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Design, Refurbish, Paint, and Build.

The experience

Sanuki PLH is a school and community center in Sanuki, Kagawa. We aim to revitalize Kagawa's countryside by incorporating more English lessons and foreign culture. If you are passionate about teaching English, cooking, DIY projects, and social media marketing, then please apply. We’d love for you to contribute to our project.

What you offer

25 hours of help per week

Arts: Help with painting, graffiti, sculpting or drawing.

Painting & Decorating: Help with painting or decorating the property facilities.

Building & Repairing: Help with a wide range of repairs or building.

What you get

2 days off per week

Private Room: You will have a bed in a private room. In other words, a room just for you.

Shared Dorm: You will have a bed in a shared room, which means you will share the same room with other travelers.

Breakfast: You are entitled to a free breakfast, every day of your stay.

Lunch: You are entitled to a free lunch, every day of your stay.

Free Laundry: You can use our laundry room freely.

Free Parties: Get free entrance for the best parties in town.

Free Events: Get free entrance for the best events in town.

Bikes at your disposal: You can use our bikes any time you want.

Language lessons: Take free language classes at our place.

Use our equipped kitchen: Feel free to use our kitchen and make your own delicious food.

Fast Internet Access: High-speed internet for you to work remotely

Dedicated Workspace: Specific space for you to work remotely

Requirements

Fluent English or Beginner Japanese

Over 19 years old

Welcomes solo volunteers, couples, and partners of volunteers

Travel insurance

What's not included

Flights, Travel Insurance, Internal Transportation and Visa

Program Details

Our project brings together international volunteers to revitalize abandoned Japanese homes (akiya) and rural spaces, using hands-on renovation, art, and design to strengthen the countryside. We operate out of a previously abandoned school building, now restored and repurposed as a creative and community hub. From this base, we work on refurbishing unused houses and public spaces, transforming them into welcoming environments that blend traditional architecture with contemporary artistic expression.

Volunteers participate in DIY renovations, wall painting, mural creation, and creative design projects, helping reimagine neglected spaces as places of connection and inspiration. Alongside physical restoration, the project emphasizes cultural exchange through language learning, shared meals, and community events, encouraging meaningful collaboration between international participants and local residents.

Located amid rice fields, mountains, and quiet countryside, life in Kagawa offers a slower, community-centered alternative to urban Japan. With bicycles available and cars for rent, volunteers can easily explore the surrounding area and project sites. By contributing to rural revitalization, participants help address the challenges of population decline and urban migration while experiencing a unique blend of nature, creativity, and cultural exchange that leaves a visible and lasting impact.

Activities & Shift

DIY Renovations of the school and community houses.

Painting and mural projects.

Design and building

Video and photography for content creation

Cooking and maintenance of the school.

Event planning and facilitation.

Rules

Volunteers must enter and remain in Japan with an appropriate visa.

Respect for local culture, community members, and shared spaces is essential.

Basic physical ability is required (lifting, using handtools, painting, working outside)

Volunteers must follow safety instructions at all times.

Alcohol consumption during volunteer hours is strictly prohibited.

Have an open mind and motivation to support our project.

Be respectful and kind to other volunteers and staff.

Work with a professional attitude.