Where
Otaki, Japan
When
Weekly departures, year-round (except closure periods)
Duration
Minimum 1 week
Accommodation
Shared or private rooms in a volunteer house with meals included
Language
English (beginner level recommended)
Ideal for
Those seeking an authentic immersion in Japanese culture, with a desire to share their own culture and experience life in a small rural village up close
Project details
In Otaki, a small village nestled in nature, this project was created to give locals the chance to practise English in a friendly, relaxed environment.
In a place where opportunities to meet foreigners are rare, the community has chosen to open up to the world by welcoming volunteers who can spark conversation and bring fresh perspectives.
The programme is not a formal school but a space for exchange: at the community house or during occasional visits to local schools, you'll help students, shopkeepers, and residents practise the language, encouraging them to feel more confident. At the same time, you'll take part in cultural and craft activities, genuinely engaging with the daily life of the village.
Your role will be that of a cultural ambassador, bringing stories, ideas, and small gestures that can make a real difference in a community that looks to the future while honouring its traditions.
The programme is not a formal school but a space for exchange: at the community house or during occasional visits to local schools, you'll help students, shopkeepers, and residents practise the language, encouraging them to feel more confident. At the same time, you'll take part in cultural and craft activities, genuinely engaging with the daily life of the village.
Your role will be that of a cultural ambassador, bringing stories, ideas, and small gestures that can make a real difference in a community that looks to the future while honouring its traditions.
Live Like a Local in the Mountains of Japan
In Otaki, a small village nestled in nature, this project was created to give locals the chance to practise English in a friendly, relaxed environment.
In a place where opportunities to meet foreigners are rare, the community has chosen to open up to the world by welcoming volunteers who can spark conversation and bring fresh perspectives.
The programme is not a formal school but a space for exchange: at the community house or during occasional visits to local schools, you'll help students, shopkeepers, and residents practise the language, encouraging them to feel more confident. At the same time, you'll take part in cultural and craft activities, genuinely engaging with the daily life of the village.
Your role will be that of a cultural ambassador, bringing stories, ideas, and small gestures that can make a real difference in a community that looks to the future while honouring its traditions.
The programme is not a formal school but a space for exchange: at the community house or during occasional visits to local schools, you'll help students, shopkeepers, and residents practise the language, encouraging them to feel more confident. At the same time, you'll take part in cultural and craft activities, genuinely engaging with the daily life of the village.
Your role will be that of a cultural ambassador, bringing stories, ideas, and small gestures that can make a real difference in a community that looks to the future while honouring its traditions.
Why participate
Share your language and culture
You help the people of Otaki practise their English while learning Japanese traditions and words through a genuine cultural exchange.
Why participate
Share your language and culture
You help the people of Otaki practise their English while learning Japanese traditions and words through a genuine cultural exchange.
Discover rural Japanese life
You connect with a community that lives at a slow pace, surrounded by mountains, nature, and rituals that reveal the real Japan far from the big cities.
The Weekly Program
Weekdays
From Monday to Friday, your days are divided between English conversation sessions with residents, cultural activities, and preparation time.
In the mornings you may visit local schools or take part in community activities, while afternoons are often spent at the community house and in cultural exchange experiences with locals.
07:30Breakfast and getting ready for the day
09:00Cultural walk through the village or meetings with residents
11:30English conversation session at the community house
13:00Traditional Japanese lunch with fellow volunteers or locals
15:00Cultural or craft activities (origami, tea ceremony, local cooking)
19:00Shared dinner and an evening of cultural exchange with the group
Weekend
Weekends are free from scheduled activities. You can explore the area, join day trips, or relax with your fellow volunteers.
Trekking on Mount Ontake
Explore the trails of Japan's second-highest volcano, through pristine wilderness and sacred pilgrimage sites.
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FAQs
⛰️ Your inn in Otaki
You'll stay in a traditional inn with the other participants, nestled in the mountains of Nagano: simple, authentic, and a living part of the community. The garden is home to a dog, some hens, and a small vegetable patch that provides herbs and vegetables for daily meals.
