Live-in farm volunteer opportunity in Northern Japan

Located just 4 km from the Shirataki Geopark Visitor Center, Ezura Farm offers a unique farm stay experience in the heart of Japan’s beautiful countryside near Hokkaido. The family-run farm invites volunteers to get hands-on with traditional Japanese farming while enjoying the peaceful rhythms of rural life. Beyond the fields, you can explore the natural wonders of the region — go hiking, try horse riding, or even hit the slopes for some snow skiing in winter. It’s a perfect mix of cultural exchange, outdoor adventure, and slow living. Read on for more details!

About the free volunteer program

Ezura Farm welcomes individuals who are eager to experience the rhythms of traditional Japanese farm life. Located just 4 km from the Shirataki Geopark Visitor Center, the farm provides a unique opportunity to live and work in a beautiful rural setting. Each year, around 80 volunteers—mainly university students—join the program to support farm activities and immerse themselves in a vibrant community.

Volunteers stay in a private room and receive daily farmer-style meals or food ingredients to prepare their own. In return, they contribute to daily farm and household work, gaining hands-on agricultural experience in a friendly, authentic environment.

Your responsibilities

• Planting and field preparation.
• Harvesting, sorting, and packaging produce.
• Participate in food processing and support the farm restaurant (especially from November to March).
• Assist with basic housework, such as cleaning and simple cooking.

Volunteers are asked to contribute around 8 hours of work per day, typically from 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM, with a lunch break and morning and afternoon tea breaks.

Requirements

The ideal volunteer is:

• physically and mentally healthy, with confidence in their strength,
• has a strong interest in agriculture and rural life in Japan,
• is willing to contribute to both farm and household tasks,
• enjoys communal living and meeting people from diverse backgrounds,
• feels comfortable around animals (a Labrador and two indoor cats live on the farm).

This program involves full-scale farm work. Those seeking a light or leisurely farm experience are encouraged to consider a shorter agricultural stay at the farm.

What’s In It for You?

• A private room (futon or bed, Wi-Fi, and TV).
• Daily meals or food ingredients to prepare meals..
• Snacks and tea breaks during the workday.
• Partial reimbursement of travel costs for stays longer than one week (details provided upon inquiry).
• A deep cultural exchange and a genuine experience of Japanese farm life.

How to apply

To apply, the volunteer should send an email or use the contact form on the website. Applications must include your full name, your gender, your age, a brief self-introduction and your motivation for applying.

Due to high interest, Ezura Farm selects applicants based on the details provided. Early applications are encouraged.

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