Japan – Otaki Village Agriculture

Japan offers an amazing mix of traditionalism and modernism. From traditional villagers who sleep on tatami mats to the modern city-dwellers of Tokyo, Japan is rich with culture.

This program takes place in the traditional village of Otaki, in the mountainous Nagano Prefecture in central Japan. This region is where the 1998 Winter Olympics were held, and is home to many ski resorts, hot springs, parks and beautiful mountain landscapes, including Mt. Ontake, Japan’s second-highest volcano. The village offers a glimpse into traditional Japanese life, with its historic shrines, family-run farms, and deep cultural traditions. During winter, the region attracts visitors for skiing and snowboarding, while summer provides opportunities for hiking and exploring the countryside.

Volunteers will have the chance to visit local hot springs, trek through the mountains, and experience authentic Japanese hospitality. Pilgrims also visit the area’s sacred sites, drawn by its vibrant spiritual heritage. Despite its rural setting, the village has basic amenities, including small shops and an ATM.

About the Program
The program supports traditional agriculture in Otaki Village, where an aging population relies on volunteers to help maintain farms. As young people migrate to cities, small farms struggle to keep up with demand. Volunteers play a crucial role in preserving local farming traditions while engaging in cultural exchange with the community.

About the Volunteer Tasks
Volunteer tasks vary by season. During spring, summer and fall, most tasks will take place outside and involve fieldwork. During winter months, tasks will be mainly indoors and will focus on the conservation of the harvest and handicrafts. The village families are very traditional and treasure their Japanese culture. They are eager to share their traditions and customs with volunteers, so cultural exchange is also a large part of this program.

Spring, Summer, and Autumn:

• Engage in outdoor farming tasks, including planting, fertilizing, and plowing fields.
• Maintain crops by protecting them from wildlife such as monkeys and wild boars.
• Assist with harvesting seasonal produce and general field maintenance.
• Expect to work 2-5 hours per day, usually starting in the early morning when temperatures are cooler.

Late Autumn:

• Shift to indoor activities such as processing harvested crops, preparing meals, and crafting traditional goods.
• Help local farmers with snow removal and other seasonal tasks.
• Indoor work typically lasts 2-4 hours per day, providing a slower-paced but meaningful experience.

A Typical Day
Mornings begin with optional farm chores, followed by breakfast with other volunteers. The main work session includes fieldwork, food preparation, or seasonal indoor tasks. After a lunch break, activities continue, often shifting to cultural experiences such as tea ceremonies or origami workshops. Evenings are relaxed, with shared meals and social time in the village.

Note: Schedule may be subject to changes based on weather, local factors, and unforeseen circumstances.

Internet: Wi-Fi is available in public areas.

Laundry: Volunteers should be prepared to wash their clothes by hand.

Accommodations: Volunteers will experience traditional Japanese living fully. Volunteers stay in shared, single-gender dorms with up to seven others per room in a local traditional Japanese homestay. Expect shared bathrooms and Japanese-style bedding with tatami mats on the floor. While hot showers and Western-style toilets are available, there’s no air conditioning, indoor heating, or fans. Bring warm clothes for cooler nights. Accommodations are approximately 10-25 minutes outside the village by car, ensuring an immersive local experience.

Food: Three meals per weekday are provided, and two meals on weekend days are provided. Traditional Japanese meals are provided, typically including rice, vegetables, and locally sourced ingredients.

• Basic level of English
• Minimum age is 21.
• We may consider mature volunteers (18 or older) with experience traveling in countries that have language barriers for exceptions.
• Police clearance
• Interest in traditional Japanese culture

Besides volunteering, the program organizes various cultural and outdoor activities throughout the week, offering volunteers a well-rounded experience of traditional Japanese life. Depending on the season, volunteers can join guided activities such as tea ceremonies, origami workshops, kendo (Japanese sword fighting), and learning the art of Japanese paper-making. The program also arranges visits to natural hot springs, local shrines, and scenic viewpoints. Outdoor adventures include trekking through the mountains, spotting wildlife, and exploring sacred waterfalls.

During free weekends, and at their own expense, volunteers can explore some of Nagano’s top attractions. Highlights include visiting Onsen hot springs, the Snow Monkey Park, where wild monkeys soak in natural hot springs, and various ski resorts, including those that hosted the 1998 Winter Olympics. Cultural sites such as Matsumoto Castle and the historic Zenkoji Temple offer a deeper glimpse into Japan’s history. With a mix of structured activities and free time, volunteers can fully experience the beauty and culture of Otaki Village and its surroundings.