🛏️ Rooms and comforts
• Shared rooms (2–4 people) with beds and linen provided
• Shared bathrooms with hot showers and Western-style facilities
• There are no lockers or safe: bring a personal padlock or a money belt
• No air conditioning or central heating; the mountain climate keeps nights cool even in summer
🍽️ Meals & daily life
• 3 meals a day on weekdays, 2 at the weekend
• Home-style Japanese cooking based on rice and vegetables, wholesome and seasonal
• Drinking water, tea, and basic beverages always available
🤝 Common areas & connection
• Common areas to meet fellow participants and village residents
• Wi-Fi in common areas only — a perfect invitation to enjoy nature and the valley's tranquillity
🧾 Included services
• Accommodation in shared rooms (2–4 people)
• 3 meals on weekdays / 2 at the weekend
• Drinking water and basic beverages
• Wi-Fi in common areas
• Hot showers and Western-style bathrooms
• Laundry facilities available on-site
• Constant support from the local team
💛 More than just a stay
The inn is a gateway to the Otaki community: you'll share moments of everyday life and discover the authentic rhythm of a rural Japanese village.
You'll stay in a traditional inn with the other participants, nestled in the mountains of Nagano: simple, authentic, and a living part of the community. The garden is home to a dog, some hens, and a small vegetable patch that provides herbs and vegetables for daily meals.
🛏️ Rooms and comforts
• Shared rooms (2–4 people) with beds and linen provided
• Shared bathrooms with hot showers and Western-style facilities
• There are no lockers or safe: bring a personal padlock or a money belt
• No air conditioning or central heating; the mountain climate keeps nights cool even in summer
🍽️ Meals & daily life
• 3 meals a day on weekdays, 2 at the weekend
• Home-style Japanese cooking based on rice and vegetables, wholesome and seasonal
• Drinking water, tea, and basic beverages always available
🤝 Common areas & connection
• Common areas to meet fellow participants and village residents
• Wi-Fi in common areas only — a perfect invitation to enjoy nature and the valley's tranquillity
🧾 Included services
• Accommodation in shared rooms (2–4 people)
• 3 meals on weekdays / 2 at the weekend
• Drinking water and basic beverages
• Wi-Fi in common areas
• Hot showers and Western-style bathrooms
• Laundry facilities available on-site
• Constant support from the local team
💛 More than just a stay
The inn is a gateway to the Otaki community: you'll share moments of everyday life and discover the authentic rhythm of a rural Japanese village.
🛡️ Safety and support
Japan is synonymous with peace of mind 🍃 All our programmes in Otaki are carefully selected and supervised to provide you with safe, reliable environments surrounded by nature.
🔹 Participant screening
Before departure, every volunteer must submit a criminal background check. We will guide you through the process: it's a simple but important step to ensure safety and mutual trust.
🔹 High safety standards
• Accommodation managed by experienced local staff
• Safe rooms in a peaceful, welcoming village
• Activities held in monitored and structured spaces
• A rural setting far from traffic and big-city bustle
🔹 Ongoing support
From arrival to the end of your experience, the local team is always on hand for any need. Our our staff also stay in touch by message to provide an extra layer of support 🌸
🔹 Training and orientation
On the first day, you'll attend a dedicated orientation session with practical tips on health, safety, and Japanese culture. A chance to settle in, bond with the group, and find out what to expect from life in a rural village.
🔹 Best practices for peace of mind
✔ Always carry emergency numbers and coordinator contacts with you
✔ Respect local rules and staff guidelines
✔ Whenever possible, move around in a group in less familiar areas
💡 Our goal
To provide you with a safe, well-organised, and peaceful setting — so you can focus on the heart of the experience: discovering authentic Japan, growing, and sharing 🌸
Japan is synonymous with peace of mind 🍃 All our programmes in Otaki are carefully selected and supervised to provide you with safe, reliable environments surrounded by nature.
🔹 Participant screening
Before departure, every volunteer must submit a criminal background check. We will guide you through the process: it's a simple but important step to ensure safety and mutual trust.
