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Reviving abandoned farmland in Boso Peninsula, near Tokyo, Japan

Japan
Last activity : 14 Jul 2026

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Host rating

80 %
Last replied

7 Jul 2026
Reply rate

81.8 %

Usually responds within 3 days
Feedback

53
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Availability

2026

Min stay requested: at least 1 month

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What's this?

Details

Description

Just to the south of Tokyo lies the large Boso peninsula with its many bays and beaches. Much of the forested interior remains largely undeveloped. Unknown even. But hidden away in the hills and forests are bamboo covered terraces made in the wartime years when Japan badly needed food and the sides of the hills were terraced to grow sweet potatoes. When the war ended, the farmers went back to the valleys below to grow the more profitable rice and the hills were allowed to fall into bamboo-covered disuse.

But by a geographic anomaly (which we will be happy to explain) the hilltops are fertile volcanic loam waiting to be cultivated.

At our base at Oihama, near Ohara, we are just over one hour away on the direct Keiyo train line from Tokyo Station . Facing surf beaches on the Pacific ocean side of the peninsula we have over the years cleared the jungle from some of the terraces and created lawns and vegetable gardens.

Close to my house we have also built two fully-equipped Workaway huts with paths between terraces, one going down to the semi-secret beach below. Nearby we also have a house for Workaways with a small truck for transport and kiwi plants for company.

....

Our gardens are organic, in the sense that jungle waste is mulched and returned to the soil. We do not claim to be aiming for sustainable development but we certainly like you to feed yourself as much as possible from what we grow.

No produce is for commercial sale. While we do not offer payment for work we do offer a weekly food allowance for days worked.

We like people to stay for at least a month so they can familiarise themselves with both the area and the work. We offer standard Workaway conditions - 25 hours of work per week, accommodation plus an allowance which should cover all reasonable costs for food . We also like to invite Workawayers to join us for meals at local Japanese restaurants.

Who am I? Brought up in UK and Australia, and after spending many years first as a diplomat and then as an educator in Japan I have am retired to enjoy my Australian liking for developing difficult land.

Two sons, Dan and Ron, help out when not in Tokyo. Wife Carolina from Peru also helps. Ron is a former squash champion who can give you a game at our Squash court on our nearby Kuwata site

Gregory
Types of help and learning opportunities

Art Projects

Language practice

Elderly Companionship

Light gardening

Creative DIY projects

Farmstay help

Help around the house

Light maintenance

Help with Computers/ Internet
Interests

Sustainability

Politics / Social justice

Farming

Writing

Plant care

Languages

Gardening

Books

Water sports

Nature

Fitness
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

...

...

What's this?
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

Many temples and shrines.

The Isumi district area hosts numerous events and festivals, including the Japan-famous Hadaka (Naked) Matsuri in September.

The nearby Ohara fishing port holds weekly fish markets and local fishermen organise deep-sea fishing trips.

We can also recommend a visit to the colorful Onjuku beach resort (one hour by bike, much less by car or train), and to the world famous Sea World at Kamogawa (40 minutes by train).
Help

Help to develop and maintain Oihama site.

A strong interest in plants, both domestic and wild, is helpful. Computer skills also very welcome.

Driving skills wanted (ideally for gear-stick).

At the Oihama site help is mainly weeding, mowing and maintaining vegetable gardens.
Languages

Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Spanish: Fluent
Japanese: Fluent
Russian: Fluent
Chinese (Mandarin): Fluent

This host offers a language exchange
Language is the food of life
Accommodation

Accommodation at the Oihama base consists mainly of two independent two-room cabins , complete with shower room, kitchen, simple toilet, tatami two-person bedroom , all facing a large lawn with a jade table for six and spectacular ocean views, surrounded by a national forest. Oihama Heights residents, both Japanese and non-Japanese, will be your neighbors.

The large, full-range supermarket, Aoiki, is only a five bike ride away. While we hope you will get to grow much of what you eat, we will of course cover reasonable food and grocery costs. We also hope to invite you occasionally to join us at local eateries.

You are free to use any of our bicycles to explore the area and run errands. A small runaround truck may also be available, but please make sure you have a valid national driving license or international license.

