Help restore a traditional Japanese farmhouse and build a small farm in rural Nagano, Japan

Infos

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  Description

  Hello, I’m originally from Tokyo. After many years of city life, I’m now beginning a new chapter — one that is slower, more grounded, and closer to nature.
  
  My main project is the restoration of a traditional kominka (Japanese farmhouse) built in the Edo period, located in a rural area of southern Nagano Prefecture that is officially recognised as one of Japan’s “Most Beautiful Villages”.
  
  In time, I hope to develop this place into a farmhouse retreat that brings together hospitality, cultural exchange, and small-scale farming. My aim is to create a calm and welcoming space where people can enjoy seasonal food, connect with the land, and experience the rhythms of everyday rural life in Japan — a place where they can reconnect with a simpler, more mindful way of living. At the same time, I want to honour the traditions, way of life, and sense of community that are deeply rooted in this area.
  
  I also plan to grow vegetables, fruit trees, and flowers on the farmland within the property. Through these activities, I hope to share the richness of the changing seasons and the quiet beauty of a life shaped by the land.
  
  Looking ahead, I would like this project to grow into a sustainable business that can make a positive contribution to the village and the surrounding area. I hope it will help support the local economy, encourage new connections and exchange, and engage with the social and regional challenges that many rural communities face. At the same time, I believe places like this still hold a great deal of untapped beauty, potential, and opportunity.
  
  Although the project is still in its early stages, what I hope to create is more than just a place for people to visit. I want it to become a warm and inspiring hub where people can experience the beauty of rural Japan, connect with the local community, and become part of a wider effort to support and revitalise a village facing the challenge of depopulation.
  
  For me, this project is not simply about restoring an old house. It is about preserving a way of life, nurturing meaningful connections, and carefully carrying something thoughtful and lasting into the future.

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  Types d'aide et opportunités d'apprendre

  Jardinage

  Bricolage et construction

  Aide dans une ferme

  Aide à la maison

  Entretien général

  Garde de maison et d'animaux
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  Centres d’intérêt

  

  Dev. durable

  

  Végétarien ou végan

  

  LGBT+

  

  Ferme

  

  Jardinage

  

  Architecture

  

  Cuisine et alimentation

  

  Yoga / bien-être

  

  Montagne

  

  Nature
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  Echange culturel et opportunités d'apprendre

  This is a great chance to get a real feel for:
  ・Everyday rural life in Japan (the pace, the seasons, and local customs)
  ・Japanese culture and history — especially traditional architecture through the kominka restoration
  ・Hands-on farming, seasonal growing, and simple plant-based meals using local produce
  ・What it’s actually like to find, manage, and renovate an akiya (vacant house) in Japan
  ・Teamwork, planning, and building a project from the ground up
  ・A practical look at small-business thinking — including marketing, and community-based tourism
  ・Practical Japanese language tips, local etiquette, and day-to-day life in Japan — from a Tokyo local’s perspective
  
  If you’re considering living or working in Japan longer-term, I’m happy to share what I’ve learned and point you in the right direction.

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  L’hôte offre un salaire correspondant au salaire minimum

  Cet hôte offre l'hébergement et une rémunération.

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  Aide

  As the project is still in its very early stages, the work will be varied and quite hands-on. I’m also still in the process of figuring out the best way to move things forward and bring ideas to life.
  
  Because of that, I’m hoping to work with someone who takes initiative, brings ideas and suggestions, and is happy to help lead tasks or small projects when needed. I’m really looking for someone who approaches this with a proactive and professional attitude, rather than treating it as just casual volunteering or a part-time job.
  
  Typical tasks may include:
  
  • Helping with farm preparation, soil work, sowing seeds, planting seedlings, mowing, and harvesting. Farmers — or aspiring farmers — are especially welcome, as there are several plots of farmland on site. If you’re keen to get involved with farming in Japan, this could be a brilliant opportunity to learn, practise, and really connect with the land 😊 If you have any knowledge of, or hands-on experience with, natural farming methods, that would be especially welcome.
  • Experimenting with natural farming methods
  • Gardening and basic landscaping (experience is a plus, but a proactive, learn-by-doing attitude matters just as much)
  • DIY and building projects around the property (you may sometimes work alongside local architects or builders, so a genuine interest in traditional Japanese architecture and history is a big plus)
  • Building simple wooden fences and raised garden beds
  • Light carpentry, minor repairs, and general hands-on help around the house and land
  • Cutting back bamboo, general outdoor maintenance, and bamboo harvesting
  
  From time to time, I may also ask for help with other general tasks, depending on the season and what needs to be done.
  
