Profile information
-
Host rating
100 %
-
Last replied
11 Sep 2026
-
Reply rate
96.1 %
Usually responds within 5 days
-
Feedback
14
-
ID verified
-
Email verified
-
Host offers payment
Badges (4)
Find your perfect host
Min stay requested: at least 2 weeks
Details
-
Description
We are small, friendly business that started with one charming wooden ski chalet and expanded to add another 10 boutique guesthouses and apartments. We are looking for keen individuals to join our fabulous family of workers!
Most of our properties are nestled at the base of Madarao Mountain, in either Madarao village or the adjoining resort of Tangram, all in the stunning Japanese Alps of Nagano. One property is a 200-year-old traditional guesthouse retreat that has been lovingly restored to meet the needs of our discerning guests. This property is located at the base of Shiga Kogen with the famous Snow Monkeys just 5 minutes’ drive away!
On the bullet train, we're an easy 2 hours from Tokyo and less than 15 minutes from Nagano city - the home of the 1998 Olympics and the centre of a region rich in activities, culture, nature, temples and wonderful cuisine.
All our properties feature beautifully appointed spaces, quality furnishings, cosy lounges, designer fireplaces, Japanese ofuro bathtubs, plush carpet, eco-friendly products, and lovely Japanese art, crafts & photography - adding a cultural richness for both guests and staff to appreciate and enjoy.
We value dedicated staff who share a passion for Japan and genuine care for quality properties. As you'll be part of a close-knit team in a mountainous region, we welcome people with a collaborative, kind, adventurous spirit. We celebrate diversity and have zero tolerance for any form of discrimination or harm.
We take great care of our staff, offering training and orientation, excellent accommodation, responsive communications, and many other benefits. Our bilingual Japanese staff contribute significantly to your cultural immersion and learning experience during your time in Japan. -
Types of help and learning opportunities
Light gardening
Creative DIY projects
Help around the house
Light maintenance
-
Interests
Technology
Politics / Social justice
Sustainability
Movies & TV
Charity work
Plant care
Music
Art & design
Architecture
Cooking & food
Gardening
Languages
Photography
Writing
Animals
Sailing / Boating
Dancing
Beach
Team sports
Yoga / Wellness
Nature
Fitness
Camping
Winter sports
Mountain
Water sports
Outdoor activities
Hiking
Cycling
Adventure sports -
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
With our bilingual Japanese staff and friends, you will have the opportunity to learn about the culture and language of Japan. This is a unique opportunity for a truly enjoyable and adventurous working holiday experience!
-
Host offers payment in line with the minimum wage
This host offers accommodation and payment.
-
Help
Winter 2026-2027 positions filled!
AUTUMN POSITIONS AVAILABLE!
We have work available for a few very handy DIY people from mid Sept through November (numbers of weeks is negotiable but 2 weeks is strictly the minimum).
Preferably, you will have experience with trades (carpentry, mechanical, etc) and/or general construction and DIY tasks. We are after people who can demonstrate initiative, creative thinking, organisational skills and who would enjoy the challenge and excitement of joining a small team to help finish the renovation of a traditional Japanese residence! As this will be a mostly physical project, you must be fit, healthy and possess a reasonable level of stamina.
Ideally you are 26 years or over for vehicle insurance purposes, as you will have access to your own car. A Japanese or International Drivers Licence is essential for those who can drive.
We will be a small team so are looking for people who can demonstrate kindness, a positive attitude and appreciate the joys of Japan. We can almost promise you will love this working experience in one of the most gorgeous areas of the Japanese Alps in Northern Nagano - so we are after a lovely, skilled team of wonderful people!
Preferably we are after people who are already in Japan on a Working Holiday Visa or have residency. We can't accept any candidates without one or the other and we don't arrange working visas either.
Please let us know why you want to work with us and please also have your CV ready or send us a link so we can check it out. Please also clarify your visa and residency status while applying.
We review all applications. We take kindness seriously and if you apply properly we will definitely respond. For those that aren't eligible we probably won't be in touch and you can assume you are not successful for a position.
We wish you all the very best with your travels and finding positions in the coming months! -
Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Japanese: FluentThis host offers a language exchange
A big part of learning culture is learning language. With bilingual Japanese English speakers it is a great place to learn and improve on language skills -
Accommodation
You will enjoy a private bedroom, lovely staff living spaces with all essential products supplied. Bedrooms can be twins or doubles (for couples). You will have access to a kitchen, lounge, bathroom, WiFi, laundry, heating/cooling, linen, towels, utilities and supplies such as shampoo, toilet paper, etc. Some staples may be available but mostly you will be responsible for shopping and cooking yourself.
-
What else ...
In your time off you will be able to eat incredible food, see the famous snow monkeys, enjoy the warm local onsens, explore the region and so much more. You should have enough time to visit cities like Tokyo, Kanazawa, Nagano, Matsumoto or even Osaka and Kyoto. Some of the smaller towns in the region are the real drawcard though! Nozawa Onsen, Myoko, Shiga Kogen, Obuse, Shibu Onsen, and many others.
-
A little more information
-
Internet access
-
Limited internet access
-
We have pets
-
We are smokers
-
Can host families
-
-
Can host digital nomads
This host has indicated that they love having digital nomads stay.
-
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
Feedback (7)
From the moment we arrived, they made us feel welcome and comfortable. We had our own cozy studio and access to a very cute car, which gave us the freedom to explore the area. There are so many amazing places nearby, and we loved … read more
Emily joined us for a full season and was an absolute asset from day one. As our front of house, she was the face of the chalet — warm, welcoming, and consistently brilliant with guests. No request was too much trouble, and she had a natural ability to make everyone feel at home from the moment they arrived.
Beyond her … read more
Photos
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(5.0)
Cultural exchange:
(4.7)
Communication:
(5.0)
From the moment we arrived, they made us feel welcome and comfortable. We had our own cozy studio and access to a very cute car, which gave us the freedom to explore the area. There are so many amazing places nearby, and we loved … read more
Emily joined us for a full season and was an absolute asset from day one. As our front of house, she was the face of the chalet — warm, welcoming, and consistently brilliant with guests. No request was too much trouble, and she had a natural ability to make everyone feel at home from the moment they arrived.
Beyond her … read more
We had a very comfortable studio and free use of a … read more
Catrin's ability to maintain the … read more
Hannah's ability to maintain … read more
Joe's ability to maintain the … read more
He is loved by the guests and other staff.
He has an amazing attitude is a great problem solver, is honest, hard working and a crucial member of our team.
We are very lucky to have had him work with us and would welcome him back in a heart beat.
Brandon thank you for everything!
my one bit of advice if you are thinking on joining the team apply early Because you don't … read more