Nearby we have a house with kiwi fruits to take overflow
What else ...

We speak several languages and would be happy to help you in your language efforts..

Biking trips into the hills of the deep Boso Peninsula nearby will take you a Japan which few ever see.

The nearby very large Kiyomizu Kannon is a regular pilgrimage site in the Kanto Area. The Yoro Gorge about 30 minutes drive is famous of its hot springs. The entire coast line from Oihama down to the popular Kamogawa surf beaches is studded with small fishing ports and beaches - the Riviera of Japan it has been called.

The Kamogawa Sea World with its trained sea animals is rated as one of the best in the world.

Sunset Breeze resort on the other side of the peninsular and with which we have a close connection has three championship squash courts. We can also provide access to our own squash court and omni tennis court, both available free of charge.

To the north about 30 minutes is the famous Kujukuri (99 mile) beach with wind surfing facilities.

We provide a small two seater, run-around vehicle for trips to nearby cultural sights (there are many), surf beaches and to Ohara station just 70 minutes by express to central Tokyo. International licences are needed.
A little more information
- Internet access
- Limited internet access
- We have pets
- We are smokers
- Can host families
Space for parking camper vans

No limit to lawn space available
Can possibly accept pets

Cats only.
How many Workawayers can stay?

More than two
My animals / pets

Host ref number: 743941864752

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Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host

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Feedback (34)

29 Jun 2026

Left by Workawayer (Karolina) for host

My experience in this place was great! The area is very beautiful. The work is physical and can be demanding, but if you are not afraid of sweating and following the instructions, it is all right. It is important to stay proactive and helpful to have some idea of gardening, as the instructions are not always that clear. Gregory was very welcoming … read more

(Excellent )

26 Jun 2026

Left by host for Workawayer (Karolina)

Karolina was great, Personality, work attitude.the lot. Her ability to drive our K-truck made her very valuable at crucial times. Good English.

(Excellent )

26 Jun 2026

Left by host for Workawayer (Kyle)

Kyle was one the most interesting and hard working Workawayers we have had in our 20 years of Workaway experience. His long experience in China and its various philosophies was of interest to all. It had also moulded his personality. We hope he can come back some day.

(Excellent )

25 Jun 2026

Left by Workawayer (Kyle) for host

My time spent at this property was quite pleasant overall, however there were some obstacles that can prevent some volunteers from having a good experience.

I was picked up at the station by the property owner, Greg and taken to the grocery store to buy some groceries for my arrival. I was always given a ¥2500 per working day stipend on Monday … read more after a week of work. Carolina and Greg were both quite welcoming to me, and quite generous with what they offered to me throughout my stay. I came to feel a real sense of belonging on their property.

There are two separate properties to this work exchange and if you are at the location known as the Kiwi Farm, you will need to be capable and somewhat knowledgeable, especially if you are at the Kiwi Farm as opposed to Greg's home property. This Kiwi Farm can require quite some maintenance and if you don't have an eye and hand for gardening or land management and landscaping you may feel a bit lost as to what needs to be done. Greg isn't frequently there to direct volunteers, so it can lead to a bit of confusion if you dont feel comfortable jumping right in and making some assesments of what is there. Greg sometimes forgets that not everyone has the innate knowledge of working the land and need more detailed guidance. If you are at the home property in Ohara, you will have a bit more guidance but I will say its still important to be capable of self initiating tasks (or asking about tasks directly)and have some experience to guide your efforts. Lawn care, pruning and making cuttings, gardening and soil preparation. Weeding, tilling, digging, planting.

During my 3 months at this work exchange I became quite familiar with Greg and his workflow and his goals for the land. It was often that I needed to interpret what he was asking for or directing, and help our non-native English speaking volunteers to understand what exactly was being discussed. This was fine for me, but had proved to be a bit of an issue with others volunteering here who couldn't always connect the dots of what Greg was trying to convey to them. Communication is very important and you will need to be able to pay close attention and think about the context of what is being communicated to you here, and also to ask clarifying questions when you're unsure or just to double confirm certain details. Patience and empathy will be a neccesary virtue to develop, as in any circumstance when you are working with Elders.

