Help gardening etc. at arts & crafts workshops in rural Japan.

Japan

Favourited 1810 times

Host rating
Feedback
51
Last activity
13/09/2019
Reply rate
83.3 %
Average reply time:
within 9 days
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Availability

2019

Min stay requested: at least 1 month

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What's this?

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Description
Our business is cabinet making and weaving in the rural mountains of Western Japan.
We renovated an old primary school into workshops and residential space.
During April - November we often run one day crafts workshops and offer residential courses too.

We have a small natural farm which we use permaculture and natural farming methods for.

The village we live in is in a very rural quiet area with lots of beautiful surrounding nature.
We are about 3 hours from Osaka and 1.5 hours from Okayama or Kurashiki city.

We like to accept volunteers from a minimum of one month stay and prefer those who have a keen interest in Japanese culture, working outside and have creative interests.

We have also have cats and chickens.
Type of help
Gardening
Building
General Maintenance
Cooking / shopping
Farmstay
Help with Eco project
Help in the house
Animal care
Help with Computers / internet
Help
Volunteer work includes gardening, farming, maintenance, animal care and cleaning.
If you enjoy cooking you can also help with meals.
If you have a special skill, please let us know.

We have a large garden and plot of farm land which needs much attention.

We therefore want people who enjoy doing this type of outdoor work and have an appreciation for nature.
If you have good experience with gardening we'd love to ask you to stay!

There is no Workaway work required for woodwork or weaving but you may be asked to do some small jobs to help with preparation.

You can participate if we have workshops running whilst you are here for a small cost.

We have Yoga space.
Languages spoken
Japanese, English
Accommodation
Private or shared room at an renovated nursery building next to the main building.
Washing and kitchen facilities available.

There is free wifi in both buildings.
What else ...
We are very rural with no public transport or shops around here.
The nearest JR station is 10 minutes by car, where we can pick you up and drop you off.

Okayama airport is 50 min by car.

JR
Kamenoko station is 30 min by car.
Mimasaka-Oiwake rail station is 10 min by car.

+Access to us
Our closest highway bus terminal is Tsuyama if you are coming from Kyoto or Osaka (~3 hour trip, ¥3,090- ¥2,750)

If coming by highway bus you can catch a connecting train from Tsuyama to Mimasaka-Oiwake where we can pick you up.

If you come by JR Shinkansen to Okayama station. You can take tsuyama line to Kamenoko station where we can pick you up. It takes 30 min by car.

On volunteers' days off they like to visit Okayama City, Kurashiki , Katsusyama or Tsuyama city. There are also lots of beautiful places to walk to and see around here.
We can drop you to nearest JR station.

It is very cold here during the autumn and winter.
We can provide you with boots and gloves for outside work. There is a free box for the working wears for you to borrow.

There is a big second hand cloth shop near here where you can get very cheap and nice clothes.
A little more information
- Internet access
- Limited internet access
- We have pets
- We are smokers
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
Hours expected
5 hours a day, 5 days a week

Photos

Salad growing at our small veggie plot

Workawayer proudly showing off her finished project

Workawayers experiencing summer festival life

Basket making workshop

Our small village

Main dining room with rocket stove heat bench

River near the house

Show all photos

Workshop guest learning to weave

The main building

Feedback left by and about host (51)

05/09/2019

Left by Workawayer (Jasmine) for host

The Arts&Crafts Village is deeply hidden in the mountains of Okayama. I stayed 2 full months there and this has been one of the most memorable times so far. When I arrived I was very surprised by the size of the house, which actually was a school before. The owners, Toyomi and her husband, renovated this place to a home and craft village where you… read more can learn how to weave and indigo dye as well as having a cup of coffee or tea at the cafe and bar area. I was welcomed so wholeheartedly that it felt like being a part of a small family. Toyomi was not around for most of my stay, but we contacted each other over LINE and the communication was always flawless and the daily tasks were very clear. I met two other workwayers, Toyomi’s husband (who is very skilled in woodwork!), Makoto (and his lovely friends) and Misa, who helped me enjoy my time to the fullest and making this workaway unforgettable. My daily tasks included making breakfast, lunch, dinner (my cooking skills improved a 100%), weeding all the surroundings, taking care of lovely chicken ladies and a very aggressive but funny rooster, wild cats, painting, growing beans, vegetables, strawberries, picking cherries, cleaning bathrooms, making beds for guests, giving english lessons and sooo much more! All in all I was working 5 hours a day.