🔹 High safety standards
• Accommodation managed by experienced local staff
• Safe rooms in a peaceful, welcoming village
• Activities held in monitored and structured spaces
• A rural setting far from traffic and big-city bustle
🔹 Ongoing support
From arrival to the end of your experience, the local team is always on hand for any need. Our our staff also stay in touch by message to provide an extra layer of support 🌸
🔹 Training and orientation
On the first day, you'll attend a dedicated orientation session with practical tips on health, safety, and Japanese culture. A chance to settle in, bond with the group, and find out what to expect from life in a rural village.
🔹 Best practices for peace of mind
✔ Always carry emergency numbers and coordinator contacts with you
✔ Respect local rules and staff guidelines
✔ Whenever possible, move around in a group in less familiar areas
💡 Our goal
To provide you with a safe, well-organised, and peaceful setting — so you can focus on the heart of the experience: discovering authentic Japan, growing, and sharing 🌸
🧭 Orientation day
In Otaki, your first Monday is entirely dedicated to orientation: a chance to get to know Japanese culture, familiarise yourself with the area, and feel right at home from the start 🇯🇵
During the day, you'll take part in a series of activities led by the local team:
• Welcome meeting and introduction to the programme and house rules
• Practical tips on health, safety, and cultural etiquette in Japan
• A short lesson on Japanese culture and some useful local phrases
• Tour of the surrounding area, with practical information on shops, ATMs, the post office, and local landmarks
• Help purchasing a local SIM card or, if you prefer, the option to arrive already connected via Airalo
Beyond exploring the area, this is also the moment to meet the group, share stories and curiosities, and let yourself be inspired by the local way of life 🌿
📌 After orientation
From Tuesday you'll begin your programme activities with the right mindset and all the information you need to make the most of your experience in Otaki.
In Otaki, your first Monday is entirely dedicated to orientation: a chance to get to know Japanese culture, familiarise yourself with the area, and feel right at home from the start 🇯🇵
During the day, you'll take part in a series of activities led by the local team:
• Welcome meeting and introduction to the programme and house rules
• Practical tips on health, safety, and cultural etiquette in Japan
• A short lesson on Japanese culture and some useful local phrases
• Tour of the surrounding area, with practical information on shops, ATMs, the post office, and local landmarks
• Help purchasing a local SIM card or, if you prefer, the option to arrive already connected via Airalo
Beyond exploring the area, this is also the moment to meet the group, share stories and curiosities, and let yourself be inspired by the local way of life 🌿
📌 After orientation
From Tuesday you'll begin your programme activities with the right mindset and all the information you need to make the most of your experience in Otaki.
✈️ Arrival and departure recommendations – Otaki, Nagano
To start your Japan experience on the right foot, we recommend booking a flight arriving at Tokyo Haneda (HND) or Tokyo Narita (NRT) on Sunday morning, giving you enough time to reach the meeting point.
📍 Official meeting point
Shinjuku Bus Terminal, 4th floor (Information Desk).
⏰ Meeting time: Sunday at 4:00 PM. One of our coordinators will be waiting with a sign bearing your name or reading "The Green Lion".
From there, together with the other participants, you'll take the direct bus to Kiso-Fukushima, a journey of about 4.5 hours. On arrival, you'll be welcomed by the local team and taken to the accommodation in Otaki (about 30 minutes by car).
🚍 Important
The bus departs shortly after 4:00 PM. If you arrive late, you risk missing it and having to spend the night in Tokyo at your own expense. We therefore recommend planning your flight so you have plenty of time to reach Shinjuku (allow approximately 1–2 hours from the airport to the terminal).
💡 Transport costs
Train/bus from the airport to Shinjuku: from 720 yen (from Haneda).
Bus from Shinjuku to Kiso-Fukushima: included in the programme fee (you will pay upfront at the station and be reimbursed by the team).
Transfer Kiso-Fukushima → Otaki: included.
📱 Internet connection
We recommend purchasing a local SIM at the airport or, even better, activating an eSIM before you leave with Airalo, so you're connected from the moment you arrive.
