The project
Volunteers will support a wide range of environmental activities, including:
Forest conservation – cutting trees and branches, maintaining footpaths.
Sustainable agriculture – caring for free-range chickens (including the respectful slaughter of older birds), harvesting and packaging mushrooms.
Environmental education – supporting local nature events such as plant foraging and wildlife observation.
The project supports a more ethical and sustainable approach to farming. For example, rather than discarding older chickens, the community respectfully prepares them as food, recognising the value of life and avoiding waste.
Accommodation & food
Volunteers will stay in a small, traditional Japanese house located on the organisation’s grounds.
Meals are self-catered – volunteers will cook together using locally available ingredients.
Location & leisure
The project takes place in Kami-mitani, a mountain area in Nabari City, around 60 km from Osaka.The surrounding region is rich in natural beauty, with waterfalls and hiking trails. During free time, volunteers can enjoy:
Sightseeing trips to hot springs and local landmarks
Learning about traditional ecological wisdom and rural Japanese culture
Opportunities for peaceful reflection and deep connection with nature
Project host
This project is organised by the local environmental group Akame no SATOYAMA wo Sodateru Kai (ASSK), a long-standing community initiative that works to protect the forests of the Akame region. The project supports SATOYAMA, a traditional way of managing rural landscapes that promotes biodiversity and sustainable living.
Founded in 1996, ASSK uses donations to protect forest land, stop unsustainable development (like golf courses and incinerators), and host national and international volunteers to maintain this important ecosystem.
This work supports the UN Sustainable Development Goals:
Goal 2 – Zero Hunger
Goal 15 – Life on Land
Interested?
Thinking about joining this project but not sure if it’s right for you? Or maybe a parent looking for more details?
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