When the work was over, I had enough time to play with the cats, chill or work for my design job. If you come here you will meet one lovely old cat lady with brown fur. She is a stray and would not come near to us in the first two weeks. We decided to call her Marmeladow and as soon as she got a name, she became one of the most cuddly cats I have ever seen. Be sure to give her all the love she deserves and of course for the other cats, too! Sometimes we would go on small trips to waterfalls and forests to explore the beauty of Okayama. But the best part of the day was the evening. When everybody, the workawayers, Mako-chan and Misa-chan came together, telling stories, laughing, dancing, listening to music, watching movies, playing instruments, singing, sharing a beer, watching the night sky and finding fireflies.

When Toyomi came back to her home we had long and wonderful talks about all kinds of topics (we found our shared passion for witch stories and Lord of the Rings :D) and I wished I would have been able to plan a design project with her because of her creativity and kindness. You will find out, that she is a lovely, clever and sweet lady and she will take care of you with all of her power.

My heart felt so heavy when I left, but I got the chance to find many new friends and I will cherish these memories forever. Thank you, Toyomi-san, Mako-chan, Misa-chan, everyone for this. I hope to see you again in the future! Be well! ありがとうございます!

(Excellent )

22/07/2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Jasmine)

Jasmin came here while I was away. So first more than one month I haven't seen her.
But she was very hard worker and a good organizer. She cleaned all the kitchen area or back yard so nicely and neat. She did lots of weeding or painting or so. She could work without any supervisor. We communicated with messenger each other.
She is bright and… read more

(Excellent )

24/12/2018

Left by Workawayer (Allison & Benjamin) for host

Ben and I stayed here for just over a month as the season was winding down and as cold weather moved in. It was absolutely magical. Toyomi is very knowledgeable about Japanese culture, history, world literature, fiber arts, permaculture and living in the beautiful and complex world we share! A traveler herself, it seems clear that Toyomi deeply… read more

(Excellent )

07/09/2018

Left by Workawayer (Jade & Oonagh ) for host

We had such a fantastic time at Toyomi San’s place, because it was so humid and sunny there was lots to do in the garden which we really enjoyed, weeding, strimming and digging potatoes. We helped in the kitchen and also got a chance to try weaving in Toyomi San’s workshop which was very fun. Toyomi very kindly took us to lots of different places… read more

(Excellent )

23/06/2018

Left by Workawayer (Emily) for host

I spent the month of May at the Arts and Craft Village with Toyomi and her 'village' for my first workaway. I could not have dreamed for a better experience. Toyomi provided valuable cultural opportunities for me through natural farming 'permaculture' work, helping in her studio to set up weaving looms for her classes, and making food for guests.… read more

(Excellent )

08/06/2018

Left by Workawayer (Aino) for host

I am sorry for the late feedback! I stayed at the village for 1-2 weeks in August 2017. It was a beautiful experience. Toyomi-san was very kind to let me come there even for so short time and quite short notice. She brought us to the Village festival and borrowed me a yukata, which I had a chance to wear for the first time. She also brought us to… read more

(Very good )

28/05/2018

Left by Workawayer (Lisa) for host

My experience of Japan was absolutely unique and unforgetable thanks to Toyomi and her beautiful project in the country side. I visited many cities in Japan but her place is one of my favorite because of the beautiful surroundings and nature. Her project of permaculture gardens and traditional crafts is very inspiring. Out of the 7 WorkAway places… read more

(Excellent )

11/05/2018

Left by Workawayer (Ieva) for host

This was my second experience as workawayer. I had a thoughts if I want to put 5 starts, but honestly I would put more.

We were two workawayers who started the season. I was surprised that arriving from south part of Japan in March it was still freezing during the day and night. Which gave so much uncomfortable feeling. I stayed one month. First… read more

(Excellent )

23/12/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Cheriann & Jade)

Cheri and Jade are lovely couple. Cheri loves cooking. She has very good knowledge and skills about the wild food or the good cooking way. She made a lot of nice meals, breads, or cakes for us.
Jade is a hard worker. He loves to work outside. They are always very happy and make people happy too. Thanks so much for your good works and friendships!… read more

(Excellent )

15/12/2017

Left by Workawayer (Cheriann & Jade) for host

Dear Toyomi: Sorry for the late feedback. Our workaway account expired, and just got reactivated this month :)

Jade and I volunteered here in May - Jun 2017 for one month. Toyomi was a very generous and considerate host. She took good care of us. The works were never too hard, and very rewarding. The accommodation was very clean and comfortable,… read more

(Excellent )

05/12/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Joana & Djordje)

Joana & Djordje helped us in Oct. They are very nice and hard workers. Joana is very good cook. She is also a good embroider too. She helped even to make our works for sale.
Djordje is a very cheerful and powerful man. He worked so hard using the chain sew to cut so much logs for the winter. They complete the tasks perfect and always cheerful to… read more

