Profile information
Host rating
80 %
Last replied
16 Jun 2025
Feedback
63
Email verified
Badges (3)
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Details
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.
From Dec to early March we close for the visitor.
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 a cat.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Help with Computers/ Internet
Interests
Self development
Sustainability
Politics / Social justice
Movies & TV
Farming
Culture
Music
Writing
Plant care
History
Gardening
DIY & crafts
Cooking & food
Carpentry
Books
Astronomy
Architecture
Art & design
Yoga / Wellness
Nature
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Please read the feed back what the previous volunteers say.
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.
Help
Volunteer help includes gardening, farming, maintenance, animal care and cleaning.
If you enjoy cooking you can also help with meals.
If you have a special skill as graphic design or carpenter, or Yoga teacher extra,,,
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.
From 2021, we run disabled people's day centre at the next door (old Nursery space) from Monday to Friday.
Where we also apply weavings or many nice craft works or gardening.
Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Japanese: FluentThis host offers a language exchange
If you have any interest to learn Japanese, I can teach.
Accommodation
Private or shared room in the main building.
Washing and kitchen facilities available.
There is free wifi in the buildings.
What else ...
We are VERY RuRAL, isolated with no public transport or shops around here.
Please read carefully about the information about the access below !
Please don't ask these question by mail!
The nearest JR station( Mimasaka-Oiwake) is 10 minutes by car, where we can pick you up and drop you off.
If you come from Okayama station, we can pick you up at Kamenoko station.
JR
Kamenoko station (Tsuyama line) is 30 min by car.
Mimasaka-Oiwake ( Kishin Line) rail station is 10 min by car.
+Access to us
Our closest highway bus terminal is Tsuyama , not Okayama. if you are coming from Osaka (~3 hour trip ¥3,000) * JR bus or Shinki Bus
If you will come from Tokyo, there is a night bus to Tsuyama.
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.
Okayama airport is 50 min by car.
+ Days Off
On volunteers' days off they like to visit Okayama City, Kurashiki , Katsusyama or Tsuyama city. There are also lots of beautiful places to walk and see around here.
We can drop you to nearest JR station.
* Weather
It is very cold here during the autumn and winter up to March.
* Wear and Boots
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
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
We have free wifi to offer you to work.
Space for parking camper vans
We have big parking space.
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
My animals / pets
Host ref number: 857594542578
Feedback (44)
28 Feb 2025
Left by Workawayer (Danielle) for host
During December I was able to help for 4 weeks at Arts & Crafts village and it was amazing. I have respect how Toyomi-san manages everything in and around Arts & Craft village and still finds the time to make sure that I’m taking care of. She was very kind and considering, for example cooked vegetarian dishes for me, took me along to all kinds of… read more
18 Jul 2024
Left by Workawayer (Monica & Marcelo) for host
Last month we were very lucky to have the experience of being hosted by Arts & Crafts and Anaguma. The place is beautiful and everyone is incredibly kind and respectful. Toyomi is very talented and generous and always made us feel welcome. It was our first experience as Workawayers and it couldn't be better. We greatly appreciated Japanese culture… read more
25 Nov 2023
Left by Workawayer (Sarah Maria) for host
I was able to spent 5 weeks during October to November at Toyomi-san's place. And well, to summarize my stay at the village in one word: wonderful!
First off Toyomi-san and everyone at her place is so welcoming and friendly. They always made sure I felt welcomed and included - for example inviting me to participate in events, showing me places and… read more
First off Toyomi-san and everyone at her place is so welcoming and friendly. They always made sure I felt welcomed and included - for example inviting me to participate in events, showing me places and… read more
Photos
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(4.8)
Cultural exchange:
(5.0)
Communication:
(4.9)
28 Feb 2025
Left by Workawayer (Danielle) for host
During December I was able to help for 4 weeks at Arts & Crafts village and it was amazing. I have respect how Toyomi-san manages everything in and around Arts & Craft village and still finds the time to make sure that I’m taking care of. She was very kind and considering, for example cooked vegetarian dishes for me, took me along to all kinds of… read more
18 Jul 2024
Left by Workawayer (Monica & Marcelo) for host
Last month we were very lucky to have the experience of being hosted by Arts & Crafts and Anaguma. The place is beautiful and everyone is incredibly kind and respectful. Toyomi is very talented and generous and always made us feel welcome. It was our first experience as Workawayers and it couldn't be better. We greatly appreciated Japanese culture… read more
25 Nov 2023
Left by Workawayer (Sarah Maria) for host
I was able to spent 5 weeks during October to November at Toyomi-san's place. And well, to summarize my stay at the village in one word: wonderful!
First off Toyomi-san and everyone at her place is so welcoming and friendly. They always made sure I felt welcomed and included - for example inviting me to participate in events, showing me places and… read more
First off Toyomi-san and everyone at her place is so welcoming and friendly. They always made sure I felt welcomed and included - for example inviting me to participate in events, showing me places and… read more
9 Oct 2023
Left by Workawayer (Workaway member) for host
I will always remember my stay at the Arts & Crafts Village. It was my first Workaway and I couldn't have imagined a more beautiful place. I would like to thank Toyomi-san and Kaho-san from the bottom of my heart for the great time they made possible.
