🌊 – Help Us Build Our New Wall!

Spain

5

This was my first volunteer experience, and it was a wonderful experience. Chris is a great guy, and his family is lovely; they treated me like a member of the family. The tasks were varied, a lot of work, but the effort was worth it (I can't wait to go back and enjoy the hotel I was renovating with Chris). P.S. Good luck with your projects! I wish you the best! ✌️😎

about 1 month ago

Japan

5

Great

about 1 month ago

Germany

5

Elm is a nice voulenteering spot. The work is very versatile you da bit of everything. Chris and his family are good people. Also there is a lot to explore around the area. I recommend trying all the onsens and Teamlab rice terraces

about 2 months ago

Germany

5

I truly enjoyed my stay here and will always look back on it with a smile. Right from the very beginning, I felt welcomed as part of the family, which made the experience incredibly special. The place is full of life, exactly what I was looking for. The work was varied and rewarding, ranging from gardening, painting, organizing, and building to simple household tasks. We were provided with plenty of food—but some of my best memories come from the dinners and BBQs we shared together. I'm deeply grateful for the opportunity and all the amazing people I had the chance to meet.

3 months ago

Australia

5

I had a really fun experience at ELM. The host Chris is super energetic and always looking to have a laugh. The work is varied depending on what's happening at the time. Chris looked to tailor individuals tasks based on their interests and skill set so communicating such to Chris is important if you want to get the most out of your experience. Chris's family are beautiful and a pleasure to be around. The food provided is great and the accommodation is cozy. Chris also looked to give us more than just the work experience, trying to line up events and tickets for the vollies. Much love 💜✌️

3 months ago

asami replied

Thank you so much, Alex! It was such a pleasure having your positive energy and great attitude here at Elm. We really appreciate how you embraced the experience and connected with our family and the other volunteers.

I’m glad you enjoyed the variety of tasks, the meals, and the cozy space—and it means a lot to hear you felt supported and encouraged during your stay. You’re always welcome back anytime.

Much love back to you!
Chris & Asami
Elm on the Beach

Russia

5

Living the countryside life at Elm on the Beach in Ibaraki - helping to renovate a traditional Japanese house and taking care of dogs, cats, and chickens right on the Pacific coast - was a special and beautiful experience. Visiting the local committee promoting regional development was definitely a highlight. Thank you for having me!

4 months ago

asami replied

Thank you so much, Maria! We’re really glad you enjoyed your time living the countryside life with us here in Ibaraki. You brought such a great energy to our team, and we appreciated all your help with the animals, renovations, and community events. The local committee was also happy to meet you!

You’re welcome back anytime. Wishing you all the best on your next adventure!
Chris & Asami
Elm on the Beach

Mexico

5

During my stay I felt welcomed, the work was easy, accomodations were cozy. View on the beach are incredible! Overall I had a good time!!!!

5 months ago

asami replied

Thank you for your kind words, Carlos. We’re glad you felt welcomed and enjoyed the peaceful setting by the beach. Although you weren’t able to fully volunteer due to your health, we hope your recovery is going well and that you’re feeling better now.

We always try our best to communicate changes, and we’re sorry the timing didn’t allow us to meet in person.

Take care,
Chris & Asami
Elm on the Beach

Mexico

5

Thank you Chris, Asami, Mayumi and family for taking care of me. This is second time I spent with them. Nothing but to say that I didn't mention already on my first review. We were able to finish the painting of the house! I hope i get the chance to see you all again.

5 months ago

Mexico

5

I am very grateful to the host and his family for having welcomed me with open arms. I don't think the experiences I lived will be repeated. I saw incredible places, and amazing people and I truly felt like I was in a family environment. I also thank the other volunteers for having helped me adapt. Without a doubt, I left a family in Kitaibaraki, and I hope to return. I am not the same person who arrived as the one who left.

5 months ago

asami replied

Thank you so much, Akira, for your beautiful words. It truly means a lot to us that you felt part of our family here in Kitaibaraki. Watching you grow, adapt, and connect with everyone around you was a joy for all of us. We’re so grateful for the energy and kindness you brought into our home.

You’ll always have a place here—and we hope to see you again one day!

With warmest wishes,
Chris & Asami
Elm on the Beach

Spain

5

Here I have found a second home, a family. I am happy to have spent more than a month in this house, living with a Japanese family. The children have been super nice and it has been a pleasure to go on excursions with family and friends. I have met incredible people and places thanks to this experience. It is located in a quiet place, with an incredible beach just 2 minutes walk from the house. The general task is to renovate an old Japanese house and also to clean the small guesthouse.

5 months ago

asami replied

Thank you so much, Aratz, for your kind words and for being such a wonderful part of our family here at Elm on the Beach. It was truly a pleasure having you with us, and we’re so happy to hear that you felt at home. Your positivity, hard work, and warm spirit made a big difference to everyone here—especially the kids!

We hope your journey continues to be filled with meaningful connections and beautiful places. You’re always welcome back anytime!

Warm wishes,
Chris & Asami
Elm on the Beach

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