Ikata
Code: NICE-26L-IK04 | Location: Japan
Study theme - Volunteers will have opportunities learning organic mandarin farming. Participation fee - 36,000 JPY (200 EUR by the rate on 2025 Nov. 3rd) for MTV (30-182 days participation) and 72,000 JPY (400 EUR by the rate on 2025 Nov. 3rd) for LTV (over 182 days participation) of NICE Volunteers fee need to be paid in advance either by Card or PayPal. This is used for the project preparation and coordination such as the transportation of the staff/ camp leaders, visa invitation cost, publications, etc. while the meals and the accommodation are provided by the local host by free. Other - The first and last 2 days are On Arrival and Evaluation Seminars in Osaka.
This project is actively working for SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), organized together with Kikuya Community Group (KCG) since 2008, formed by the local young people to think of the future of their small village. Ikata is famous for its main industry of mandarins farming, but has been facing depopulation, lack of workers and aging society since most of young people leave the town. So, the number of abandoned mandarin farms is increasing and the town is losing its tradition, life, custom and scenery. KCG strongly hopes to host vols. to work together to animate the town and revive the farms.
Description of the Work
Volunteers will help mandarin farming (It is the main work!! Harvesting, taking care of trees, cutting grass etc., it depend on season! Especially, Nov. to April. is hard!!).
Accommodation & Food
Shared room at the volunteer’s house. It is traditional Japanese style house. Volunteers will cook by themselves.
Location & Leisure
In the edge of Sata Peninsula, surrounded by the sea, so fishing is also famous. There are only 30 houses in this community. The climate is relatively warm though it can be cold in winter. Other activities - Join the local events, many opportunities to learn the local wisdom, etc. Sightseeing, short trip (hot springs, famous places here).
Requirements
Motivation letter is needed! Some Japanese speaking skill (manage to have basic daily conversation). High motivation to work hard and to learn and speak Japanese language. Respect for the local cultures and way of the local organization. Interests in agriculture. Be ready that work is for quite a long and hard.
Appointment
Host Organization
Superb
80 verified experiencesRatings for the host organization, based on overall experiences.
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Quick Facts
- Code: NICE-26L-IK04
- Dates: 21/02/2026 - 24/01/2027
- Age: 18 - 50 years
- Project Type: Long-term >6 month
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Missions:
Agriculture
- 🗣️ Project main languages: English
- 🥗 Vegetarian food
- ♿ Accessible for disabled
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Actual weather:
Ehime
22°C
- Nearest station: The nearest airport is Matsuyama for domestic and Osaka (KIX) for international flights. It takes 2.5 hours by bus from Matsuyama to the project location. However, volunteers need to join On Arrival and Evaluation Seminars in Osaka, so volunteers are advi
- Nearest airport: KIX