Imagine a place where traditional Japanese way of life, Close to nature and sustainable work practices blend together. A place where you’ll learn to live with nature, rather than against it. That’s exactly what awaits you at our farm project in central Japan.
At the farm, you'll become part of a self-determined life, always with the goal of living in harmony with nature. The organization renovates old houses, cultivates land, plants trees, and in this way creates a wonderful, respectful and authentic place.
As a volunteer, you'll become part of this special lifestyle. You'll help sustainable agriculture, help maintain the grounds, and learn how to create a A Fulfilling Life in Nature offers. Your stay at our farm project isn't just work—it's an experience that grounds you, inspires you, and shows you just how much Freedom in a life close to nature.
The farm project focuses on an alternative way of life, on Close to nature, sustainable agriculture, Renovation of Traditional Houses and a simple, self-determined life. The property is nestled in the natural surroundings of Yamanashi and offers visitors and volunteers the opportunity to experience rural life and Japanese culture firsthand.
The project’s founder left behind his former life as a chemist and researcher to build a simpler and more fulfilling life. He moved to Yamanashi, renovated old houses, cultivated land, and founded the farm project as a place of learning and self-determination.
The project's vision is to show people how to live freely and independently by growing their own food and fostering artisanal skills. The project aims to raise awareness of sustainable lifestyles while preserving traditional Japanese culture.
On the farm grounds, there are Traditional Kominka Houses. These old Japanese houses are usually over 100 years They are old and were built using timber-frame construction. These are typical rural farmhouses and townhouses with distinctive roofs and an open floor plan. The project aims to preserve this cultural heritage and is restoring the houses.
With the goal of living in harmony with nature, the project focuses on sustainable agriculture, such as the cultivation of rice and other crops. Volunteers assist with farm work and the general upkeep of the grounds. They also help with renovation projects and interacting with visitors. Life on the farm is characterized by a simple, rustic lifestyle, with an emphasis on mutual respect and cooperation.
On the farm, hardly any two days are alike. The tasks at hand depend on the Season, the weather, the current work on-site, and the skills of the volunteers present. Since the project typically only accepts two to three volunteers at a time, you'll work in a small team and be closely involved in the day-to-day activities on-site.
One important area is providing support with daily agricultural work. Depending on the season, you’ll help with various tasks on the farm and work with the team to maintain the grounds. This may also include pruning trees, working with wood, and general farm work. Since many tasks take place outdoors, you should enjoy hands-on work and feel comfortable working in changing weather conditions.
Another focus is on the preservation and renovation of traditional Japanese country houses. For example, you can help with smaller Renovation work, help out with woodworking or craft projects. You don’t need to have all the necessary knowledge going in. According to the project, prior experience isn’t required. The tasks will be explained to you on-site and adapted to your skill level. What’s most important is an interest in hands-on work, a willingness to learn, and a responsible approach to using tools and materials.
Creative activities can also be part of your assignment. These include, for example, smaller Craft Projects, which involve using existing materials or crafting new items for the farm and the traditional houses. In addition, you can help organize and further develop the two project sites.
Depending on your interests and current needs, you can also Event Planning and Organization, assisting with visitor groups, or helping to further develop the website. This may also include organizational tasks and planning workflows at the project site. However, these tasks do not occur on a daily basis and depend on which projects are being carried out during your stay.
We expressly welcome your own ideas. If you have specific knowledge or experience—for example, in agriculture, woodworking, renovation, skilled trades, event planning, or website design—you can contribute these skills by arrangement. Working together with the project team, this can lead to new areas of responsibility that align with both your skills and the farm’s current needs.
The project centers on the principle of mutual support. You won’t just be working through individual tasks; you’ll become part of a communal, nature-centered daily life. This involves taking on responsibility, helping others with their tasks, and sharing knowledge with one another. At the same time, there should be plenty of opportunity to fully experience the simple life in the countryside, the surrounding nature, and life with the team and the other volunteers.
You normally work five days a week and have two days off. Your schedule includes about five to six hours of work per day. The typical daily schedule generally runs from around 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., but it also includes breaks and may vary depending on the season, the weather, and the tasks at hand. You’ll discuss your exact work schedule and the distribution of your days off with the project team after you arrive.
The farm is located near the city Hokuto, a peaceful region in Yamanashi Prefecture, surrounded by mountains, forests, and fresh air. The area is known for its Nature, hot springs and Traditional Japanese architecture.
The program site features an adventure area spanning about two hectares, situated in a secluded location surrounded by nature. There are rice paddies and farms, and visitors can grow crops there. Visitors can camp here and enjoy spending time in nature around a campfire.
Hokuto and the surrounding area are considered a rural region with a high quality of life. Many young people live in Hokuto itself; many of them are close to nature and prefer a lifestyle in harmony with the natural environment. Many of the residents share a close and trusting relationship characterized by safety, security, and mutual respect. This makes for a fulfilling life in the countryside.
The local amenities are excellent. Supermarkets, grocery stores, small cafés, local markets, and pharmacies are all within a five-minute drive. The larger city of Nirasaki is nearby, where you can run all your errands. The drive to Tokyo takes about two hours.
Highlights of the region include the breathtaking mountain landscapes, which are perfect for hiking and exploring nature. Hot springs, known as onsen, are also located nearby and are the perfect place to relax. Overall, the region offers many opportunities to experience and learn more about local Japanese culture.
You can travel from Tokyo by bus or train. By bus, it takes about 2 hours to reach the Chūōdō Akeno stop. From there, the project can pick you up for a fee. If you want to take the train, take the JR Chūō Main Line to Nirasaki Station. Depending on where you’re starting from in Tokyo, the trip takes about 2–3 hours. Project staff will also pick you up from the train station here for a small fee.
To participate in our farm project, you don't need any special prior knowledge or skills. What you should bring is an interest in nature and sustainable agriculture, as well as the Willingness to do physical work. You should also be open to a simple, somewhat rustic life in the countryside. If you’re curious to learn more about alternative lifestyles, want to gain deep insights into Japanese culture, and enjoy pitching in, then this farm project is just right for you.
To participate in the project, you should have a basic understanding of English be able to speak at a level where you can communicate and exchange ideas. This will allow you to contribute effectively and, above all, learn more about the project’s sustainable approach and its cultural context. If you already know a few Japanese phrases, that will further enhance your cultural exchange.
During your stay, you'll stay in traditional Japanese houses, known as Kominka, be housed. These are located on the farm grounds in a natural setting. You'll share a Common Room with a maximum of 3 volunteers. The furnishings in these traditional country houses are rather simple and limited to the essentials. The bathrooms are also shared and equipped with a composting toilet. The bathroom is heated with firewood. There is a washing machine available that you can use.
There is a communal kitchen on the project grounds that volunteers can use. There is a supermarket near the farm, and project staff can drive you there. This means, for example, that it’s easy to buy groceries even if you follow a vegetarian or vegan diet. Grocery prices depend on what you buy. On average, you can expect to spend 50–85 euros per week.
Wi-Fi is available on the project site.
In Japan, our contact person, Alejandro, is always available to offer you advice and support. He has been an integral part of our team since WanderWorld was founded in 2018 and knows our projects and partners inside and out. Alejandro is originally from Guatemala, but moved to Japan a few years ago to be with his wife, and from there he supports our volunteers throughout Asia.
Whether you have organizational questions, need travel tips, or have any other last-minute requests, Alejandro is here for you. You can reach him quickly and easily via WhatsApp or phone. He’ll also provide you with valuable insider tips on the most beautiful places, the best modes of transportation, and everything else that will make your time in Japan unforgettable.
Founder of Wanderworld Travel
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