Japan: Harvesting grapes and building community in rural Hokkaido

About the local hosting organization

This project is actively working for SDG2 (Zero Hunger) and SDGS15 (Life on Land), organized together with Hokkaido Eco-village Promotion Project (HEPP) since 2015. They started to promote sustainability of our lifestyle and community, to create better environmental and social model for next generation in Hokkaido since 2012. They want to produce necessities that are needed for our daily life (foods, energy, etc.) by themselves as much as they can, and want to share them to the local area. They provide various chances to learn comprehensive skill and knowledge about sustainable development by organizing training programs and events for the local adults and kids. They also aim at connecting urban area and rural area, producers and consumers and to contribute local revitalization. *Outcome of this project: In 2025, 5 international vols. greatly contributed to their farming and other activities as well as the mental empowerment of the host!

Presentation of the programme

Volunteers will work for 30-40 hours a week with 1-2 days off mainly to 1) do organic farming such as growing vegetables for their own use, assisting the manage wine grapes, maintaining the land and tools, taking care of chicken, etc. sometimes with the members of HEPP and short term volunteers. or 2) help the neighboring farm work, 3) help to prepare and run the local events and promote HEPP through SNS, 4) maintain the facilities to make comfortable environment for the visitors including maintenance of eco toilets and weeding, 5) cook the meals for the visitors and staff, etc.

About the accomodation

Shared room in the main house or a container house (male and female are separated). Cooking with the local and members by turn, vegetarian food is possible. There is limited wifi.

About the location

Located next to Otaru, Yoichi is a place where one can fully enjoy Hokkaido tourism, from history and nature tourism to fruit fields and fresh seafood. There is the famous Nikka Whiskey factory. Other activities - Joining the local festivals, exchange with local people, short trip (hot springs, famous places)

Requirements

Motivation letter is needed. Good level of speaking for the daily conversations of English or Japanese is needed. Skills of driving a car (valid in Japan), maintenance of the agricultural machines, experience of work in the tourism/ hotels are not needed, but useful! Having work experience is desirable. Strong physical health, open mind to actively exchange with others, good cooking skills, PC skills and loving team work/ collective life are also welcomed!