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Versatile Helper Wanted in Rural Hokkaido – Eat Well, Live Local

5.0
(46 reviews)46

The experience

We’re on the lookout for some helping hands to jump into a variety of tasks—everything from grass cutting and wood splitting to painting, cleaning, and whatever else the season brings.

This summer, we’ve got big plans: clearing out an old chairlift station to transform it into a snow CAT garage, prepping a hotel for opening, and helping organize a fun-filled summer camp for kids.

There’s always something happening, and we’ll do our best to matc

What you offer

25 hours of help per week

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.

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

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.

Dinner: You are entitled to a free dinner, every day of your stay.

Discounts on Parties: Get discounts at nearby parties and clubs.

Discounts on Tours: Get discounts for tours and excursions around town.

Discounts on Accommodation: Get discounts for your stay in other hostels.

Free Laundry: You can use our laundry room freely.

Free Tours: We’ll take you on tours and rides around town. For free!

Free Hiking Tours: We’ll take you on excursions and hikes around town. For free!

Get free drinks or beverages.: Drink up! Get free and tasty drinks for yourself.

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.

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

Requirements

Beginner English or Beginner Japanese

Between 20 and 60 years old

Welcomes solo volunteers, couples, and partners of volunteers

What's not included

Flights, Travel Insurance, Internal Transportation and Visa

Program Details

Just 50 minutes from world-famous Niseko—but far from the tourist crowds—Iwanai is a hidden gem with a vibe all its own. Picture cozy nights, killer views, delicious meals, and friendships that last way longer than your stay.

We’re on the hunt for energetic, hands-on, all-around legends who aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty and try something new. Whether it’s construction, backcountry skiing, adventure tourism, marketing, maintenance, or whipping up something tasty in the kitchen, there’s always something going on.

Been on the road a while and itching to sink your teeth into a real project? Want to unplug, connect, and live a little wild? This might just be your place.

Fair warning: life on the mountain can be rugged (in the best way). It gets chilly at night, the house is off the grid, and yeah—you might share space with a few bugs or a curious fox. But if you’re up for the ride, we promise it’ll be an adventure you won’t forget.

Activities & Shift

We offer a flexible 25-hour work week and are happy to accommodate those working remotely or managing other commitments, such as studies or part-time work.

Our accommodation is equipped with high-speed fiber optic internet, making it easy to stay connected. A typical workday runs from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, giving you the rest of the day to relax or explore the area. However, we’re open to adjusting the schedule—whether that means starting earlier or working longer days to free up longer weekends.

Once you've completed your 25 hours for the week, you're free to enjoy the rest of your time as you wish.

Rules

WA – The Spirit of Harmony

“WA” is a core concept in Japanese culture, often translated as harmony. It reflects the value of peaceful unity and mutual respect within a group, where maintaining a harmonious community is prioritized over individual interests.

As part of our shared living space, we kindly ask everyone to be mindful of their surroundings and considerate of their housemates. Please pitch in with cleaning, cooking, and keeping shared areas tidy—being a thoughtful roommate helps everyone enjoy their time here.
Your Role

Volunteers are expected to contribute the agreed-upon number of hours discussed before arrival. If you're ever asked to help beyond that, we’ll do our best to compensate with additional time off.

Consistency and reliability matter. Volunteers who regularly show up late, cut corners, or don’t use their time productively may be asked to leave the program.
Departures

Before you leave, please:

Clean your room and bed linens

Take all of your belongings with you – we don’t need anything left behind

Notify a staff member as early as possible if you need to adjust your departure date

Weekday departures (morning or evening) are preferred, as staff are usually off on weekends.