Greg and I had our share of disagreements and arguments, as we are both quite sure of our methods and what the land wants and needs. But we always found a path to understand eachother and reconcile our views. I applaud Greg for his humility; to be able to apologize when he has made a mistake or acted in a way he feels isn't for the best. That quality is something I came to truly admire; I've worked with many Elders who lacked any such awareness.

I could write more about how magnificent this property is, how lovely riding the bicycles around town is, how friendly welcoming and amazing the neighbors are and how quaint and lovely the area of Isumi is, but I think there are other reviews and the profile that discuss that plenty.

I had a really great time at this workaway but it wasn't without its challenges, and I needed to apply myself in order to have that good experience. I did stay for 3 months and I would visit Greg and Carolina again in the future. Thank you Greg and Carolina for your generosity and for allowing me to play a small role in the work of the land.

(Very good )

24 Jun 2026

Left by Workawayer (Ruth) for host

I can see how this was once a really interesting and fulfilling property and opportunity. The property is beautiful and the accomodation is generous. Unfortunately I think that moment has passed.

Gregory has very little patience to give clear instructions #redacted#

That being said, if you can tolerate a #redacted#, with occasionally verbal … read more

(Neutral )

24 Jun 2026

Left by host for Workawayer (Ruth)

Ruth was the perfect Workawayer. Always obliging. Very strong. And brave. She climbed to the top of our new bamboo house and planted an umbrella at the top to keep out the rain.

(Excellent )

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Feedback

These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.

Accuracy of profile:
(4.0)

Cultural exchange:
(4.0)

Communication:
(3.9)

29 Jun 2026

Left by Workawayer (Karolina) for host

(Excellent)

26 Jun 2026

Left by host for Workawayer (Karolina)

Karolina was great, Personality, work attitude.the lot. Her ability to drive our K-truck made her very valuable at crucial times. Good English.

(Excellent)

26 Jun 2026

Left by host for Workawayer (Kyle)

(Excellent)

25 Jun 2026

Left by Workawayer (Kyle) for host

(Very good)

24 Jun 2026

Left by Workawayer (Ruth) for host

(Neutral)

24 Jun 2026

Left by host for Workawayer (Ruth)

Ruth was the perfect Workawayer. Always obliging. Very strong. And brave. She climbed to the top of our new bamboo house and planted an umbrella at the top to keep out the rain.

(Excellent)

17 Jun 2026

Left by Workawayer (Ivan & Mariana) for host

We do not recommend this Workaway experience.

As soon as we arrived, we were informed by the host’s wife that he was around 90 years old and often accepted several volunteers at the same time, only to later forget the arrangements he had already made. This is exactly what happened to us, resulting in more volunteers than available accommodation. … read more

(Negative)

16 Jun 2026

Left by host for Workawayer (Laura)

Laura was just as she writes in her biography - with an exploring mind and a willing attitude. Her English is excellent; cant understand why she rates herself as intermediate.

(Excellent)

16 Jun 2026

Left by host for Workawayer (Yi-Hsi & Jean)

Jean and Yi-Hsi were an excellent couple, hard working and good company. Jean helped me greatly though some difficult work situations. Excellent driver and good cook, which he should be - with 14 years experience. We talked about him staying more time in Japan, which may happen.

(Excellent)

16 Jun 2026

Left by host for Workawayer (Joe & Kaho)

Joe and Kaho were an interesting couple. I enjoyed their bilingual presence, and their Australian experience. Unfortunately they did not stay long enough for us to really get to know them properly.

(Very good)

16 Jun 2026

Left by Workawayer (Joe & Kaho) for host

We cannot recommend this Workaway experience.

The day before our arrival, the host unexpectedly asked whether we could find another Workaway placement, despite previously requesting that we stay for four weeks due to an accident he had recently experienced. This created uncertainty before we had even arrived.

When we reached the property, we … read more discovered that the host was managing nine Workawayers across two separate properties. The accommodation where we stayed was approximately a 20-minute bike ride or 10-minute drive from the kiwi and blueberry farm where most of the work took place. Volunteers wishing to use the kei truck should also be aware that a manual driver’s licence is required.

