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Join GoEco in a small, traditional village in Nagano, Japan! Famous for hosting the 1993 Winter Olympics, the area of Nagano has seen a growth in tourists. Many members of the community wish to improve their English language speaking skills. Volunteers on this program will meet members at a local community center and practice speaking with them in a casual, comfortable way. In addition to these tasks, volunteers will take part in cultural activities throughout each week. On their first Monday, volunteers will take an introductory Japanese language class and have a culture lesson. Weekly cultural activities range from sushi and origami-making lessons to visiting the nearby hot springs! In addition to these activities, depending on availability, volunteers may have the opportunity to live with a local family during their placement

Program Highlights

Experience traditional, authentic Japanese village culture

Help the local community members improve their English language skills

Gain experience teaching English as a foreign language

Enjoy weekly cultural activities, such as making origami and sushi or venturing to the hot springs

Visit the local ski resorts and other magnificent travel highlights of Nagano

Quick Details

Locations:
  • Nagano, Japan
Availability
Year(s) Offered: Year RoundDuration:
  • 1-2 Weeks
  • 2-4 Weeks
  • 5-8 Weeks
Age Requirement: 18+
Types & Subjects
Adventure Types:
  • Cross-Country Skiing
  • Downhill Skiing
  • Heritage Tourism
  • Sea Kayaking
Focus Areas:
  • Community Service & Volunteering
Fields:
  • Development
  • Education
  • Tourism
Causes:
  • Eco-Tourism
  • Economic Development
  • Education
  • English Teaching
  • Teaching
  • Tourism
  • Tutor
Types:
  • Teach Abroad
  • Volunteering
Guidelines:
  • All Nationalities
See all program details
Last Updated: Jun 16, 2026

Awards

Top Rated Provider Volunteer Abroad 2025Innovative Volunteer Abroad ProgramGoAbroad Innovation Awards 2024 Finalist - Intern Abroad ProgramTop Rated Provider 2023 - Notable MentionInnovation in Sustainability Finalist 2022

Program Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about the programs

Overall Rating

5

Total Reviews

2

Moments That Made Otaki Home

January 23, 2026by: Diego Carrasco
5

I did so much! From helping create a cafe to teaching English daily, there was never a dull moment. I loved the atmosphere, food, and most of all learning about the deep Japanese traditions in Otaki village.

I learned the Japanese culture that is a big part of my own heritage.

June 29, 2024by: David
5

I got to meet many different people from different parts of the world. I learned the Japanese culture that is a big part of my own heritage. I also taught english and where I am from to the villagers.

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Nagano, Japan

Types and Subjects

  • Adventure Types
  • Cross-Country Skiing
  • Downhill Skiing
  • Heritage Tourism
  • Sea Kayaking
  • Focus Areas
  • Community Service & Volunteering
  • Fields
  • Development
  • Education
  • Tourism
  • Causes
  • Eco-Tourism
  • Economic Development
  • Education
  • English Teaching
  • Teaching
  • Tourism
  • Tutor
  • Types
  • Teach Abroad
  • Volunteering

Availability

Years Offered: Year Round

Duration:
  • 1-2 Weeks
  • 2-4 Weeks
  • 5-8 Weeks
Intern Duration:
  • 1-3 Months
Gap Year Timing:
  • After College
  • Career Break / Mid-Career
  • During College
  • Post High School

Age Requirement

18+

Guidelines

All Nationalities

Program Cost Includes

  • Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
  • Weekday Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
  • Some Meals / Partial Meal Plan
  • Airport Transfer (Pick-Up)
  • On-Site / In-Country Staff Support
  • Pre-Departure Orientation
  • In-Country Orientation

Accommodation Options

  • Group living
  • Guest House
  • Home-stays

Qualifications & Experience

    Language Skills Required

  • English

    Accepted Education Levels

  • Any/All Education Levels Accepted

Application Procedures

  • Online Application
  • Disciplinary Clearance Form
GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization

GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization

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Ready to Learn More?

Join GoEco in a small, traditional village in Nagano, Japan! Famous for hosting the 1993 Winter Olympics, the area of Nagano has seen a growth in tourists. Many members of the community wish to improve their English language speaking skills. Volunteers on this program will meet members at a local community center and practice speaking with them in a casual, comfortable way. In addition to these tasks, volunteers will take part in cultural activities throughout each week. On their first Monday, volunteers will take an introductory Japanese language class and have a culture lesson. Weekly cultural activities range from sushi and origami-making lessons to visiting the nearby hot springs! In addition to these activities, depending on availability, volunteers may have the opportunity to li...

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