(Excellent )

22/11/2017

Left by Workawayer (Joana & Djordje) for host

Staying at the Village was really great, by the end of our stay we felt like we were a part of the Village!
I love everything textile and I felt I was in heaven. Toyomi was so kind, generous and patient and offered the opportunity to learn about weaving, indigo dying and even spinning.
The work part is divided between gardening, cutting wood,… read more

(Excellent )

05/12/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Luana & Dennis)

Luana and Dennis helped us for 3 weeks. They are very hard workers and willing to do their jobs more that we expected. They are powerful and very intelligent. They seems like to have their own virtue of their life and work. Luana is very keen to live by eco-way. We could learn a lots from her. We could spend very lovely days with them.
She is a… read more

(Excellent )

28/11/2017

Left by Workawayer (Luana & Dennis) for host

We stayed for 3 weeks at the Village and it was a great experience! Toyomi is a lovely host with loads of patience. The volunteer house can be a bit cold this time of year and work was mostly weeding, chopping wood or cooking, which can get a bit repetitive, but Toyomi's hospitality and eagerness to share Japanese culture with her work-awayers… read more

(Excellent )

22/10/2017

Left by Workawayer (Amy & Nick) for host

We stayed with Toyomi for two weeks at the village, and wished that we could have stayed far, far longer! What a wonderful place, full of wonderful people. We loved our time here and had so much fun.

The work is very fair and enjoyable: cleaning, looking after guests, washing up, keeping the fires, helping in the garden or whatever else might be… read more

(Excellent )

29/07/2017

Left by Workawayer (Sebastian Kahr) for host

Staying at Yama's place in Nasu was a unique experience for me to learn about Japanese culture and countryside living. But most of all it was an experience of meeting a group of very caring and open-minded people. The work is structured and easy to follow, it mostly varies between helping out with the guests at the hostel and working in the farm.… read more

(Excellent )

26/01/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Tom)

(Excellent )

22/06/2016

Left by Workawayer (Tom) for host

I stayed at the arts and craft centre for three weeks and would definitely recommend it to other workawayers. Toyomi, Yasu and Maiko are great hosts and always make sure that you're well looked after. The help required varied from weeding and wood chopping to cleaning the house and serving food to the guests.
The centre is located in a tiny… read more

(Excellent )

26/01/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Yoni)

Yoni was a great volunteer. She is very intelligent and calm but hard worker.
We are very happy to have her here. She cooks very nice meals and cakes.
Thank you very much for your hard work, Yoni! We miss you a lot.

(Excellent )

04/10/2016

Left by Workawayer (Yoni) for host

Had an amazing stay at Arts & Crafts with Toyomi-san and Maiko-san! The location of the place is magical and the host makes you feel most welcome. I loved the variaty of jobs you do at this place.. Weeding, cooking, cleaning and helping around the houst with painting and so on. Thank you Toyomi for this opportunity and for everything you learned… read more

(Excellent )

26/01/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (fanny)

Fanny was a great volunteer. She was more than a volunteer. we feel her as our family now.
Most of all, she is very good cook. She can cook lovely french meal for our guests and us all the time. She is also a good artist too. We ask her a lot of paintings and even painting a picture on the wall too. She left very beautiful picture at our Yoga… read more

(Excellent )

01/11/2016

Left by Workawayer (fanny) for host

I was supposed to stay 4 weeks at Arts&Crafts and ended up staying 3 months ! I guess it explains it all but just to add on to that, staying at Arts&Crafts was absolutely fantastic and I could not have hoped for better hosts. Toyomi-san, her husband Yasan and her assistant Maiko became my japanese family and made me discover japanese culture and… read more

(Excellent )

21/09/2016

Left by Workawayer (Phil & Julia) for host

My two friends and I stayed roughly one month with Toyomi-san and Yasan in November/December 2015. It was our first experience in Japan and it's given me so many special memories! They are such lovely, open minded people. We shared so many stories, and felt so comfortable that it didn't feel like a workplace, but like being part of a family. The… read more

(Excellent )

15/08/2016

Left by Workawayer (Sam & Ellie) for host

We had a very good experience here. Toyomi-san took good care of us and was very helpful and flexible regarding our travel dates and time off. We did mostly outdoor work, such as weeding and gardening, but the work was always reasonable. We always had our meals provided for us and our accommodations were very comfortable.

