Profile information
Host rating
Not yet rated
Feedback
-
ID verified
Email verified
Host offers payment
Badges (2)
Details
Description
Hello! We run a boutique ski lodge in the beautiful mountain village of Nozawa Onsen, Nagano, Japan.
Nozawa Onsen is one of Japan's most famous ski destinations, known for its abundant snowfall, traditional hot springs (onsen), and charming village atmosphere. Our lodge is located just a short walk from the Nagasaka Gondola, making it a fantastic base for skiing and snowboarding during the winter season.
Nozawa Onsen is much more than a ski resort. The village has over a dozen free public hot springs, traditional streets, local festivals, excellent food, and beautiful mountain scenery. Many Workawayers tell us that the village community and lifestyle become one of the highlights of their stay.
If you are looking for an authentic Japanese mountain experience while spending a winter in the snow, we would love to hear from you!
Types of help and learning opportunities
Hospitality/Tourism
Interests
Photography
Languages
Gardening
Cooking & food
Winter sports
Outdoor activities
Team sports
Nature
Mountain
Adventure sports
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
You'll have the opportunity to experience life in a traditional Japanese mountain village while working alongside a close-knit team and welcoming guests from around the world.
Nozawa Onsen is famous not only for its world-class skiing and snowboarding, but also for its rich local culture and strong sense of community. During your stay, you'll have the chance to:
Experience daily life in a traditional Japanese onsen village
Visit the village's free public hot springs and learn about local onsen customs
Interact with Japanese residents, local businesses, and community members
Practice and improve your Japanese language skills
Learn about Japanese hospitality and guest service culture
Explore local restaurants, cafés, and cultural sites
Meet travellers from many different countries and cultures
The lodge welcomes guests from all around the world, creating a diverse and international atmosphere throughout the winter season.
For those interested in learning more about Japan, there are many opportunities to gain insight into Japanese culture, language, and rural village life that most visitors never experience during a typical holiday. At the same time, we enjoy learning about our staff's cultures, backgrounds, and experiences, creating a genuine exchange that benefits everyone involved.
Whether you're passionate about skiing, Japanese culture, hospitality, or simply looking for a unique winter abroad, we hope your time here will be both rewarding and memorable.Host offers payment in line with the minimum wage
This host offers accommodation and payment.
Help
We are looking for friendly, motivated, and reliable people to join our team and help create a memorable experience for our guests from around the world.
tasks include:
(1) Housekeeping and room preparation,
(2) Guest check-ins and guest assistance,
(3) Breakfast preparation and setup,
(4) Assisting with dinner service,
(5) Snow shoveling and property maintenance,
(6) Attending to walk-in customers and assisting with the sale of merchandise,
(7) Driving guests to and from the bus station,
(8) Grocery and supply runs to nearby towns and cities,
(9) Laundry and general lodge upkeep,
(10) Assisting with day-to-day lodge operations,
(11) Helping maintain a welcoming and friendly atmosphere for our guests
Winter in Nozawa Onsen can be snowy, and helpers should be prepared to assist with snow clearing during and after storms.
No previous hospitality experience is required, although experience in hospitality, tourism, retail, customer service, or food and beverage service is highly valued. A positive attitude, willingness to help, and ability to work as part of a team are most important.
Japanese language skills are highly advantageous, as many of our suppliers, contractors, and local community members primarily speak Japanese.
A valid International Driving Permit (IDP) or a driver's licence that is legally recognized for driving in Japan is required. Driving duties may include guest transfers, grocery shopping, supply runs, and other operational errands outside the village.
This is a paid position. Wages starting from JPY 1,100 per hour (or higher depending on experience and responsibilities)
In addition to wages that is above minimum wage, we provide:
Shared staff accommodation,
Daily breakfast and dinner,
Access to a shared staff ski pass,
Plenty of time to ski or snowboard outside working hours,
Experience living and working in one of Japan's most famous ski villages,
Opportunities to meet travellers and seasonal workers from around the world,
A friendly and supportive team environment
We aim to create a positive workplace where everyone contributes to the guest experience while also having the opportunity to enjoy everything that Nozawa Onsen has to offer, from world-class powder snow to traditional hot springs and village life.
Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Japanese: Fluent
Chinese (Mandarin): 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
Staff accommodation is located within the lodge itself, providing a convenient living arrangement.
Accommodation is shared, with two staff members per room. Staff will also have access to a kitchen and staff toilet facilities, along with Wi-Fi and laundry facilities. The nearest onsen is also a 3 mins walk away.
As we are a small, guest-focused lodge, staff will share some common areas with guests. We are therefore looking for friendly, respectful, and professional individuals who are comfortable living and working in a hospitality environment where interaction with guests is part of daily life.
What else ...
Before applying, please note the following:
This is a paid seasonal position, and applicants must have the appropriate visa or legal right to work in Japan.
A valid International Driving Permit (IDP) or driver's license recognized in Japan is required, as driving duties form an important part of the role.
Japanese language skills are highly advantageous and will be beneficial when interacting with local suppliers, businesses, and members of the community.
Winter in Nozawa Onsen can be physically demanding. Applicants should be prepared for snow shoveling, carrying supplies, climbing stairs, and working outdoors in cold and snowy conditions.
The role is best suited to individuals who are proactive, adaptable, and willing to help wherever needed. In a small lodge, everyone contributes to a variety of tasks throughout the day.
Reliability, punctuality, and a positive attitude are extremely important, as our team works closely together to provide a great experience for our guests.
While skiing and snowboarding are major benefits of spending a season in Nozawa Onsen, guest service always comes first. We are looking for team members who can balance enjoying the mountain with their work responsibilities.
Season Dates
Our winter season typically runs from early December through to the end of March. For the 2026/27 season, we are seeking staff who can ideally commit from early December 2026 until the end of March 2027.
While we may consider applicants who are available for a shorter period, preference will be given to those who can commit to the full winter season. Full-season team members play an important role in maintaining consistency for both our guests and the rest of the team.
Who Will Enjoy This Role
This position is ideal for people who:
Love skiing or snowboarding and want to spend a winter in one of Japan's snowiest resorts.
Enjoy meeting people from around the world.
Are comfortable living and working in a small, close-knit team environment.
Take pride in providing excellent hospitality and guest experiences.
Are looking for an authentic experience of Japanese village life rather than a large resort setting.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
My animals / pets
Photos
