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Description
Hi everyone,
my name is Birte, and I run an inn, a small and cozy pet-friendly lodge in Madarao Kogen.
After our very first season (2025–26), we’re excited to grow and improve, and we’re looking for 2–3 motivated team members to join us for the upcoming winter season!
We are a German/Filipino-run lodge and the only pet-friendly accommodation in the area, so animal lovers are very welcome (⚠️ but please note this may not be suitable for people with allergies).
Madarao has a really special vibe—an international ski community where everyone supports each other. It’s one of the reasons we chose to stay here.
Our lodge has:
17 rooms (up to 45 guests)
A mix of Western beds & traditional tatami rooms (ryokan style)
A friendly, social atmosphere
We also have a rescue dog 🐕 named Okuchi (means “big mouth” in Japanese—but she’s actually very sweet).
Location Perks
International ski resort
Strong local community vibe
Easy access to Tokyo (about 2 hours)
A Small Note
We’re still new, and not everything is perfect yet—but we’re putting a lot of heart into this place. We’re looking for people who bring good energy and want to help make the next season even better.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
House & pet sitting
Interests
Charity work
Self development
LGBTQ
Pets
Sustainability
Vegetarian or vegan
Books
Drawing & painting
DIY & crafts
Animals
Adventure sports
Mountain
Dancing
Fitness
Nature
Hiking
Cycling
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
We love hanging out after work, riding together, sharing meals, drinks, games, or just relaxing and connecting with the local and international community in Madarao.
You’ll learn hospitality, lodge operations, breakfast prep, ski/snowboard rentals, and life in a kind of rural Japan.
We’re excited to learn from your culture, experiences, and perspective, sharing ideas, stories, and making this season fun for everyone.Host offers payment in line with the minimum wage
This host offers accommodation and payment.
Help
Your tasks will vary, but mainly include:
Guest check-ins & general guest support
Breakfast preparation & light cooking
Cleaning rooms & common areas
Rental service (ski/snowboard gear)
Snow shoveling (with help of a tractor )
Trash collection & sorting
Shopping runs (driver’s license is a BIG plus)
If you can teach skiing or snowboarding, that’s a nice extra!
What We Offer:
Hourly wage starting at minimum wage, with opportunities for increases based on performance
Free breakfast
Accommodation:
1 private staff room
1 shared staff room (2 pax)
A Ski pass
A fair schedule so everyone has time to ride and enjoy the season
A fun, social, and supportive environment (not just something we copied from the internet, promise)
Languages spoken
German: Fluent
English: Fluent
Japanese: Intermediate
Tagalog: Beginner
Accommodation
We provide free accommodation for all staff:
Private room: futon style
Shared room: 2 beds
Both rooms have storage space for your clothes
Washing machine available for your use
The lodge is just a 9-minute walk to the ski slopes, so it’s easy to get on the snow.
Meals
Breakfast is included! We serve the same buffet as our guests, which is mostly plant-based, so people on a special diet are very welcome.
What else ...
During your time off, there’s plenty to explore in Madarao Kogen and the surrounding area:
Hit the ski slopes or snowboard right nearby (just a 9-minute walk!).
Explore local towns, restaurants, and cafés.
Take a day trip to nearby Myoko, Nozawa, or even Tokyo.
Enjoy nature walks, hot springs, or relaxing in the mountains (personal tip: the stargazing here is incredible!).
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
We’ve hosted digital nomads before, so as long as your tasks at the lodge get done, you’re free to work remotely. Wi-Fi is available, and you can balance your work with enjoying the mountains and ski slopes.
Space for parking camper vans
Campers are welcome! We have parking space for motorhomes or tents. Please note that when we host bus tours, you may need to temporarily relocate your vehicle for that weekend.
Can possibly accept pets
We love welcoming pets, but there are a few requirements: Your pet must be able to walk stairs (one staff room is on the second floor, another in the basement) You must bring your own pet bed and food bowls We’re happy to host dogs and cats that are friendly and well-behaved
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
My animals / pets
Okuchi
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