We had fun meeting the… read more

(Excellent )

03/05/2016

Left by Workawayer (Alison) for host

Ben and I had an incredible experience at the Village. We learned a ton about permaculture, sustainable living, Japanese country life, and great company. It was our first stop in Japan, and the introduction to the language and customs were invaluable. We thank Toyomi-san, Polly-san, and Maiko-san endlessly for their kindness and patience. It is an… read more

(Excellent )

06/01/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Martin)

Thanks a lot too, Martin,
We enjoy your company so much.
Martin taught us many things like how to clean stove glass by ash or how to make cabbage pickles.He has old wisdom which was passé to him by his grandma or older people. He works hard. He help our friends place too.

(Excellent )

29/12/2015

Left by Workawayer (Martin) for host

I had amazing time in Toyomi's and Yasu's place.
Staying one month in cold starting November,
when the leafs turns into the red and yellow with contrast green.

Toyomi is a great chef and wool weaver. I experience traditional Japanese recepies
with some overseas ones, she collected when traveling.
And sometimes her husband Yasu cooks too,… read more

(Excellent )

20/12/2015

Left by Workawayer (Maiko) for host

Eso es súper buen lugar.
Yo ayudaba preparación de los productos. Y señora Toyomi y yo fuimos a ciudades de Osaka y Kioto para dar clases de hilado. Yo pude estudiar también. Era muy buena experiencia.
Yo estaba en enero y febrero. Taller era muy tranquilo. Hacía mucho frio pero paisaje es muy bonito.
Señora Toyomi y su esposo son muy amables y… read more

(Excellent )

09/11/2015

Left by host for Workawayer (Helge)

Helge was so nice cheerful guy who helps us during the cold winter.
He learn Japanese and could talk in Japanese, so it was easy to understand for us each other. We really enjoyed his company.
He even taught us the traditional German cookies or many other things. Thanks Helge for your lovely feedback and sorry for the delay of the reply. We… read more

(Excellent )

13/10/2015

Left by Workawayer (Helge) for host

Even though the season hadn't started yet, Toyomi offered me to come to their place and help them out . I truly enjoyed the natural atmosphere in a little village that consists of maybe 10 houses. You can go for small hikes, discover bamboo forests and marvel at the beautiful home that Toyomi and Yasan created for themselves.

My intention was… read more

(Excellent )

28/10/2015

Left by host for Workawayer (Brian)

Brian was a brilliant workawayer who fitted in so well to our household. He worked very hard during our busy summer season, always with a smile and an eagerness to learn and try new things. We miss him and hope he will come back again!

(Excellent )

28/10/2015

Left by host for Workawayer (Jacob & Laura)

Jacob and Laura stayed with us for around 5 weeks and fitted in in no time!
They were hard workers, keen to learn and try new things. They worked hard to transform our gardens which had run wild over the summer - we are so thankful!
They are very friendly, kind and lovely people to have around and we missed them after they had left!
We would… read more

(Excellent )

30/09/2015

Left by Workawayer (Jacob & Laura) for host

Our stay with Toyomi-san was the first stage of our visit to Japan and we couldn't have asked for a better introduction to the country. The work was varied and interesting, and we really felt like we learnt a lot from the experience. The level of hospitality (in particular the delicious Japanese food!) made us feel at home in this beautiful part… read more

(Excellent )

28/10/2015

Left by host for Workawayer (Marc)

Marc was a great help to us during his stay, managing to tame the rest of our very large garden before the cold weather sets in.
He is very relaxed and easy to get along with, fitting in well to our household. He is happy to try any job, never complains and we also enjoyed a some delicious cooking from him.
We would recommend Marc =)

(Excellent )

26/10/2015

Left by Workawayer (Marc) for host

I spent almost one month in arts and craft village, the experience was great, Toyomi-san and Polly made me feel like at home, they were always very kind.
The food was excelent and more was the company, I learned a lot about Japanese culture and also a little bit of webing.
During my stay my job was basicly gardening, helping in the kitchen or… read more

(Excellent )

05/06/2015

Left by Workawayer (Montse & Ismael) for host

Toyomisan and Yasan have made us feel very comfortable at their place. Our month with them was really nice, we could enjoy the nature and a very quiet atmosphere. The alternative rural Japan!
They really care about your staying and make sure that you feel good at the village.
The work is easy, we did natural farming, fed the chickens and cats,… read more

(Excellent )

15/12/2014

Left by Workawayer (LIYA) for host

I spent 6 weeks in Toyomi's place and it was a real pleasure and good experience. Toyomi san, Ya san, her assistant, friends and guests are all very kind, nice and interesting people.
I was very glad to meet them and learnt more about Japanese culture, foods and countryside life.
Toyomi san's place is located in a very rural place but you can… read more

(Excellent )

14/09/2014

Left by Workawayer (Adam) for host

Staying with Toyomi, her husband and a few other workawayers was a true pleasure. Athough I lived with them only for 3 weeks they straight away made me feel like a true member of the family. Their home is definately filled up with warmth, fun and good laugh.

