A cozy wooden cabin with a red roof sits amid snowy ground, surrounded by tall leafless trees. A sign advertises Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki. Clear blue sky overhead.
This cozy wooden cabin room features a single bed, a sofa, yellow curtains, a small nightstand with lamp, and a warm, inviting atmosphere.
A cozy wooden cabin restaurant filled with families and friends enjoying meals. Warm lighting, colorful curtains, framed pictures, and a welcoming, homely atmosphere complete the scene.
This image shows okonomiyaki cooking on a hot griddle in a cozy kitchen, with cabbage, noodles, sauce, and a warm, inviting atmosphere in the background.
A cozy wood-burning stove sits against a brick wall with a metal kettle on top. Chopped firewood is stacked nearby, giving a warm, rustic vibe.
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Join our team and experience Japanese rural life in Myoko, Japan

  • Last activity : 29 Apr 2026

Availability

  2026 

 Min stay requested: 1 month or more

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Details

  • Description

    Description

    Welcome to my restaurant. This restaurant was first established in 2008 by the Asakura’s who decided to share their Hiroshima style of Okonomiyaki to the many visitors to Madarao Village, from Japan and around the world. During this time the restaurant quickly built a reputation of not only serving delicious Okonomiyaki but also a warm and friendly place which welcomed guests with a happy smile.

    I visited the restaurant in 2017 during my first stay in Japan, and while I had never tasted Okonomiyaki before I soon found myself visiting the restaurant several times a week and would sit at the counter, amazed at how this wonderful traditional Japanese dish was made so skilfully by a true master. Like most regulars to the restaurant and longstanding members of the community, I was sad to hear the news the Asakura’s had decided to leave Madarao. One evening, to my surprise, the Asakura’s asked me if I would like to continue the tradition of serving their style of Hiroshima Okonomiyaki. After agreeing to accept this truly great honour, I completed my training under their guidance and was privileged to learn their technique of Okonomiyaki. I hope to carry on where they left-off by providing a friendly place where all are welcome and the chance to enjoy delicious, traditional Japanese cuisine.

    We are looking for help to manage and run our restaurant during the Winter season, ideally we are looking for experience with hospitality or within a restaurant, however training can also be provided if necessary. We are able to offer free accommodation on site and also have a number of alternative accommodation options near by.

    We are able to offer the standard rate of 1,250 Yen per hour with approx. 4-5 hours per day / 5 days a week with occasional overtime in addition to free accommodation.

    This is an excellent opportunity for anyone looking to develop their Japanese language skills while interacting with local Japanese from the region. You will get to see and be part of real Japanese restaurant in action.

  • Types of help and learning opportunities

    Types of help and learning opportunities

    General Maintenance
  • Interests

    Interests

    Movies & TV
    Culture
    Self development
    Technology
    Events & social
    Politics / Social justice
    Farming
    Sustainability
    Plant care
    Music
    History
    Books
    Cooking & food
    Gardening
    Languages
    Photography
    Yoga / Wellness
    Nature
    Mountain
    Winter sports
    Hiking
    Cycling
    Adventure sports
  • Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    What we are especially looking for is for someone who is interested in experiencing life in Japan and looking to interact with not only local Japanese also clients from other prefectures within Japan. You should have a passion for Japanese culture, as this is a wonderful opportunity to experience Japanese rural life. If you are studying the Japanese language and want a environment to practice this could be the perfect place for you.

  • Host offers payment in line with the minimum wage

    Host offers payment in line with the minimum wage

    This host offers accommodation and payment.

  • Help

    Help

    We are looking energic, caring personalities to join our team to help run and maintain our restaurant during the winter / Spring season. Ideally you would have some experience in working in a front of house or customer services environment, however, this is not essential as we can offer fully training if necessary.

  • Languages spoken

    English: Fluent
    Japanese: Fluent

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation

    For the suitable candidates we are able to offer a range of free accommodation ranging from a private apartment to a number cosy private bedrooms on site.

  • What else ...

    What else ...

    Our restaurant is based within one of Japan's hidden gem Ski Resorts, perfect for those who want to experience a season in the snow without the hassle of long ques!.

    We are located in the Japanese Alps, between Nagano and Niigata both of which offer an amazing opportunity to see the many cultural wonders of Japan.

  • A little more information

    A little more information

    • Internet access

    • Limited internet access

      Limited internet access

    • We have pets

    • We are smokers

    • Can host families

  • How many Workawayers can stay?

    How many Workawayers can stay?

    More than two

  • My animals / pets

    My animals / pets

Host ref number: 824879931391

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Photos

A cozy wooden cabin with a red roof sits amid snowy ground, surrounded by tall leafless trees. A sign advertises Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki. Clear blue sky overhead.
This cozy wooden cabin room features a single bed, a sofa, yellow curtains, a small nightstand with lamp, and a warm, inviting atmosphere.
A cozy wooden cabin restaurant filled with families and friends enjoying meals. Warm lighting, colorful curtains, framed pictures, and a welcoming, homely atmosphere complete the scene.
This image shows okonomiyaki cooking on a hot griddle in a cozy kitchen, with cabbage, noodles, sauce, and a warm, inviting atmosphere in the background.
A cozy wood-burning stove sits against a brick wall with a metal kettle on top. Chopped firewood is stacked nearby, giving a warm, rustic vibe.

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