Information du profil
Évaluation d'hôte
80 %
Last replied
12 juin 2025
Feedback
13
E-mail vérifié
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Infos
Description
Come Join Our Winter Team in the Japanese Alps – 2025/2026 Season!
Please read our full profile and availability calendar before applying! We update our needs regularly, and while we usually host couples or travel buddies for 2–3 months, singles with a strong skill set are also welcome to apply.
Hi Workawayers! Thanks for checking out our profile and for being open to the idea of spending a season in the mountains of Minakami, Japan.
We run a unique coffee roastery guesthouse in a reimagined 55-year-old lodge nestled in the Tanigawa Valley — a beautiful, peaceful area of northern Gunma known for its onsens, rivers, and outdoor adventure. Unlike big-name ski resorts like Hakuba or Nozawa, our area is more Japanese in atmosphere and offers a deeper cultural experience at more accessible prices (but still with deep powder snow!).
Now Recruiting: Winter 2025/2026 Team
We’re currently putting together our winter crew and are especially looking for help from late December to late March. There may also be chances for some team members to stay longer depending on how the season evolves.
This is a great opportunity for people looking to spend the season in the snow while contributing to a creative, fun, and flexible small business. You’ll be a big part of the guest experience, while also having time to enjoy skiing, snowboarding, hot springs, local cuisine, and more.
We’d especially love to hear from people with skills or experience in:
• Hospitality or lodge/hostel work
• Coffee/barista experience
• Baking – sweet or savory (great bonus if you're into pairing with coffee!)
• Skiing/snowboarding – especially if you’re an instructor or keen to become one (we may be able to arrange a short instructor course)
• Driving – international license holders very welcome!
• Conversational Japanese ability is a plus, but not essential
About Us
We host a wide range of guests – from families and school groups to solo travelers and outdoor lovers. While we’re known for our specialty coffee roasted onsite, we also pride ourselves on creating a relaxed, welcoming environment that connects people with nature and the local community. This is a family owned business, we are a Japanese/Western couple, live permanently very close by (over 15 years) and have kids in the local school so can help you with a lot of information, connect you to the things that you want to learn, experience and enjoy in the local area.
The Work & Perks
The work schedule depends on bookings, but we keep it fair and flexible. You’ll have time to explore the region, hit the slopes, and relax in the many local onsens.
We offer:
• ¥1000/hour pay, flexible depending on skill-set, experience etc.
• Private/shared room (depending on who’s on the team)
• Electric-assist bikes
• Use of our lodge car (conditions apply)
• Great coffee, daily — roasted and brewed onsite and all food provided!
Whether you’re a couple, travel partners, or a solo traveler with a great attitude and solid skills, we’d love to hear from you.
Looking forward to a fun, snow-filled season together!
Types d'aide et opportunités d'apprendre
Jardinage
Bricolage et construction
Cuisine/repas pour la famille
Aide à la maison
Entretien général
Centres d’intérêt
Animaux
Histoire
Soin des plantes
Bricolage / artisanat
Jardinage
Cuisine et alimentation
Montagne
Sports d'aventure
Activités en plein air
Sports nautiques
Sports d’hiver
Nature
Camping
Randonnée
Cyclisme
Echange culturel et opportunités d'apprendre
There are many opportunities to meet with local people to learn about Japan and/or the language and to both learn a wide range of skills and to experience many cultural and outdoor activities. There are many short and longer term workshops on offer for artistic pursuits (sumie, paper making, traditional dying etc.) with excellent hiking, skiing, snowboarding, white water rafting, paddle boarding, canyoning, fishing, cycling and other outdoor activities available. Of course there are opportunities to learn more and contribute to your knowledge of coffee roasting and brewing.
L’hôte offre un salaire correspondant au salaire minimum
Cet hôte offre l'hébergement et une rémunération.
Aide
All helpers assist with cleaning guest rooms, bathrooms, common areas, and preparing the lodge for arrivals. Interaction with guests is a big part of the experience.
Depending on the season, tasks may include gardening, snow clearing, outdoor upkeep, basic breakfast service, or helping with guest activities. We also welcome those with skills in baking, barista work, carpentry, or arts and crafts.
Baking experience doesn't need to be professional—just a passion for making great pastries or baked goods. Barista helpers should have experience with espresso machines in a café setting. Those with carpentry or DIY experience may help with small building projects or renovations.
We prefer stays of 2 months or longer. Accommodation, utilities, Wi-Fi, and food are provided (conditions apply). We also have bikes, a car, and gear available for use with permission.
Langues
Langues parlées
Anglais: Courant
Japonais: CourantCet 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
All Workawayers are provided full accommodation with bedding, heating/cooling, utilities including WiFi staying in the building that you see in our profile. Generally you will have your own room, but may need to share a room with another Workawayer at peak times.
We have bicycles, a car and other outdoor equipment that Workawayers are able to borrow if certain conditions are met and do our best to ensure that our Workawayers are able to explore and enjoy the local area. Ideally Workawayers who are able to stay 2 months or more are preferred.
Autres infos...
There are many opportunities to meet with local people and to both learn a wide range of skills and to experience many cultural and outdoor activities. There are many short and longer term courses on offer for artistic pursuits (sumie, paper making, traditional dyeing etc.) with excellent skiing, snowboarding, white water rafting, paddle boarding, canyoning, fishing and other outdoor activities available. This area is the perfect location to enjoy many of the great things Japan has to offer.
Informations complémentaires
Accès Internet
Accès Internet limité
Nous avons des animaux
Nous sommes fumeurs
Familles bienvenues
Possibilité d’accueillir les digital nomads
We have a fast internet connection suitable to do any type of online work.
Espace pour garer des vans
Cet hôte a de la place pour les vans.
Combien de volontaires pouvez-vous accueillir ?
Plus de 2
Feedback (7)
Making the food for the cafe and the breakfast for the lodge guests was enjoyable and I got to do lots of cooking and… read more
Photos
Feedback
Ce sont des évaluations supplémentaires en option lorsque les membres laissent un feedback. La note moyenne pour chaque option est affichée.
Exactitude du profil:
(5.0)
Échange culturel:
(4.6)
Communication:
(5.0)
Making the food for the cafe and the breakfast for the lodge guests was enjoyable and I got to do lots of cooking and… read more
Your friends will be bears, snakes, hornets, leeches and monkeys. Apart from this animation, I did love my stay here. Looking at the mountain behind the lodge, never been bored of it.
Thank to Craig expectations ("flashy cakes"), I was able to bake cakes that I normally don't in my country, where I usually bake… read more
The cafe and traditional Japanese guesthouse is beautiful and in a stunning, secluded… read more
We had enough time off to… read more
I enjoyed every day with Craig, Rika and the kids. Definitely a time I don't want to miss! It felt like being part of the family! Doing a lot of activities together, show me the beautiful places minakami offers and support in the best possible way.… read more