The other volunteers living at the property did their best to explain tasks and show us how to manage the kiwi and blueberry trees. However, much of the work lacked clear direction from the host. Expectations were often unclear, making it difficult to know whether tasks were being completed correctly or whether we were focusing on the right priorities.

After approximately one week of work, we met the host for only the second time. During this interaction, I was verbally abused and called “stupid” and “lazy”, among other insults. This was upsetting and completely inappropriate. Prior to this incident, I had made every effort to communicate politely and respectfully and had received no clear indication that there were concerns about my work or conduct.

There were also issues regarding expenses. On our first day, another volunteer had forgotten her wallet, so I purchased fertiliser and bamboo-cutting equipment required for farm work, totalling ¥2,774. I also purchased additional cleaning supplies after discussing with the host that the house required a thorough clean. These expenses were never reimbursed.

Finally, other volunteers informed us that they had previously received ¥2,500 per day to assist with grocery costs. When I politely asked the host about this arrangement, I was immediately told that we would not be receiving any such support. While hosts are entitled to set their own arrangements, the inconsistency was disappointing and contributed to the overall feeling of poor communication and unequal treatment.

The property itself has potential, and the other volunteers were friendly and helpful. However, the lack of organisation, unclear expectations, unreimbursed work-related expenses, and verbal abuse made this a negative experience overall.

(Negative)

27 Feb 2026

Left by Workawayer (Eszter) for host

Info notice: Exchange was cancelled at last minute

(Member cancelled stay at the last minute)

30 Nov 2025

Left by Workawayer (Pablo) for host

Starting with this project was a good way to know Chiba
Taking 2h and a half to arrive here from Tokyo, you will have a rural and quiet life in this place, being able to practice surf in your free time.
Apart from that, the work consists in 5h of working between the garden and fields next to the main house and taking care of the kiwi farm 20 min … read more

(Very good)

29 Sep 2025

Left by Workawayer (Riccardo) for host

I had initially planned to stay at Greg’s place for one month. However, the time I spent in Ohara passed incredibly fast, and I ended up extending my stay. Ohara is a beautiful place, immersed in Japan’s countryside while being relatively close to Tokyo (about two hours by train). The coast has many beautiful beaches, which are popular spots for … read more

(Excellent)

7 Sep 2025

Left by Workawayer (Michael) for host

I had an amazing two month stay at Greg's place from May - July. The work is mainly on the gardens and kiwi farm: planting grass, cutting bamboo, using strimmers and mowers to cut down grass and pesky vines, rebuilding fences and stairways and planting vegetables (to eat if you stay there long enough!)
You may also be tasked with driving Greg to … read more

(Excellent)

25 Aug 2025

Left by Workawayer (Carlos & Natalia) for host

We have spent two incredible months in Ohara. It has been a pleasure to be with Greg and Carolina during this time in such a beautiful city.

We have learned a lot working with Greg these past few months. We have done all kinds of jobs: mowing the lawn, starting a vegetable garden from scratch, cutting bamboo, repairing stairs, tending to the kiwi … read more

(Very good)

16 Apr 2025

Left by Workawayer (Charlie) for host

I was all set up to travel and work with Gregory for a month and was very excited. However he went silent hours before I was due to arrive leaving me with no plans or accommodation in a foreign country. I had already travelled to Tokyo in preparation of moving into this Workaway. Very disappointed with his lack of communication and inability to … read more

(Member cancelled stay at the last minute)

26 Mar 2025

Left by Workawayer (Benjamin) for host

I had a lovely stay with Greg helping him prune the kiwifruit vines. I stayed for a month in my own cabin perched a top a cliff over looking the ocean. I was able to use the car on weekends to explore the local area and occasionally Greg took me out for a meal or a drink. I hope to visit again soon and see how the kiwifruit are going!

(Excellent)

2 Mar 2025

Left by Workawayer (Elliot & Shion Esther Alessandra) for host

We spent about 3 months at Gregs place. We made vegetable gardens, painted decking and walls, made fences to keep wild boar out, pruned trees, cleared jungle, and much more. Because there was two of us, we stayed in a house near the kiwis farm. If you are on your own, you may stay in a cabin closer to Greg.

