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🌿 Help Exchange in Niseko, Japan (March–November) 🌿

5.0
(9 reviews)9

The experience

Join us in Annupuri, Niseko (March–Nov) for a help exchange! Enjoy mountain life in Hokkaido — tasks include cleaning, cooking help, and small DIY. Private room, onsen nearby, car access, friendly international team. Each season offers a unique vibe: skiing in spring, quiet rest in early summer, outdoor fun in summer, and first snow in autumn.

What you offer

15 hours of help per week

Cleaning: Help clean the kitchen, bedrooms, bathrooms and common areas.

Housekeeping: Help with changing the bed linens and general housekeeping.

Kitchen Hand: Help prepare, finish and serve meals.

Cooking: Choose the menu, pick ingredients and cook delicious dishes.

What you get

3 days off per week

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

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

Free Laundry: You can use our laundry room freely.

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

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

Pick Up: We will pick you up when you arrive, and take you to our property.

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

Basic Internet Access: Basic speed internet for you to work remotely

Requirements

Intermediate English and Beginner Japanese

Over 21 years old

Welcomes solo volunteers, couples, and partners of volunteers

What's not included

Flights, Travel Insurance, Internal Transportation and Visa

Program Details

Live, learn, and enjoy the mountains of Hokkaido!

We’re looking for motivated and reliable helpers to join us in Annupuri, Niseko — a peaceful village surrounded by mountains, hot springs, and beautiful nature. It’s the perfect place to enjoy Japan’s countryside and local life.

🛠 What You’ll Do
Your main tasks will include:
・Preparing meals and helping in the kitchen
・Cleaning rooms and common areas
・Occasional extra tasks (DIY, small maintenance, gardening, etc.)

📅 Work Conditions
・Period: March to November
・Minimum stay: 1 month
・Around 15 hours per week, usually over 4 consecutive days
・Shifts may include early mornings depending on guest schedules

🎁 What We Offer
・Private room
・Free Wi-Fi
・Access to a car for short local trips
・Friendly international managers passionate about Japan, always happy to share cultural tips and local recommendations
・Opportunity to practice your Japanese
・5 minutes’ walk from a natural onsen hot spring
・Close to hiking trails, rivers, and summer outdoor activities (rafting, cycling, kayaking
)
・Easy access to Sapporo by direct bus

🗓 Seasonal Overview
・March–April: End of the winter season — still possible to ski! Fewer crowds, relaxed atmosphere, mix of winter and spring.
・May–June: Quiet season — fewer guests, more hands-on projects (DIY, organizing, maintenance). Great time to rest and enjoy slow mountain life.
・July–September: Green summer — perfect for hiking, rafting, and outdoor activities. Warm but much cooler than the rest of Japan, ideal for a “summer retreat.”
・October–November: Pre-winter season — fewer tourists, focus on organizing and preparing for winter. Experience the first snowfalls and cozy lodge life.

💡 Requirements
・Basic Japanese communi