🚖 Arriving outside scheduled times or on different days
If you arrive on Saturday, an early pick-up can be arranged for an additional fee, plus an extra night in Tokyo. Arriving on days other than Sunday is not possible without prior agreement. In the event of a delay, you will need to make your own way to the accommodation (by taxi or local train, which can be costly).
🛫 Departure and return flight
Check-out from the accommodation is by 12:00 noon on Saturday. The team will take you to the Kiso-Fukushima bus station, from where you can return to Tokyo (Shinjuku). From there, you can take a direct bus or train to Haneda or Narita airports.
⏱️ Journey times to keep in mind
Otaki → Kiso-Fukushima: 30 min
Kiso-Fukushima → Shinjuku: 4–5 hours
Shinjuku → Airport (Haneda/Narita): 1–2 hours
We recommend booking a return flight for Saturday evening, so you have plenty of time to travel at a relaxed pace.
💡 After confirmation
After confirming your participation you will receive a detailed document including: up-to-date practical instructions, emergency contacts, maps, and directions for every leg of your journey. This way, everything will be ready and you can travel without a worry.
To start your Japan experience on the right foot, we recommend booking a flight arriving at Tokyo Haneda (HND) or Tokyo Narita (NRT) on Sunday morning, giving you enough time to reach the meeting point.
📍 Official meeting point
Shinjuku Bus Terminal, 4th floor (Information Desk).
⏰ Meeting time: Sunday at 4:00 PM. One of our coordinators will be waiting with a sign bearing your name or reading "The Green Lion".
From there, together with the other participants, you'll take the direct bus to Kiso-Fukushima, a journey of about 4.5 hours. On arrival, you'll be welcomed by the local team and taken to the accommodation in Otaki (about 30 minutes by car).
🚍 Important
The bus departs shortly after 4:00 PM. If you arrive late, you risk missing it and having to spend the night in Tokyo at your own expense. We therefore recommend planning your flight so you have plenty of time to reach Shinjuku (allow approximately 1–2 hours from the airport to the terminal).
💡 Transport costs
Train/bus from the airport to Shinjuku: from 720 yen (from Haneda).
Bus from Shinjuku to Kiso-Fukushima: included in the programme fee (you will pay upfront at the station and be reimbursed by the team).
Transfer Kiso-Fukushima → Otaki: included.
📱 Internet connection
We recommend purchasing a local SIM at the airport or, even better, activating an eSIM before you leave with Airalo, so you're connected from the moment you arrive.
🚖 Arriving outside scheduled times or on different days
If you arrive on Saturday, an early pick-up can be arranged for an additional fee, plus an extra night in Tokyo. Arriving on days other than Sunday is not possible without prior agreement. In the event of a delay, you will need to make your own way to the accommodation (by taxi or local train, which can be costly).
🛫 Departure and return flight
Check-out from the accommodation is by 12:00 noon on Saturday. The team will take you to the Kiso-Fukushima bus station, from where you can return to Tokyo (Shinjuku). From there, you can take a direct bus or train to Haneda or Narita airports.
⏱️ Journey times to keep in mind
Otaki → Kiso-Fukushima: 30 min
Kiso-Fukushima → Shinjuku: 4–5 hours
Shinjuku → Airport (Haneda/Narita): 1–2 hours
We recommend booking a return flight for Saturday evening, so you have plenty of time to travel at a relaxed pace.
💡 After confirmation
After confirming your participation you will receive a detailed document including: up-to-date practical instructions, emergency contacts, maps, and directions for every leg of your journey. This way, everything will be ready and you can travel without a worry.
Book your spot
1
Send your application (free!)
Choose the project that inspires you most and indicate the period you would like to travel. No commitment: the application is free and non-binding.
2
Meet your coordinator
After your application, we will put you in touch with your dedicated coordinator. They will explain everything in detail and answer all your questions.
3
Confirm your spot
When you're ready, pay the deposit to lock in your spot. You'll get everything you need: local contacts, a visa guide and your pre-trip pack.
4
Set off on your adventure!
Pack your bags and go! On arrival you will find other volunteers like you, a welcoming local team and an experience you will hardly forget.
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