We really enjoyed our time at Greg and … read more

(Excellent)

2 Mar 2025

Left by host for Workawayer (Elliot & Shion Esther Alessandra)

Elliot and Shion were a delightful couple, hard working and good company. Hope they come back some time.

Shion's Japanese was a big help.

(Excellent)

7 Jun 2023

Left by Workawayer (Felix & Julia) for host

We stayed five weeks at Gregory’s place near the ocean. We had a private fully equipped (kitchen, hot shower, sleeping room) hut with ocean view. We really felt like being at home. Gregory paid the recipes for food we bought.
The work was different and varied but not more than five hours five days a week. Sometimes you can work on your own … read more

(Very good)

26 Feb 2023

Left by Workawayer (Angela) for host

We discussed a month previous to my arrival and agreed on the month of march. After a little discussion, I ask questions as it is the first time I use this method and this app, it seemed like a problem, I wasn't answered for a week and then talked to rudely. After putting in the title as well as remembering twice I would come for march, I was told … read more

(Member cancelled stay at the last minute)

17 Sep 2021

Left by Workawayer (Fulei) for host

I can't believe I've been here for 8.5 months.and all the experience I get here is unforgettable and unique...Thank you Gregory for creating such a beautiful paradise where I have enough time to adjust myself.Thank you for giving me so much freedom and giving me enough time to grow up.I have to say I’m so lucky to have found this place.

There is … read more

(Excellent)

11 Oct 2020

Left by Workawayer (Miho) for host

I stayed at Greg’s place for 2 weeks and I really come to appreciate many things after the experience. The work I did there was both indoors and outdoors. Greg owns a very beautiful house and I got to help clean the place with Carolina, who is also an amazing person. Many work was done especially cleaning the gardens and lawns, a lot of weeding … read more

(Very good)

16 Sep 2020

Left by Workawayer (Yvan & Graciela) for host

Nice place and good private accommodation (your own cabin) but not sure it is worth it. With over 15 years of experience in gardening and many volunteering I did not expect to be shouted at. We did the jobs but we left early.

(Neutral)

6 Apr 2020

Left by Workawayer (Patty & Tim) for host

We couldn't agree more with Anna's review below, as we spend most of our time at Gregory's together. Gregory's place is absolutely beautiful, and a real luxury as well as you will be sleeping in a private workaway hut with ocean-view. Activities varied from (re-)planting trees, construction, cleaning, gardening and a lot of digging ;). Gregory is … read more

(Excellent)

5 Apr 2020

Left by Workawayer (LisaWegel) for host

My two weeks at Gregory's paradise was just too short. Every day was different and every day was special.
On working days, at 9 a.m. the Workawayers came out of their comfortable, private, beautiful huts to meet with Gregory. He told us then what tasks were pending. The work is not too much and not too difficult.

When I was there, we mainly … read more

(Excellent)

29 Mar 2020

Left by Workawayer (Anna) for host

My month at Gregory's place passed by incredibly fast. Every day, there were other tasks to be fulfilled, mostly preparing the gardens and surrounding greens for spring: (re)planting trees, potatoes and vegetables; pruning; weeding or clearing the hills of bamboo. There was no clear schedule, as the work is highly dependent on the weather. So … read more

(Excellent)

11 Feb 2020

Left by Workawayer (Jorge & Alejandra) for host

We spent one month in Greg's place, it was AMAZING!!!

We gain good muscle, learn how to plant small trees, digging holes, planting potatoes, cutting bambu, making fences, making stair steps and we even went to a 🌲 auction, it was great, all new for us.

We have only work in the city and this was all the opposite, just what we where looking for. … read more

(Excellent)

24 Nov 2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Roman & Anna)

Roman and Anna were a delightful couple. And very good workers. We would like them to come again. Gregory

(Excellent)

28 Jun 2019

Left by Workawayer (Roman & Anna) for host

Few months ago we decided to finally achieve our dream and buy tickets to Japan. Luckily we had got a positive reply from Greg, so we spent an amazing month at his place in Ohara. It's a true paradise with more than a hundred of various wildlife species and beautiful plants around - you will find something new everyday!