Toyomi always makes sure that their helpers get a variety of tasks so no one here… read more

(Excellent )

23/08/2014

Left by Workawayer (Rakel) for host

I had a lovely stay with Toyomi and her family. The place is beautifully located in the countryside, and a lot of the food we ate came from our own garden. It's quite special getting to cook and eat vegetables that you yourself helped grow! In addition to farm work, I also got to try weaving, sewing and natural dyeing.

Toyomi's place has a… read more

(Excellent )

14/08/2014

Left by host for Workawayer (Isabelle)

Thanks a lot for staying here in the most cold time and leave nice paintings, Izabelle. Your arts are lovely and we all love it.
Your patients for painting in the cold place were amazing. There are much more space in the outside wall, if you like to paint in the future.
Thanks again!

(Excellent )

31/07/2014

Left by Workawayer (Isabelle) for host

I stayed 3 weeks at this village with Toyomi, her husband and 3 others volunteers. The winter here was (for me) very cold but I really appreciated to work for Toyomi for differents reasons :
- I could do a job related to my skills (art work and a little bit of french cooking), she gave me opportunity to do my first painting in wall,
- Toyomi is a… read more

(Excellent )

14/08/2014

Left by host for Workawayer (Oliver)

Thanks a lot for your stay and works, Oliver.
We all enjoy your company,your lovely cooking, sense of beauty and ballet lesson!
I am very much appreciate your design. I wish we can apply them to our items in some days.

(Excellent )

06/08/2014

Left by Workawayer (Oliver) for host

I spend two weeks here, but I wish I could have stayed longer!

This place is nothing less than amazing, if you like textile craft and gardening!

For me, as a fashion student, this place was amazing! I got to weave, spin and bundle yarn. I also did some patterns for Toyomi.

Her garden is very nice as well. It was nice to learn about the natural… read more

(Excellent )

27/05/2014

Left by host for Workawayer (Teresa )

Thanks Teresa,
Teresa was also very nice workawayer who always smile and very gentle.
She is willing to work and a nice cook and has a good skill of sewing.
We all can enjoy her company.
I hope you will come back again!

(Excellent )

16/05/2014

Left by Workawayer (Teresa ) for host

Arts & Crafts Village was my first Workaway experience and i couldn`t have asked for better. Toyomi-san is one of the best hosts you could have.

I´ve only stayed a month but it felt i´ve been living there for more.
In the beginning there wasn´t much work to do or festivals to go to and since you are far from the closest city it felt a bit… read more

(Excellent )

27/11/2013

Left by host for Workawayer (Kendall)

Thank you so much for your kind feedback, Ken chan,
ken chan is very cheerful nice guy and he has special talent with teaching and playing. With children! During the. Summer holiday we have many guests include small children, so it was very lucky to have him here.

(Very good )

24/11/2013

Left by Workawayer (Kendall) for host

I had the pleasure to stay with Toyomi-san this past summer. The village has a wonderful character that shows through all the work Toyomi and her husband have put into their renovated school over the past two decades. To call their home charming, would be an understatement. I enjoyed the stark contrast to my life in urban Tokyo; The forested… read more

(Excellent )

01/09/2013

Left by host for Workawayer (Angela)

We all enjoy to have Angela here.
Time had been so quick when she stayed here for it was special summer festival season!
She is very gentle and willing worker. Very intelligent and good cook.
Always smiling and make other people happy. Big thanks to Angela!

(Excellent )

30/08/2013

Left by Workawayer (Angela) for host

The three weeks I spent at the village were so amazing that time passed much quicker than I wished. Toyomi-san is one of the best hosts you can ever imagine. Every effort was made to ensure my stay was as comfortable and enjoyable as it can be. Accommodation and food were excellent.

Work was varied and interesting that it doesn't felt like work… read more

(Excellent )

12/08/2013

Left by host for Workawayer (Josephine)

I also enjoyed to have Josephine here. She is very lovely and a hard worker. Thanks a lot to help us. I hope you will come back again in the future, Josephine.

(Excellent )

10/08/2013

Left by Workawayer (Josephine) for host

The month I spent with Toyomi-san at her weaving school has been the experience of a lifetime.
There are lots of different kinds of work to do like serving guests who come to the workshops Toyomi-san holds or helping in the garden or in the permaculture fields. This place is also excellent if you are interested in old crafts like weaving and an… read more

(Excellent )

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Host ref number: 857594542578

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