  We’re looking for someone who (must-have):
  
  • Already has a valid residence status in Japan that allows them to live and work here legally (for example, a work visa, working holiday visa, spouse visa, or permanent residency)
  • Is not simply travelling around Japan and looking for free accommodation
  • Is calm, reliable, and able to live independently, with good communication, time management, and cleanliness
  
  A great fit if you (nice-to-have):
  
  • Have previous work experience and/or experience living independently over the long term
  • Prefer a quiet lifestyle — this is not a party-type stay
  • Value meaningful connections and are open to building a long-term relationship
  •Have an entrepreneurial mindset and enjoy taking initiative
  • Are genuinely interested in living and working in Japan in this kind of field
  
  Pay & schedule
  
  • Hourly rate: ¥1,000 (I’d be happy to offer a bit more for someone with exceptional experience or specialised skills)
  • Hours: Usually 4–5 hours a day, around 4 days a week. This can vary a little depending on the season and what needs doing, so we can discuss more or fewer hours together.

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  Langues

  Langues parlées
  Anglais: Courant
  Japonais: Courant

  Cet hôte propose un échange linguistique
  Cet hôte a indiqué qu’il souhaitait faire partager sa propre langue ou en apprendre une nouvelle.
  Contactez-le pour en savoir plus.
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  Hébergement

  You’ll be staying in the kominka itself — a traditional Japanese farmhouse that’s well cared for and full of character and history. As the project is still in its early stages (and renovation hasn’t fully started yet), some areas may be a bit rough around the edges or under renovation from time to time. I’ll do my best to make your stay as comfortable as possible, and I’d really appreciate it if you could also enjoy that “in-progress” side of the experience. You’ll have your own private room.
  
  Facilities (current setup):
  • A temporary kitchen (I’m planning to install a new kitchen area in May)
  • One proper bathroom, shared with up to two others (I’m hoping to add a second bathroom later this year)
  
  Meals: Basic plant-based ingredients will be provided, and you’re welcome to cook for yourself. We can also cook together now and then if you’d like. If you need dairy, feel free to bring your own. That said, as I’m vegan and live a plant-based lifestyle, I kindly ask that no meat or fish be cooked on the premises.
  
  House Rules:
  We’re a non-smoking household. Cleanliness and tidiness are really appreciated — especially as we’ll be sharing the space while the project is still taking shape.

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  Autres infos...

  During your time off, you’ll have the chance to explore a beautiful part of rural Japan. This village itself is calm, peaceful, and inspiring — ideal for creativity, reflection, and reconnecting with nature.
  
  Nearby highlights include:
  
  ・The Ina Valley and Southern Shinshu (Nagano) — wide-open countryside, small towns, farm landscapes, and brilliant views of the Central / Southern Alps
  ・The scenic Kiso Valley, including stretches of the old Nakasendō trail and the historic post town of Narai-juku
  ・Local onsen (hot springs), forest walks, and mountain hikes
  ・Peaceful rivers, traditional temples and shrines, and classic countryside scenery
  
  Getting around / transport:
  Public transport is limited here, so having access to a car is by far the easiest way to explore. For groceries and basic errands, we’ll usually go together by car. If you’d like to take day trips on your days off, we can sometimes give you a lift to a nearby station or drop you off at a convenient point (the nearest JR station is about a 35-minute walk). If needed, we can also consider providing an e-bike, depending on availability. For someone who becomes involved longer-term in the project, we may also be able to discuss arranging a car via leasing in the future, depending on the situation.
  
  Important:
  Please read the full description before applying.
  To make sure we’re on the same page, please start your message with “I read everything.”

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  Informations complémentaires

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    Accès Internet

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    Accès Internet limité

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    Nous avons des animaux

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    Nous sommes fumeurs

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    Familles bienvenues

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  Possibilité d’accueillir les digital nomads

  Cet hôte a indiqué qu’il aimait accueillir les digital nomads.

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  Espace pour garer des vans

  Cet hôte a de la place pour les vans.

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  Combien de volontaires pouvez-vous accueillir ?

  Un

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  Mes animaux

  

  Charlie

  5 year old tibetan terrier
  

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