Profile information
Host rating
55 %
Last replied
26 Jan 2026
Reply rate
62.9 %
Usually responds within 8 days
Feedback
2
Email verified
Host offers payment
Badges (2)
Details
Description
Help in winter
This is a cosy family-run lodge (Jules - UK, 30 years in Japan, Tomoko - Japanese national) set in the forests of the Hakuba Valley in Nagano, Japan. We have 6 guest rooms and can accommodate a max of 22 guests. We also look after rental chalets across the valley for their non-resident owners.
It is a truly ski-in and ski-out lodge to both the Norikura and (the powder mecca of Asia) Cortina resorts. Winters here provide a healthy and invigorating environment conducive to hard work and play.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Language practice
DIY and building projects
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
There is no necessity to speak Japanese although Workawayers will have the opportunity to learn and/or improve their spoken Japanese as well as helping our Japanese staff practise their English.
You will get to eat great Japanese food and experience the very quaint unspoilt village that is Hakuba where you can meet like minded travellers and engage the locals for language and cultural exchange.
We provide a car for you so you can explore the valley and surrounding areas. Taking a trip to see the snow monkeys or partake in the Nozawa Fire Festival are recommended in winter!Host offers payment in line with the minimum wage
This host offers accommodation and payment.
Help
We are looking for assistance during the wInter snow sports season, both in our lodge and in the chalets.
THESE ARE ALL PAID POSITIONS
We offer shared accommodation, a wage, meals when on duty, use of a staff car and a free season lift pass.
***You will need either Japanese nationality or a (working holiday) visa. Please do not apply if you aren't eligible***
***We are looking for workawayers that can join from beginning December through to late February/mid-March***
WINTER
Positions:
Chef - opportunity to learn Japanese cooking techniques as well as serving your own style of dishes. Alternating with Tomoko cooking dinner and occasionally breakfasts. Sometimes front of house, talking and explaining dishes to guests. Stocktake, order and shop. Will need to muck-in when busy with other hotel and chalet related tasks.
Assistant Chef - assist chef in the kitchen in the evenings and cook English breakfasts in the morning. Sometimes front of house, talking and serving guests. Stocktake, order and shop. Will need to muck-in when busy with other hotel related tasks.
Front of house/kitchen hand - learning kitchen routines, washing-up, cleaning, serving food and drinks in the restaurant and bar. Stocktake, order and shop. Drive when short-handed, help with cleaning and snow-clearing and general hotel related tasks. Cleaning of the chalets.
Driver - driving our guests to bus stops, ski lifts, grocery/ATM runs. Help with cleaning and snow-clearing and general hotel-related tasks. Cleaning of the chalets.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Japanese: Fluent
Accommodation
Winter - In general, Workawayer's accommodation is shared.
What else ...
We understand that a big part of coming to a snow resort to to spend time on the mountain, so we try to restrict hours to one shift per day with meal and breaks, 5 days a week. Shifts are rotated and would generally start either morning or evening.
A valid international driving licence is an necessity. Please do not apply if you cannot drive. You will be driving in snow and icy conditions.
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
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
Feedback (2)
We wanted to thank you for the way you treat your employees. It's very hard to… read more
Tomoko and Julian are great and really make sure you feel comfortable from the moment you arrive.
I was part of a team of 5 young international workawayers and we were… read more
Photos
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
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:
(4.5)
Communication:
(5.0)
We wanted to thank you for the way you treat your employees. It's very hard to… read more
Tomoko and Julian are great and really make sure you feel comfortable from the moment you arrive.
I was part of a team of 5 young international workawayers and we were… read more
