The project
As a volunteer, your tasks will include:
Maintaining and harvesting rice and vegetables to support sustainable farming practices.
Engaging with the local community, fostering connections and promoting cultural exchange.
Assisting with various community projects to help preserve the village's heritage and landscape.
This project is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Japanese rural life while helping to preserve an important part of the country’s history and culture.
Accommodation & food
Volunteers will stay in a renovated traditional Japanese house, equipped with a simple shower room and a clean toilet. You will need to bring a sleeping bag.
Food: Meals will be cooked by the volunteers themselves, providing an opportunity to experience Japanese cuisine and cooking methods.
Additional facilities: There is a cat at the accommodation, and Wi-Fi is available at the base facility. Enjoy the tranquillity of mountain life in a peaceful, isolated environment.
Location & leisure
Ozuchi Village is located in the southwest part of Ishikawa Prefecture, surrounded by mountains, offering a peaceful and beautiful setting.
Volunteers will have opportunities to engage in exchange meetings with local people, enjoy trekking, river activities, visit hot springs, and experience the village’s summer fireworks.
Project host
This project is organised in partnership with Ozuchi Village, a place that has worked since 2013 to preserve its original landscape and culture. Ozuchi Village, once home to 140 residents, now has only one person living there, but ten houses remain, and the village is recognised as a national important traditional buildings preservation district. The aim of this project is to revitalise the village and pass it on to future generations through the involvement of international volunteers. Since 2016, the village and NICE (National Volunteer Support Centre) have been running a monthly weekend work camp, which attracts over 300 volunteers every year.
Results: The village was on the brink of being abandoned, but through the efforts of volunteers, one of the former residents was inspired to move back in 2018, and the rice terraces and landscape have been revitalised.
Interested?
Thinking about joining this project but not sure if it’s right for you? Or maybe a parent looking for more details?
We’ve got you covered! Hit the button below to ask anything - no pressure, just friendly advice.