In general the … read more

(Excellent)

3 Aug 2019

Left by Workawayer (Joe & Lydia) for host

Staying in Ohara and working with Greg was one of the best experiences we have ever had. We originally planned to only stay and work for one month, but we ended up staying for two months as we loved it so much and Greg was happy to keep us! The setting is absolutely beautiful on Greg’s mountain and working outdoors is a dream. We worked for 5 … read more

(Excellent)

18 Jun 2019

Left by Workawayer (Grace & Samuel) for host

We stayed at Greg's for a little over a month this year at Ohara and the Kiwi Farm. We would have stayed longer if we didn't have to leave to find paid work to continue our working holiday! The kiwi farm in particular was a dream for us, a secluded spot in the forest near the rice fields with heaps of wildlife, fruit trees blooming, and a whole … read more

(Excellent)

12 Mar 2019

Left by Workawayer (Inés & Enric) for host

Nuestra experiencía con Gregory ha sido fantástica. Siempre nos ayudó con cualquier tipo de problema que hubiéramos podido tener.Íbamos juntos a comer a restaurantes, compartimos tardes de queso y vino en su casa ...
Sin duda no creo que podamos encontrar un huésped mejor en todo Japón. Desde aquí, Gregory, Inés y yo te agradecemos el habernos … read more

(Excellent)

30 Jan 2019

Left by Workawayer (Andres) for host

Hello Greg! sorry it took me so long to leave a review! After spending 1 month in sept/18 at Gregs i can say:
About the workaway experience:
All the positive comments written below, left by the other workawayers describes pretty much how great this place is, in more ways than you can imagine. If you plan to travel to Japan, you must come to … read more

(Excellent)

27 Dec 2018

Left by Workawayer (Sean) for host

I will treasure the time I got to spend out in Ohara for the rest of my life. There's far too much beauty to include in a review, but rest assured that you will not regret staying here - whether you're here for one month or six.

The location is truly mesmerizing. Greg has devoted the past few decades to a small slice of heaven next to the beach … read more

(Excellent)

24 Dec 2018

Left by Workawayer (Xiu & Chao) for host

this is my first workaway and it could not be better. the first day I arrived in Japan and Greg is so nice and picked me up at the railway station. as soon as I arrived at Greg's house I was so impressed by the environment around. it is located in a small hill and with the beautiful ocean lookup. the work there is flexible and we do different … read more

(Excellent)

21 Dec 2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Chrristian)

Christian is a dedicated and highly professional carpenter.. He completed some items of great quality. He also became a very friendly member of our little group. We wish him all the best in his future.

Gregory.

(Excellent)

9 Nov 2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Stan)

Stan arrived with a bevy of young Spanish ladies he had seemed Pied Piper like to have gathered behind him during his travels. Contrary to all expectations they turned out to be very good workers, Rucio left a mountain of weeds, bamboo and fresh planted lawns behind her, and Nerea left us some excellent paintings that will grace our walls and site … read more

(Excellent)

31 Oct 2018

Left by Workawayer (Stan) for host

Thanks a thousand times Greg!
It was living the good live for 3 weeks straight. To start with the beautiful house, surounder by nature. The legend himself, Gregory, who has an very interesting and unique life behind him. Pick his brain and you will learn some interesting things! The work is ofcourse part weeding, but the rest are all satisfying … read more

(Excellent)

19 Sep 2018

Left by Workawayer (BRENDA) for host

I have no words to thank Greg! He was such a great host! I had a wonderful and unbelievable time! His place is awesome!!! He was very pacient to me, even though I had not much experience, but he let me know how to do it!! I will never forget all the knowledge and good experiences we shared! Thank you very much!!! You will always be very welcomed … read more

(Excellent)

16 Aug 2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Tamara & Mayeb)

Both Tamara and Mayeb were polite, and excellent company (they tried to help me with my Spanish on each occasion). They were also very hard working volunteers, and helped pioneer a technique for turning wasteland into lush lawns.
So their legacy will be with me forever.

