Profile information
Host rating
80 %
Last replied
1 Jul 2025
Feedback
14
Email verified
Host offers payment
Badges (3)
Details
Description
Hi Workawayers! Thanks for checking out our profile and for being open to the idea of spending a season in the mountains of Minakami, Japan.
We run a unique coffee roastery guesthouse in a reimagined 55-year-old lodge nestled in the Tanigawa Valley — a beautiful, peaceful area of northern Gunma known for its onsens, rivers, and outdoor adventure. Unlike big-name ski resorts like Hakuba or Nozawa, our area is more Japanese in atmosphere and offers a deeper cultural experience at more accessible prices (but still with deep powder snow!). In summer there is no better place to cool off than the crystal clear rivers only a short walk away, while in early summer there are fireflies aplenty right by the lodge!
We’re currently putting together our winter crew and are especially looking for help from late December to late March. There may also be chances for some team members to stay longer depending on how the season evolves.
This is a great opportunity for people looking to spend the season in the snow while contributing to a creative, fun, and flexible small business. You’ll be a big part of the guest experience, while also having time to enjoy skiing, snowboarding, hot springs, local cuisine, and more.
We’d especially love to hear from people with skills or experience in:
• Hospitality or lodge/hostel work
• Coffee/barista experience
• Baking – sweet or savory (great bonus if you're into pairing with coffee!)
• Skiing/snowboarding – especially if you’re an instructor or keen to become one (we may be able to arrange a short instructor course) or for other seasons those who enjoy hiking, biking or swimming/rafting/canyoning /SUP in rivers and lakes.
• Driving – international license holders very welcome!
• Conversational Japanese ability or higher is a big plus, but not essential
About Us
We host a wide range of guests – from families and school groups to solo travelers and outdoor lovers. While we’re known for our specialty coffee roasted onsite, we also pride ourselves on creating a relaxed, welcoming environment that connects people with nature and the local community. This is a family owned business, we are a Japanese/Western couple, live permanently very close by (over 15 years) and have kids in the local school so can help you with a lot of information, connect you to the things that you want to learn, experience and enjoy in the local area.
The Work & Perks
The work schedule depends on bookings, but we keep it fair and flexible. You’ll have time to explore the region, hit the slopes, and relax in the many local onsens.
We offer:
• ¥1000/hour pay, flexible depending on skill-set, experience etc.
• Private/shared room (depending on who’s on the team)
• Electric-assist bikes
• Use of our lodge car (conditions apply)
• Great coffee, daily — roasted and brewed onsite and all food provided!
Whether you’re a couple, travel partners, or a solo traveler with a great attitude and solid skills, we’d love to hear from you.
Looking forward to a fun, snow-filled season together!
Types of help and learning opportunities
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Interests
Animals
History
Plant care
DIY & crafts
Gardening
Cooking & food
Mountain
Adventure sports
Outdoor activities
Water sports
Winter sports
Nature
Camping
Hiking
Cycling
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
There are many opportunities to meet with local people to learn about Japan and/or the language and to both learn a wide range of skills and to experience many cultural and outdoor activities. There are many short and longer term workshops on offer for artistic pursuits (sumie, paper making, traditional dying etc.) with excellent hiking, skiing, snowboarding, white water rafting, paddle boarding, canyoning, fishing, cycling and other outdoor activities available. Of course there are opportunities to learn more and contribute to your knowledge of coffee roasting and brewing.
Host offers payment in line with the minimum wage
This host offers accommodation and payment.
Help
All helpers assist with cleaning guest rooms, bathrooms, common areas, and preparing the lodge for arrivals. Interaction with guests is a big part of the experience.
Depending on the season, tasks may include gardening, snow clearing, outdoor upkeep, basic breakfast service, or helping with guest activities. We also welcome those with skills in baking, barista work, carpentry, or arts and crafts.
Baking experience doesn't need to be professional—just a passion for making great pastries or baked goods. Barista helpers should have experience with espresso machines in a café setting. Those with carpentry or DIY experience may help with small building projects or renovations.
We prefer stays of 2 months or longer. Accommodation, utilities, Wi-Fi, and food are provided (conditions apply). We also have bikes, a car, and gear available for use with permission.
Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Japanese: FluentThis host offers a language exchange
This host has indicated that they are interested in sharing their own language or learning a new language.
You can contact them directly for more information.
Accommodation
All Workawayers are provided full accommodation with bedding, heating/cooling, utilities including WiFi staying in the building that you see in our profile. Generally you will have your own room, but may need to share a room with another Workawayer at peak times.
We have bicycles, a car and other outdoor equipment that Workawayers are able to borrow if certain conditions are met and do our best to ensure that our Workawayers are able to explore and enjoy the local area. Ideally Workawayers who are able to stay 2 months or more are preferred.
What else ...
There are many opportunities to meet with local people and to both learn a wide range of skills and to experience many cultural and outdoor activities. There are many short and longer term courses on offer for artistic pursuits (sumie, paper making, traditional dyeing etc.) with excellent skiing, snowboarding, white water rafting, paddle boarding, canyoning, fishing and other outdoor activities available. This area is the perfect location to enjoy many of the great things Japan has to offer.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
We have a fast internet connection suitable to do any type of online work.
Space for parking camper vans
This host can provide space for campervans.
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
My animals / pets
Feedback (8)
Photos
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(4.8)
Cultural exchange:
(4.3)
Communication:
(4.8)
Making the food for the cafe and the breakfast for the lodge guests was enjoyable and I got to do lots of cooking and… read more
Your friends will be bears, snakes, hornets, leeches and monkeys. Apart from this animation, I did love my stay here. Looking at the mountain behind the lodge, never been bored of it.
Thank to Craig expectations ("flashy cakes"), I was able to bake cakes that I normally don't in my country, where I usually bake… read more
The cafe and traditional Japanese guesthouse is beautiful and in a stunning, secluded… read more
We had enough time off to… read more
I enjoyed every day with Craig, Rika and the kids. Definitely a time I don't want to miss! It felt like being part of the family! Doing a lot of activities together, show me the beautiful places minakami offers and support in the best possible way.… read more
