Japan: Gokayama

About the local hosting organization

This project is actively working for SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDGs 15 (Life on Land), organized together with a local group Transition Village Gokayama from 2025.Houbikiso, a former lodging facility near the World Heritage site Suganuma Gassho-style Village, has been repurposed as a place to learn and practice living in harmony with the Gokayama climate, living using the wisdom of the past in a Gassho-style building, and living in which people, animals, and plants coexist and circulate. The hosts are making small changes to the place and building the community. Together with volunteers from Japan and around the world, they hope to pass on the local cultural traditions to future generations. Currently, due to the aging population, there are few people who can take care of the thatched roofs with their history (which are grown on the slopes of the mountain) or grow traditional vegetables.

Presentation of the programme

The main tasks of the volunteers are 1. Cutting/Maintaining thatched grass (mountain areas) for repairing traditional roofs, 2. Farming some traditional vegetables and 3. Doing work for community

About the accomodation

Volunteers share rooms or have your own rooms. Volunteers cook most of their own meals. Mobile phone signals may be weak. Compost toilets, kitchens, and shower rooms are available. Please bring your own sleeping bag. Please be prepared for very simple mountain life.

About the location

Gokayama and Suganuma village in the Hokuriku region of Japan is a World Heritage Site, a village of Gassho-style houses, and a special place where beautiful scenery changes with the seasons and traditional culture lives on. (https://maps.app.goo.gl/a7SWiKQgTDoWxBf17) Other activities - Partying with locals, hiking, hot springs, etc.

Requirements

Must be interested in nature, farm work, and the traditional life of the area. Must be adaptable and enjoy a simple lifestyle. Must be highly motivated to work. Volunteers are expected to be able to speak some Japanese (daily conversation level).