They were also very good cooks.

Tamara's English is excellent. She seems to … read more

(Excellent)

27 Jul 2018

Left by Workawayer (Deborah) for host

I spent 3 months in the beautiful spring of Ohara with Greg on his amazing properties. This was the perfect time to come as the weather was cool and great for planting out saplings and cuttings. I enjoyed the physical aspect of the work, some days were quite tiring, for example when digging and planting trees, but always good fun. Other days were … read more

(Excellent)

6 Jul 2018

Left by Workawayer (Sarah) for host

I am incredibly grateful to Greg and Carolina for having me, what a spectacular location to end up in !

It was an incredibly peaceful place, I will never forget sitting at the Jade table after a days work and watching both the ocean and the sun setting.

I was staying in the cabin and the decking was THE perfect spot for yoga with an amazing … read more view of the ocean.

Gregory is incredibly generous with paying for food, too generous ! I can safely say I got to try all the Japanese food in the supermarket I hadn't allowed myself to get before due to being a budget traveller skimping out on food. He also took us out for meals, to the local onsen and on day trips to the kiwi farm, which is another piece of land Greg owns, to work there which was a nice change of scenery

Ohara is true japanese countryside, and there are a lot of temples and places you can explore in the area. Just make sure you remind Greg that you would like to do your own thing as he sometimes is so enthusiastic about the work that needs doing in his garden that he forgets you are there to explore as much as possible as well !!

I stayed for almost 5 weeks and initially was there with two other workawayers who were a couple, by the end there were 5 of us in total ! So I think it fluctuates depending on the time of year etc. as to how many other workawayers there will be there with you.

One day me and Hayley another workawayer got up to go and watch the sunrise on the property at a high up spot you can see the sea from and it was absolutely breathtaking, unforgettable.

The first week i helped to finish a trail that had been built by two other workawayers and the work was very physical, but generally the work consists of weeding and chopping back bamboo. The are also some vegetable patches that I helped plant stuff in. Watching them grow and harvesting potatoes and other veg was very exciting !!!　

I really enjoyed getting to know Yuki and Larry, another couple who live in one of the houses owned by Greg, what an incredible story they had to tell me about their lives, just as Greg did.

Greg wants his workawayers to work alongside him and always shows you what to do and would never ask you to do any work that he wouldn't also do himself. Greg is truly inspirational and I hope to be as fit, strong and active as he is when I am his age. I have never seen someone work so hard in my life...so much energy !! Sometimes i would struggle to keep in sync with his energy. The only constructive thing I would say is that personally, although I was fine with the flexible hours - which generally meant being available to work at whatever hour in the day and taking every day by day I think I would have preferred fixed hours or negotiating the hours at the beginning of the week according to the weather forecast so I could plan my free time a bit better.

Like Niall and Hayley I really hope to return one day, and in the mean time I will send you some more of my work !! It really made me very happy that you were so happy with it, I wanted to show how thankful I was for your generosity and it paid off I think !!!

(Excellent)

6 Jul 2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Sarah)

Sarah was a delightful person to have staying with us. Not only did she perform all the work we asked of her (mainly weeding and grass planting) but also produced two amazing site paintings, minimilist style, one of which was so good that we used it to replace the main painting in our living room.

The lady really has talent, as well as a nice … read more

(Excellent)

6 Jul 2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Advaya)

Advaya came to us hurriedly from another site, but settled in well and worked as we needed, mainly preparing a vegetable and flower garden.

She did not stay long enough to give a proper rating, but for the meantime we will say very good..

(Very good)

18 Jun 2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Niall & Hayley)

Workaway has brought some great people into my life and to the people around my Boso operation, but few can compare with Niall and Haley. Their willing work ethic, physical strength and outgoing personalities were something I will always remember. Thank you.

