Live & Help in Japan’s Beautiful Countryside

France

5

My stay with Nodoka and Yuna was truly incredible. They are kind, attentive, respectful, and professional—they really make you feel at ease. It's easy to chat, talk, and laugh with them, and thanks to them, you learn to discover the city and surrounding areas more easily. Each day, you know exactly what you have to do and how you're going to do it. The tasks are well-distributed, working hours are respected, and the assigned tasks are often quite simple to complete. The living space is comfortable and has everything you need to feel right at home. I truly had an amazing time and recommend.

2 months ago

Slovakia

5

Nodoka and Yuna are truly wonderful people! He is so kind, generous, and understanding (his English is great!), and she brings so much joy, laughter, and positive vibes. They genuinely care about volunteers' comfort and happiness. The work was light and never boring - cleaning their Airbnb, renovation of a future Airbnb and even some farm help. Sometimes they even treated us to lunch. Motoyama is peaceful and full of nature. We loved the BBQ nights so much! Another big plus was being able to use their car to freely explore the beautiful Shikoku island, just pay for the gas! Totally recommend!

3 months ago

United States

5

Our stay in Motoyama has been so nourishing. Our work trade opportunity, as artists, was to help beautify a future cafe space with a mural. So fun painting and contributing to their business. Work days are well organized. Our hosts are very kind, generous, respectful and have taken us with them to some amazing spiritual events/ceremonies that have truly resonated deeply with my heart and soul. I am so grateful. The nature continues to amaze me, so many unbelievable insects and butterflies, clouds, trees, clear blue waters. This place is a joy! Dōmo arigatō gozaimamashita

3 months ago

United States

5

Our stay in Motoyama at the the guest house was amazing! As artists, we had the opportunity to spend our entire stay painting murals on a new property they are renovating. Nodoka and Yuna are amazing people and were wonderful hosts. They both have excellent communication skills and always made sure we were comfortable. The japanese style bbq's we had were delicious, and we loved the adventures to Shinto shrines & Buddhist temples. Lovely people, peaceful nature, very grateful for the experience and would absolutely come back! Sugoi!:)

3 months ago

Nodoka replied

Your stay transformed a boring garage into a magnificent work of art. I have fond memories of having a Japanese-style barbecue and visiting a shrine with you. I'm glad you enjoyed your stay in the Japanese countryside.

Czech Republic

5

Staying here was an amazing experience. Nodoka and Yuna are the most kind, humble and supportive persons I've met. They really try to make your stay as enjoyable as possible. The work was simple - gardening, house cleaning or work on the new Airbnb accommodation. After work we went for a lunch which was a great surprise. Nodoka and Yuna also sometimes spent time with us (me and other volunteers). We did BBQ together, visited a shrine where they showed us a Japanese Shinto tradition with a ceremony that was done by a local priest. I enjoyed the life in the Japan countryside with the locals.

4 months ago

Australia

5

We had an incredible three and a bit weeks with Nodoka and Yuna in Motoyama! We loved living in the guest house sharehouse with the other volunteers and the work was really exactly as described and super flexible. We were given lunch every day we worked - quite often out at little restaurants. It is a fantastic experience to engage with the town's community and spend every day swimming in the beautiful clear river! Nodoka and Yuna are so friendly and welcoming and truly appreciate the work you contribute. It feels like a very fair exchange and made for a fantastic experience!

5 months ago

United Kingdom

5

Had a great time in Motoyama with our fantastic hosts! I was able to contribute some artistic skills for mural painting as my work which was great. We also got to use the staff car to travel to iya valley and surrounding areas. Nodoka-san even took us out to restaurants and cafes for our staff lunches which was so kind of him. Absolutely amazing experience we definitely want to come back again!

6 months ago

United Kingdom

5

Thank you both for the most amazing experience in Motoyama. We loved our time here, especially down by the river and being able to go explore to Iya valley. We enjoyed the work and the food. Wishing you all the best and would love to come again!

6 months ago

Hong Kong (Sar)

5

I really appreciated the opportunity to stay in Motoyama Town for a month. Kato and Yuna were superb hosts and very easy to communicate with. I learned a lot during this month, both through work and by experiencing the local culture. I truly felt at home here. If I hadn't decided to come, I think I would have regretted it. My stay in Motoyama has been one of the best travel experiences of my life. If I get the chance again, I wouldn't hesitate to come back in the future haha. In the end, I just want to say thank you again to Kato and Yuna, and I wish them all the best.

7 months ago

France

5

I spent a really good time here in Motoyama. This little town is surrounded by amazing nature and there's a beautiful lake behind the big dam nearby. Nodoka was really thoughtful and provided me with everything I needed to paint a mural. Even more than I needed. He speaks good English which allowed to have a smooth communication. Yuna, his rbnb partner is great too, very nice and speaks good English too. For other travellers: you will accommodate in a guesthouse with other volunteers, we are independent and Nodoka lives just 20 minutes away.

8 months ago

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