Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
10 Jun 2026
Reply rate
97.7 %
Usually responds within 25 days
Feedback
12
ID verified
Email verified
Host offers payment
Badges (4)
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. You will also work with many people from around the world. This is a unique opportunity for a truly enjoyable, adventurous, rich, multi-cultural working holiday experience where lifelong friends will be made.
Host offers payment in line with the minimum wage
This host offers accommodation and payment.
Help
WINTER 2026-2027 POSITIONS!
We are beginning to accept applications for the WINTER 2026-2027 season. Please be patient with us during this time as we usually receive an overwhelming response.
All applicants MUST be available to work from MON 14 DEC at the latest (and arrive at least 2 days earlier to settle in) and commit to work until FRI 5 MAR (some staff may be able to finish on 28 Feb, depending on bookings and snow conditions).
Winter Housekeepers:
Detail oriented housekeepers with a commitment to maintaining gorgeous, clean, organized, and welcoming spaces. Our housekeepers need to love attention to detail ensuring a high standard of comfort and satisfaction. In this role, you’ll be responsible for tidying rooms, changing linens, restocking supplies, and maintaining inviting common areas. We focus on thoughtful service, so you’ll have time to pay attention to details and create a welcoming environment for our guests. If you’re organized, have a warm approach, and take pride in creating a cozy home-away-from-home, we’d love to have you on board! Ideally, you will have a Japanese or International Drivers Licence and be 26 years or over as this is the minimum age covered by our vehicle insurance.
Winter Snow Ops & Maintenance:
You must be 26 years or over as this is the minimum age covered by our vehicle insurance. A Japanese or International Drivers Licence is also essential as you will be transferring guests to/from accommodation and the stations.You will also keep the pathways clear of the metres of snow we get using the snow blowers, tractors and the humble shovel. You'll keep the wheels spinning on all vehicles, keep the cars and equipment sparkling clean and ensure the guest experience is at a perfect level. Anyone with mechanical skills will be highly regarded. You will also need to be a hand DIY person for general maintenance of our properties.
Please don't apply if you aren't eligible for a Working Holiday Visa in Japan or already have residency. We don't accept any candidates without one or the other and we don't arrange working visas either.
Here is a list of the countries who' citizens can apply... Australia, New Zealand, Canada, South Korea, France, Germany, United Kingdom, Ireland, Denmark, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Norway, Portugal, Poland, Slovakia, Austria, Hungary, Spain, Argentina, Chile, Iceland, Czech Republic, Lithuania, Sweden, Estonia, Netherlands, Uruguay, Finland, Latvia, Luxembourg, Malta, Italy.
Please let us know why you want to come to Japan and work in the ski lodge industry and what makes you perfect for the role. Please also have your CV ready or send us a link so we can check it out.
We will definitely 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 lovely staff living spaces with all essential products supplied. Bedrooms are generally twins/doubles. You will have access to a kitchen, lounge, bathroom, drying room, WiFi, laundry, heating/cooling, linen, towels, utilities and supplies such as shampoo, toilet paper, etc. Some food/staples may be provided 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
Our dining room is our office in the summer and many of our guests are digital nomads. We have fast internet and even have a fax machine if you need it :)
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
My animals / pets
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
Feedback (6)
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
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)
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