(Excellent)

17 Jun 2018

Left by Workawayer (Niall & Hayley) for host

What an incredible experience! We spent 7 weeks working with Greg in Ohara, and this will easily be one of the highlights from our whole time spent in Japan.
From the day we arrived, it was evident that Greg was deeply passionate about the work he has undertaken to restore this beautiful part of Japan to the beauty that it could be. The work that … read more has been completed (and will continue to happen, thanks to WorkAway and Greg’s unlimited energy!), is quite simply extraordinary! Never would we ever have believed that this area was once all untamed bamboo, and the beautiful landscapes that exist today are a testament to the endless hours of work that Greg has committed to restore this little piece of paradise.
The work that we undertook was very physically demanding, but very satisfying. We had the pleasure of watching our hard work grow and transform in front of our eyes in this tropical climate that makes the vegetation explode into life. Our tasks ranged from basic weeding and planting of potted plants right through to digging a trail through the jungle down to the beautiful beach at the edge of Greg’s property (you’re welcome future WorkAways!). Consider your time at Greg’s like a free gym membership; the work will give you muscles in places you had no idea they existed!
As a host, Greg is very generous with his time and knowledge for those who come with the intention of learning more about a mostly organic style of farming and gardening. His passion is infectious and even if you don’t really care about bamboo and red vine when you arrive, I can guarantee you will never be able to look at a garden again without hunting for these most evil of plants (according to Greg!). Gardening knowledge is not essential as Greg is always enthusiastic to teach you about the various species he has on his properties but knowing the right end of a spade will serve you well.
I would strongly recommend having an international drivers licence when working with Greg. The accommodation is stunning, but remote so being able to drive would be useful, not just for yourself, but also to assist Greg in working in areas that require vehicle access such as the kiwi farm. Getting the IDP is super easy from most countries and it will really enhance your stay here as Greg has several vehicles that WorkAways have access to.
Lastly, just a big thank you to Greg, Carolina, Larry, Yuki, Peter, Rei, Tim and every other person who made us feel welcome and appreciated while in Ohara. We enjoyed ourselves so much that we are determined to come back next year so that we can see the fruits of our labour.
10/10 would recommend to a friend! Good luck trying to keep up with Greg, the dude is an absolute machine and will work from dawn till dusk if he can. A true inspiration.

(Excellent)

30 Mar 2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Julian & Maria)

Maria Paula and Julian were perfect Workawayers - very honest, uncomplaining and very hard working, Julian did not even complain when we asked him to cut his beard somewhat (It makes him look fearsome but in fact he is a very gentle).

We enjoyed their company greatly. We hope they will come back sometime.

(Excellent)

28 Mar 2018

Left by Workawayer (Julian & Maria) for host

Our experience in Ohara and in Japan was amazing!!! We volunteered for Gregory for more than a month and we couldn’t be more happy... we learned so much about farm and Japanese culture, we had the chance to eat in very good places, trying lots of different local dishes!
The most important thing is the accommodation: the house for volunteers is the … read more

(Excellent)

23 Feb 2018

Left by Workawayer (Clair) for host

I spent about 3 weeks at Greg’s place, which is in fact too short for me since there are still many things I want to do, so as to witness much more the process of the paradise’s changing. The daily work is as what I have expected, physical strength requiring, and it truly fulfilled my days there, from which I also learned a lot. The only pity is … read more

(Excellent)

10 Feb 2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Valentina & Ivan)

Valentina and Ivan were not just excellent workers for our project. They were delightful people - well educated, sociable, caring, excellent English and (Ivan) IT skills. We were genuinely sorry to see them go and hope very much they will come back again. They were also kind and patient enough to help my amateur Spanish.
I should add that both of … read more

(Excellent)

7 Feb 2018

Left by Workawayer (Valentina & Ivan) for host

We spend such a great time with Greg. We learned about pruning, sowing, composting, bamboo trees, japanese culture and many other things, also himself is a great individual with a huge life story to tell if you are interested.

The accommodation he provided us was nothing less than excellent; people around became friends to us. He formed a … read more

(Excellent)

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Homestays, Volunteering & Working Holidays in Japan Homestays, Volunteering & Working Holidays in Asia Farmstay Japan Last minute Homestays, Volunteering & Working Holidays in Japan

Reviving abandoned farmland in Boso Peninsula, near Tokyo, Japan

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