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United Kingdom
I had the loveliest 4 weeks here in Toyonaga. Violet could not have been more accommodating and kind. The work is very fair, straightforwards and leaves plenty of free time to use the gym (which is great) or explore the local area. The area is a really beautiful and special part of rural Japan. I had an amazing time exploring, meeting the locals, swimming in the river, going to local events, cycling around and going on adventures with Violet, Vader (their beautiful black lab) and the other staff. The staff house is also lovely, with everything you need.
2 months ago
United Kingdom
My experience with Violet, her family & gym community was lovely. I looked after Vader for a weekend; he's such a sweet dog and a delight to hang out with and explore the local area. It is super remote - don't expect to meet other tourists or foreigners, but the locals were all friendly and if you want to practice Japanese or just get out of the cities and into real Japan this is perfect! The house was cute and comfy. The gym is so nice and being able to workout every day was awesome. A day trip to Iyo Valley is also a must! I had a great time and hope our paths cross again. どうもありがとう
4 months ago
United Kingdom
Amazing experience in a beautiful area with lovely people (and dog). Private room, kitchen and amenities best I've had. Has everything for nature and fitness enthusiasts. I thought both the area (visually stunning in every direction) and the gym (newly built in perfect condition) were better than the photos on WP. They hosted two BBQs, I met with other travelers from volunteering, the guesthouse and in nearby attractions (like Iya Valley) The area is rural though. They're very friendly but speak little English. Have things to keep yourself occupied after dark and you'll have a splendid time
6 months ago
United Kingdom
I had a lovely experience volunteering at the guest house accommodation and gym. Violet was very clear and communicative right from the outset. Her and her family made us feel welcome instantly. We were lucky to be there for a sports day + BBQ event which allowed us to meet locals. We were so pleased by the natural beauty of the village, the amazing facilities at the gym and the quality of the volunteer house. The cleaning and dog walking tasks were routine and straightforward but I had the opportunity to help Violet with some online designing and social media tasks I found very exciting!
7 months ago
Argentina
I had a wonderful experience volunteering in the guest house. The place is peaceful and surrounded by beautiful nature, which makes it perfect if you want to slow down and experience rural Japan. My host was very kind and welcoming, and I felt comfortable from the very first day. It was a great opportunity to learn more about Japanese culture and daily life in the countryside. I'm very grateful for the experience and for all the kindness I received during my time there. Thank you very much for everything. I will always remember this experience fondly.
8 months ago
Canada
I came here to prepare for my first Hyrox Solo in Osaka and focus on my remote work, It was a perfect place for it! Because it was low season, there was not a lot of work to do besides some deep clean and take care of Vader, an incredible dog! Although my own experience was positive, I observe some tension within the team dynamics. However, the host Violet always made sure that I was in good hand and was very welcoming to me. Her children are also one of the nicest kids I've ever met. Finally Sara, one of the employee, became a friend and changed my whole experience here 💗
9 months ago
Latvia
The host was very kind and welcoming. We were able to attend the guest house classes for free, which was a great bonus. The host also took us to a bigger city, making it much easier to get around and explore the area. The house was very beautiful, and the surroundings had stunning nature. Overall, it was a very pleasant stay, and I would definitely recommend this place.
10 months ago
Latvia
We stayed here for one month and truly enjoyed the experience. We met many kind and interesting people, the nature around was beautiful, and the house we stayed at was spacious and had everything we needed. The tasks were not difficult and the host was very flexible and supportive, which made us feel welcome. We also really enjoyed attending the training sessions. We would definitely recommend this place to other travelers:)
10 months ago
United States
I had an amazing experience volunteering in the guest house! I spent a month helping with guesthouse and gym cleaning, along with occasional yuzu picking, creating social media reels, and supporting various projects around town. Volunteers share a house and each have a private room. Attending the gym classes was also a highlight! Overall, it was a fun and meaningful experience where I met incredible people and felt part of the local community. I'd highly recommend it to anyone looking to step away from the busy city life and experience a more peaceful (& very rural) side of Japan!
10 months ago
Spain
I had a wonderful experience volunteering at this place! My main tasks were harvesting yuzus and cleaning the guest house, and everything was well organized and easy to follow. The place is calm, surrounded by beautiful nature, and perfect if you want to disconnect and enjoy a more rural side of Japan. Violet, Sara, and the rest of the team were always incredibly kind and attentive. They made me feel welcome from the very first day and were always ready to help or answer any questions. I highly recommend this place to anyone looking for an authentic experience:)
11 months ago
