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Bradley & Aisha)
Well, what can I say about Aisha and Brad?? Let's start with AMAZING! THE BEST! Here are a few more that come to mind: extremely hard working, passionate, friendly, hilarious and bloody awesome! Just truly brilliant people who have enhanced our projects and my life immensely. Hosting Aisha (the human tractor) and Brad (possibly alien or a robot… read more
(Excellent)
20 Jul 2024
Left by Workawayer (Bradley & Aisha) for host
We cannot recommend this Workaway more!!! We had such a unique, special experience and learned so much during our time at this Workaway! The accommodation is lovely with access to a car. The village in which you stay is in a beautiful location and we quickly became friends with the neighbours giving us the opportunity to immerse ourselves in the… read more
26 Apr 2024
Left by Workawayer (Dylan & Jana ) for host
We enjoyed our time at Richard's place. Tottori is quite an unique place and an interesting experience!
It was very easy to get along with Richard, he's a very chill and understanding person. Even though he was away for work he was very thoughtful of us and made our stay very pleasant.
We loved hanging out with his friend Shota who showed us… read more
It was very easy to get along with Richard, he's a very chill and understanding person. Even though he was away for work he was very thoughtful of us and made our stay very pleasant.
We loved hanging out with his friend Shota who showed us… read more
19 Mar 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Dylan & Jana )
Dylan and Jana are great people and awesome workwayers. I had to go away for work and I was able to fully trust and rely on them when I was not around . Cheers, guys!
(Excellent)
19 Mar 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Mouliko & Kirsten)
Mouli, Kirsten and Luca stayed for just under two weeks in early March. They were definitely amongst the best workawayers we've ever welcomed here. They worked very hard, often doing so on their own initiative, and with a high level of skill and organisation. They made an amazing compost toilet which will serve others for many years to come I… read more
(Excellent)
18 Mar 2024
Left by Workawayer (Mouliko & Kirsten) for host
We stayed with Richard for only two weeks but it was a great experience. We stayed in the guest house in Nawa and drove to the farm most days for work using the car supplied.
The local area is very quiet and rural with lots to explore including Onsen and Mount Daisen National Park.
We did a variety of work but our main achievement was a composting… read more
The local area is very quiet and rural with lots to explore including Onsen and Mount Daisen National Park.
We did a variety of work but our main achievement was a composting… read more
1 Feb 2024
Left by Workawayer (Florian & Weronika (Nica)) for host
We had a great time in Daisen and learned so much about this part of the world. We even got to participate in a temple ritual and were excited to meet the giant salamanders of Tottori. We‘d come back any time, couldn’t recommend it more. Thanks Richard for that great opportunity you’ve provided us!
26 Oct 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Florian & Weronika (Nica))
These guys are awesome! They moved the projects forward in so many ways! Florian really helped with the science part of our mission. Forever grateful!
(Excellent)
16 Nov 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Victoria)
Vikki was a great workayer. She could only stay a couple of weeks but she achieved a lot during that time and we wanted her to stay for longer!
Great attitude and can work well alone or as part of a small team. Throughly recommended.
Great attitude and can work well alone or as part of a small team. Throughly recommended.
(Excellent)
13 Nov 2023
Left by Workawayer (Victoria) for host
I instantly felt welcomed and at home, Richard and longer term volunteer Fransisco met me at the train station. Its a quiet little town and there is lots to do in the wider area to keep you entertained in your free time. The volunteer house is very comfortable with all the things you need to cook for yourself. Richard gave an allowance for food in… read more
9 Nov 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Sarah & Richard)
Sarah and Rich are simply the best workawayers you could possibly hope for. Kind, clean and tidy, funny, skilled and hard working. Sarah’s organisational and HR skills are incredible and she moved our projects on more than I could have dreamed. Rich is a great worker and gave his best to everything he did. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.… read more
(Excellent)
1 Nov 2023
Left by Workawayer (Sarah & Richard) for host
My husband and I spent 3 weeks with Richard at his Workaway in the Tottori Prefecture. We had an amazing experience and got involved in a variety of different tasks and activities. Primarily they focused on the wider conservation of the Salamander's habitat. This included maintaining and nurturing Richard's organic farm and clearing the river/dam… read more
26 Oct 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Jason & Jade)
Love these two! They made an amazing film AND really worked hard with the other tasks. Such wonderful people.
(Excellent)
26 Oct 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Max)
Max was here for a few months and was simply amazing! He worked hard and really fitted into the local community well. The locals knew him more than me by the end! Come back anytime, brother!
(Excellent)
26 Oct 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Katharina & Silvano)
These two are AMAZING!! Worked so hard every single day and are really, really nice and fun people. We miss you!!!
(Excellent)
26 Oct 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Saúl Daniel & Leyre)
Leyre and Rafa are such nice people and they really worked hard. It was a pleasure to host them. Please come back anytime!
(Excellent)
9 Jun 2023
Left by Workawayer (Chelsea & Harley) for host
What an experience! Harley and myself got to fully immerse ourselves with the Japanese culture while living in Daisen. Richard's dreams of having a organic sustainable farm is a brilliant plan and we are so happy we were able to bring him one step closer to achieving his goals. We got to learn a lot about the Japanese salamanders through his… read more
10 May 2023
Left by Workawayer (Dani) for host
Had a fantastic time volunteering with Richard and his volunteers. He shared with us great locations and experiences. Extremely thankful to him. Been lucky enough of working with bamboo and discovering some of the true jewels the Tottori prefecture has to offer.
17 Nov 2021
Left by Workawayer (Jaxon) for host
We worked really hard but had a good time! We shared a lot of music while we were re-roofing his barn. Richard was super friendly, punctual, and helpful. We went on some amazing hiking trips (Daisen included) during my 2 weeks there. Staying at the place was super nice and I enjoyed heading down to the beach and unwinding after a day of work at… read more
25 Nov 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (lewisandfranci)
Lewis and Franci completely transformed my place during their stay. They can literally do anything they put their minds to. They built an amazing pizza oven, helped transform the garden, built a fancy chicken coup and more! They also fitted in very well in the local community and make great fish and chip! I can’t recommend them enough.
(Excellent)
12 Nov 2019
Left by Workawayer (lewisandfranci) for host
We loved this workaway! We spent a few months helping Richard develop his guesthouse properties.
Really feel like Mikuriya is like a home away from home and that is thanks to Richard and our experiences there.
We have made so many friends and are coming back to visit for Xmas :)
Given that this is a fairly new host, good feedback will be essential… read more
Really feel like Mikuriya is like a home away from home and that is thanks to Richard and our experiences there.
We have made so many friends and are coming back to visit for Xmas :)
Given that this is a fairly new host, good feedback will be essential… read more
3 Nov 2019
Left by Workawayer (Melissa) for host
I had a great experience at Richyado guest house over the past few weeks. The work itself was relevantly easy from gardening, cleaning and preparing the guest house. I had the opportunity to work on a potato farm, meet some locals from the small fishing town and learned about the Tottori are from Richard. I learned a lot and met some absolutely… read more
7 Sep 2019
Left by Workawayer (Kate) for host
This review is very late - sorry Richard! - but Akira and I had one of the best months of our lives in Tottori-ken. The work was very enjoyable and fulfilling, working in the houses meant we got to meet lost of interesting people from all around the world - but our stay was so much more than just the work. The location of the house was… read more
