Help restore a 200-year-old farmhouse & co-create a retreat in rural Japan

Infos

• 

  Description

  Vegan & plant-based friendly!
  
  Hi, I’m originally from Tokyo, and these days I split my time between the city and the peaceful countryside of Nagano. After many years working in marketing and sales, I’ve decided to begin a new chapter – one that’s slower, more grounded, and hopefully a bit more meaningful.
  
  I’ve completely fallen for Nakagawa Village – a small, charming spot in Nagano Prefecture, officially recognised as one of the most beautiful villages in Japan.
  
  My dream is to breathe new life into an old kominka – a 200-year-old traditional Japanese farmhouse – and eventually turn it into a retreat and guesthouse: a place where people can reconnect with nature, experience local culture, and feel part of something real. But it’s not just about restoring an old house – it’s about creating a space for connection, creativity, and community.
  
  At the heart of this project – from creating something meaningful alongside Workawayers to building a sustainable business in the future – are values like preserving tradition, sustainability, and slow living.
  
  I hope this place will become a welcoming hub where people from around the world can experience the quiet magic of rural Japan, learn about local ways of life, and take part in a wider effort to revitalise the region – which, like many rural areas in Japan, is slowly disappearing due to depopulation.
  
  The business itself won’t launch until the house restoration is complete – which, if all goes well, should be by next spring 2026, though it may take longer as it’s a 200-year-old property and needs to be handled with care and respect.
  
  Once the business is up and running – or even during the mid to later stages of preparation – I plan to offer paid positions to those who are a good fit. So, if you’re a Workawayer who’s enjoyed the experience and would like to continue working together in a more professional capacity, there could be a fantastic opportunity for you down the line.

• 

  Types d'aide et opportunités d'apprendre

  Projets artistiques

  Aide avec des éco-projets

  Jardinage

  Bricolage et construction

  Aide dans une ferme

  Cuisine/repas pour la famille

  Aide à la maison

  Entretien général

  Aide informatique/internet

  Home sitting
• 

  Centres d’intérêt

  

  Dev. durable

  

  Végétarien ou végan

  

  LGBT+

  

  Ferme

  

  Jardinage

  

  Architecture

  

  Cuisine et alimentation

  

  Yoga / bien-être

  

  Montagne

  

  Nature
• 

  Echange culturel et opportunités d'apprendre

  This is a great opportunity to get a real feel for:
  
  ・Authentic rural life in Japan
  ・Japanese culture, history, and traditional architecture
  ・Hands-on farming and seasonal food
  ・How to find and renovate an akiya (vacant house)
  ・Teamwork, project planning, and building something from the ground up
  ・Everyday language tips, travel advice, and what it’s really like living in Japan – from a Tokyo local’s perspective
  
  If you’re thinking about living or working in Japan longer-term, I’m more than happy to share what I’ve learned and help you along the way.

• 

  L’hôte offre un salaire correspondant au salaire minimum

  Cet hôte offre l'hébergement et une rémunération.

• 

  Aide

  The project centres around restoring a 200-year-old kominka farmhouse (roughly 21,500 square feet in size) and preparing it for a new chapter as a retreat and guesthouse. The property sits on a vast piece of land, surrounded by beautiful mountains, bamboo groves, and farmland. It’s a truly special setting – peaceful, secluded, and full of character.
  
  There’s plenty to do here, and I really appreciate people who are proactive and happy to muck in wherever help is needed. Tasks might include:
  
  ・Carpentry, house repairs, and general DIY
  ・Gardening, farming, and landscaping
  ・Interior design and restoring traditional features
  ・Architecture or spatial planning
  ・Web design, social media, or videography
  ・Anything creative, hands-on, or simply lending a hand with whatever needs doing on the day
  
  Farmers (or aspiring ones!) are especially welcome, as there are several plots of farmland on site.
  If you’re interested in getting involved with farming in Japan, this could be a brilliant opportunity to learn, grow, and connect with the land 😊
  
  If you’ve got good communication skills, a collaborative spirit, and a real appreciation for nature, you’ll fit right in. Whether you’re good with tools, have a green thumb, or are simply keen to be part of something purposeful – what matters most to me is kindness, curiosity, and a genuine willingness to help build something meaningful together.
  
  The hourly wage is ¥1,000, though we’re happy to discuss a higher rate for those with exceptional experience or specialised skills.
  The usual schedule is 4 to 5 hours a day, around 4 days a week.
  We’re flexible with time off – just let us know if you need a break or have other plans.

• 

  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.
  
• 

  Hébergement

  You’ll be staying in the traditional kominka itself – a charming, well-kept Japanese farmhouse full of character and history. Some areas may still be under renovation as the project develops, but I’ll make sure your stay is comfortable, safe, and homely. Depending on how many people are staying, you may have a private room or share with other Workawayers.
  
  As for meals, basic plant-based ingredients will be provided, and you’re welcome to prepare your own food. We can also cook together from time to time if you like.
  
  If you need dairy products, feel free to bring your own. However, as I follow a plant-based lifestyle, I kindly ask that no meat or fish be cooked on the premises.
  
  Just a quick note: this is a non-smoking household, and a sense of cleanliness and tidiness is very much appreciated – especially as we’ll be sharing the space while the project is still taking shape. Thanks for your understanding!

• 

  Autres infos...

  During your time off, you’ll have the chance to explore this stunning part of Japan. Some nearby highlights include:
  
  ・Matsumoto – a historic castle town, about an hour away
  ・The scenic Kiso Valley, along the old Nakasendō trail
  ・Local onsen (hot springs), forest walks, and mountain hikes
  ・Peaceful rivers, traditional temples, and beautiful countryside views
  
  If you’ve got an international driving permit, I can lend you an electric bicycle or car (shared between Workawayers). Nakagawa is a calm and inspiring place – ideal for creativity, reflection, and reconnecting with nature.

• 

  Informations complémentaires

  • 

    Accès Internet

  • 

    Accès Internet limité

  • 

    Nous avons des animaux

  • 

    Nous sommes fumeurs

  • 

    Familles bienvenues

• 

  Possibilité d’accueillir les digital nomads

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

• 

  Combien de volontaires pouvez-vous accueillir ?

  Deux

Sécurité du site