25 trees will be planted on your behalf for every experience purchased, via our partnership with One Tree Planted.
See more at onetreeplanted.org
Overview
Otaki village and the surrounding area are a known spot for regional outdoor tourism. For a few weeks in summer and a few weeks in winter, Japanese tourists are flowing in to enjoy hiking, canoeing, camping in summer and a variety of winter sports in the cold time of the year.
In international tourism though, Otaki is still in its early steps.
Some of the villagers have formed a strong initiative, seeking to develop the tourism in the area further. One of the leaders of the initiative helped out in Fukushima after the nuclear disaster in 2011 and since is pursuing a more sustainable, self-sufficient lifestyle. This has influenced their view on tourism as well, aiming to revive traditional crafts such as making charcoal and recreate traditional housing, to offer tourists not just an outdoor attraction but rather a long lasting learning experience.
During this internship you will either help out in a local restaurant, at a campsite, a local hotel or another tourism related facility. Besides taking care of guests, you may be asked to support development projects, often involving light construction work. That way you can learn not only about the daily routine in tourism but also get involved in developing the area, allowing you to learn even more.
In summer most activities will be outdoors and could be some of the following:
- Serving guests
- Dish washing
- Preparing firewood
- Gardening / Farming
- Light construction work
In winter you : - Serve guests
- Clear snow
Expect about 2-4 hours of work per day. Besides, you will join other participants in Otaki to learn about local culture and explore the surroundings.
Objectives
- Assist the local staff and develop your skills through hands on activity
- Create cultural exchange opportunities through your efforts with the locals
- Gain a greater appreciation of natural surroundings
Impact
Volunteer experiences have a direct and positive impact on local communities by injecting money into the local economy through the purchase of food, transportation, and tourism activities. Volunteering is a great way to give back to the comunity and make a difference in the world. Depending on the type of volunteer experience you are interested in, your time can be spent improving educational resources and opportunities, providing medical services to underserved communities, or promoting environmental conservation and sustainable farming techniques.
1% of gross sales will be donated to 1% for the Planet-approved charities via our partnership with 1% for the Planet.
See more at onepercentfortheplanet.org
Location
Nagano, Japan
Your time in the Nagano Prefecture of Japan will be spent in a small village, amid spectacular mountains, with just about 800 residents. Otaki is a wonderland of nature that hosts many guests, especially during the winter months when there is a nice coat of snow on Mt. Ontake. Japan’s second highest volcano not only is home to a ski resort, but also attracts many spiritual groups and forms of Buddhism. Mt. Ontake is surrounded by an array of different shrines and sacred places and a popular destination for pilgrims.
Itinerary
Sunday - Arrival
No airport pickup included. You must either:
Meet one of our transfer coordinators at the Shinjuku Bus terminal meeting point below, for info on the airport limo-bus service from NRT Bus from Narita to Shinjuku or HND Bus from Haneda to Shinjuku These buses take you directly inside the Shinjuku Bus Terminal.
There are also a couple local train options that can get you to Shinjuku station and from there you can walk to the Bus Terminal. Those are a bit more involved and might not be the best bet for a first time traveler. Whichever route you decide, you must then go upstairs to 4F information desk to meet the local team Transfer Coordinator at 17:00.
or Make your own way to us in Otaki on Sunday
Monday - Friday
- Breakfast
- Perform a variety of tasks related to the internship
- Lunch
- Cultural or outdoor activities together will all participants in Otaki
- Complete additional tasks related to the internship
- Dinner
- Cultural or outdoor activities together will all participants in Otaki
Saturday - Departure
Leave the accommodation early morning on Saturday. Take the local bus from Kiso Fukushima to Shinjuku Bus Terminal in Tokyo. Choose options of local train service to connect to airports, or take a taxi, or take the Express bus to HND (Haneda) or NRT (Narita). Travel time is about 7.5 hours with earliest flights possible Saturday Evening
Inclusions
- Shared Accomodation
- All meals included
- Free beverages
- Wifi in public areas
- Departure Transfer
- Arrival Transfer (included with 2 wk+ trips)
Options
More Information
Requirements
- minimum age18
- minimum english levelBasic
- CRB RequiredOn signup
- passport copy requiredNo
- resume copy requiredNo
Other Requirements
- There are no further requirements for this program.
Food
Weekdays you will enjoy three meals a day (breakfast, lunch and dinner) and two on weekends, during your stay. Meals will be local cuisine and you can expect that they will include rice and vegetables.
Accommodation
While in Otaki, Nagano, Japan you will be staying in a local Homestay or at our participant accommodation (possibility for some amazing camping in a tent during warmer months)10-25 minutes outside of the village by car. Please keep in mind the toilet and shower for the Green House location near the restaurant and campsite are separate from the sleeping accommodation. The homestay at the house provides toilet and shower inside. There may also be a pet dog around the Green House location.