I spent 4 weeks at the Arts & Crafts Village and the tasks were always varied and exciting. I… read more
I spent 4 weeks at the Arts & Crafts Village and the tasks were always varied and exciting. I… read more
9 Aug 2023
Left by Workawayer (Gordon) for host
Toyomi kindly took me as a volunteer at the last minute after a cancellation. I had a great time at the centre. It's a little remote without your own transport but Toyomi and Kaho always made sure I was happy and organised lifts if I needed to go anywhere. I mainly did some gardening, working on the grape plantation and spooling thread, which I… read more
18 Apr 2023
Left by Workawayer (Michèle) for host
Our stay at the Arts&Crafts Village was such a precious time, my boyfriend and I feel really grateful for it !
It was the perfect workaway. We did a great variety of task : gardening, working at the grapevines, cooking, etc. It was always very enjoyable, we never felt overworked (not at all!) and we got to learn more about permaculture. I also… read more
It was the perfect workaway. We did a great variety of task : gardening, working at the grapevines, cooking, etc. It was always very enjoyable, we never felt overworked (not at all!) and we got to learn more about permaculture. I also… read more
17 Jan 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Christophe & Hannah)
Christophe and Hannah spent with us for one month. They are so lovely couple, both are very hard working and cheerful. They never care dirty or hard jobs. We could enjoy good conversation and good meal together. They are both very good cook too. Christophe is an architect and a lots of experience and knowledge for repair or building work. so he… read more
(Excellent)
23 Dec 2022
Left by Workawayer (Christophe & Hannah) for host
Christophe and I had a great experience with Toyomi. We felt very quickly at home and welcomed by Toyomi and the others working there (Kaho and the others at Anaguma) and learned a lot about Japanese culture, food and history. We stayed for a total of 4 weeks and as winter was approaching, we did a lot of manual labour outside (weeding, taking… read more
28 Dec 2020
Left by Workawayer (Fiona) for host
This was my first Workaway, and it was the perfect experience! I stayed two weeks longer than planned because it was such a beautiful and interesting place.
Toyomi-san was so kind and generous, and the work was always varied and interesting: planting seeds and learning about natural farming, different cleaning and decorating jobs, hand-knotting… read more
Toyomi-san was so kind and generous, and the work was always varied and interesting: planting seeds and learning about natural farming, different cleaning and decorating jobs, hand-knotting… read more
26 Jun 2020
Left by Workawayer (Juan Pablo) for host
It was a really nice experience and discover the beautiful mountains of north Okayama. In my stay with Toyomi san, I could help with different maintenance tasks and also interesting small proyects like a wooden "japanese style" wall and a fence for Tama chan, the friend's goat pet, so I never got bored. Working in the wood workshop was an… read more
29 Sep 2019
Left by Workawayer (francescaromani) for host
My experience with Toyomi-san was great! I cooked a lot (I love cooking), fed the really funny chickens and I learnt how to weaving, dying with indigo plant and so much more things! I saw the countryside Japan and I liked so much.
The place is wonderful and all the people I met are so kind and welcoming. Amazing place!
Arigotou, Toyomi-san!
The place is wonderful and all the people I met are so kind and welcoming. Amazing place!
Arigotou, Toyomi-san!
16 Sep 2019
Left by Workawayer (Anthonia) for host
Nice countryside experience, ideal for plant lover like me ;) it is a bit isolated, but plenty of guests coming, so never boring! I had a great experience. And Toyomi is such a knowledgable woman, very interesting to talk with! The work is pleasant to do, varied, mainly gardening, cleaning, cooking. I made use of the yoga room, which was great,… read more
5 Sep 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
22 Jul 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
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 Dec 2018
Left by Workawayer (Allison) 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
7 Sep 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
23 Jun 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
8 Jun 2018
Left by Workawayer (Workaway member) 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
28 May 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
11 May 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
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
23 Dec 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
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 Dec 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
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
5 Dec 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
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 Nov 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
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
5 Dec 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
She is a… read more
(Excellent)
28 Nov 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
22 Oct 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
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
29 Jul 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
26 Jan 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Tom)
(Excellent)
22 Jun 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
The centre is located in a tiny… read more
26 Jan 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.
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)
4 Oct 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
26 Jan 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
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)
1 Nov 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
21 Sep 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
15 Aug 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
We had fun meeting the… read more
3 May 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
6 Jan 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Martin81)
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.
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 Dec 2015
Left by Workawayer (Martin81) 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
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
20 Dec 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
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
9 Nov 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
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 Oct 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
My intention was… read more
28 Oct 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 Oct 2015
Left by host for Workawayer (Jacob & Nicola)
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
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 Sep 2015
Left by Workawayer (Jacob & Nicola) 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
28 Oct 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 =)
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 Oct 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
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
5 Jun 2015
Left by Workawayer (IsmaelMontse) 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
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
15 Dec 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
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
14 Sep 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
23 Aug 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
Toyomi's place has a… read more
14 Aug 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!
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 Jul 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
- 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
14 Aug 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.
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)
6 Aug 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
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
27 May 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!
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 May 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
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
27 Nov 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.
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 Nov 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
1 Sep 2013
Left by host for Workawayer (yctangela)
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!
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 Aug 2013
Left by Workawayer (yctangela) 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
Work was varied and interesting that it doesn't felt like work… read more
12 Aug 2013
Left by host for Workawayer (Josephine_F)
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 Aug 2013
Left by Workawayer (Josephine_F) 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
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
