Thatched Roof Preservation Project (Oct 27, 28)
Volunteer to harvest kaya, the material used for traditional thatched roofs in Japan, and receive free accommodation and meals from local minshyuku inns deep in the infamous Akiyamago valley in northern Nagano.
- Description
- Tentative Itinerary
- Pricing & What's Included
- Optional Extended Tour
- Getting Here
- Register
Description top
This project will allow you to help preserve a remaining traditional thatched roof farm house in Japan by joining local farmers in harvesting the kaya needed to repair the roof. In return for your efforts, you will receive free accommodation at a local minshuku inn, and meals for the two days. For those with a bit more time, an optional third day provides an opportunity to explore the beautiful Sakae Mura village by bike, including a breathtaking downhill cruise overlooking the entire village.
the Kayabuki-yane is a staple of traditional Japanese architecture. A shortage of skilled workers and materials to mend roofs has led to most old houses covering their roofs with sheet-metal to protect it from the elements. Thatch roofs last up to 30 years before re-thatching becomes necessary. Even then, only half the roof can be dried and reused. The rest must be harvested and collected until there is enough to remake the roof. Actual thatch-roof houses are a rarity in Japan and are increasingly being protected as national heritage sites and national treasures.
If enough material is harvested this year, participants will also be invited back next year to participate in the actual rebuilding of the roof.
Tentative Itinerarytop
This two day volunteer project will be a combination of physical labor and well-earned relaxation in a beautiful mountain valley at the peak of fall colors. An optional third day is available to explore the area by bike with One Life Japan.
Oct 27
The program begins Saturday after lunch. A bus will take participants up a winding road to the Akiyamago valley where we will meet with local volunteers for a brief orientation. One Life Japan will be on hand to translate and assist with communication.
After an afternoon in the fields, volunteers will retire to their local family run inn for dinner and a bath. In an effort to support as many local inns as possible, participants will be assigned to different inns in the same area. One Life Japan will do our best to visit your inn to facilitate communication with inn owners and staff where needed.
Oct 28
Day two will begin with a traditional Japanese breakfast (and hot bath if you wake up in time). We will spend the morning harvesting morekaya and end with lunch with the local volunteers. Once the harvesting is completed, volunteers will have time to take a hot-spring bath at a local onsen or even the Kiriake onsen - a hot spring available by digging into the nearby riverbed.
After the bath, One Life Japan will organize an optional visit to the Abe house in Okubo village, another century-old traditional Japanese house with a thatched roof. The owner and only resident, Abe-san, will be delighted to talk about life in the snow-country over a cup of tea.
Register top
To register for this program, please send us an email including the following information for each participant:
- Name
- Contact number in Japan
- Age
- Where you will be coming from, and how you intend to get here
- Any special dietary restrictions
Email: kevin@onelifejapan.com
Phone: 090-3337-3248
