Welcome to my family home while exploring peacefulness of the mountains in Minakami, Japan

Details

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  Description

  I plan to start in mid-April, once the snow melts, and aim to finish within 2–3 weeks. April can still be very cold, so bring warm clothing!
  
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  Welcome to my family home, a peaceful retreat in the mountains and forests of Gunma, about 30 minutes from Minakami.
  
  This 40-year-old wooden house has three floors, several rooms, and a cozy living room, all with a charming retro feel. After years of being unused, I am working to restore it and would love some extra hands!
  
  
  This is a hands-on renovation, and I’d love to share ideas and skills with fellow DIY enthusiasts! Some experience with woodworking or home repairs would be great, but it’s not required.
  
  All volunteers will be paid ¥1,000 per hour. Please note that you must have a visa that allows paid work in Japan, such as a Working Holiday Visa.
  
  Additional Info:
  • I am getting my driver’s license in March and will be a beginner at driving, so having your own car would be helpful, as there are only two buses per day to the area.
  • Minakami is a haven for outdoor activities like rafting, and I love hiking—I’d be happy to explore the area together once or twice a week.
  • Just a 10-minute drive away is Takaragawa Onsen, a beautiful outdoor hot spring.
  
  
  
  
  If you’re interested in helping restore this mountain home while enjoying the beautiful nature of Gunma, I’d love to hear from you!

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  DIY and building projects
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  Interests

  

  Languages

  

  Photography

  

  Outdoor activities

  

  Nature

  

  Mountain

  

  Hiking
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  I was born in Tokyo and raised in a double culture, with a Japanese father and an Italian mother. I attended the French School from age 3 and lived in Tokyo until I was 12. Then, I spent 10 years in Paris until I graduated from university. At 23, I returned to Tokyo and worked there for 9 years. In 2015, I left my job to follow my dream of a nomadic life and I have been using Workaway as volunteering since 2016 :)
  Since then, I’ve spent 3 years traveling in South America, 1 year in Africa, and I’ve visited many countries in the Himalayan region, always happy to explore the smiling countries of Southeast Asia. I love nature, mountains, and meeting new people. I’m excited to share my languages—Japanese, Italian, French, English, and Spanish—and my experiences with you.
  If you have ideas or suggestions to make the house even more magical, I’d love to hear them! I’m open to learning new things and excited to exchange knowledge and cultures with you.

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  Host offers payment in line with the minimum wage

  This host offers accommodation and payment.

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  Help

  I’m looking for volunteers with carpentry or DIY skills to help with:
  Building a terrace (2m x 4m).
  Polishing and waxing wooden floors and walls on the bottom floor to reduce humidity.
  Painting the bathroom.
  Installing ceiling fans.
  Fixing insect damage and adding screen doors.
  Cutting the grass around the house.
  Repairing the fireplace.
  And probably few more things...

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  Languages

  Languages spoken
  English: Fluent
  Spanish: Fluent
  French: Fluent
  Italian: Fluent
  Japanese: Fluent

  This 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.
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  Accommodation

  There are several rooms available, each with European-style beds. I plan to install internet as soon as I arrive, so there may be no internet for the first few days. While I’m not a super cook and usually prepare only easy and simple meals, I will have basic food available. I’ll be a little on a budget, but we will definitely cook together!

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  A little more information

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    Internet access

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    Limited internet access

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    We have pets

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    We are smokers

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    Can host families

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  Can host digital nomads

  This host has indicated that they love having digital nomads stay.

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  Space for parking camper vans

  This host can provide space for campervans.

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  Can possibly accept pets

  This host has said they are willing to accept those travelling with a pet.

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  More than two

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