About Working Visitor Program

More Than a Visit
—A Shared Life Experience

The Working Visitor Program is a short-term residential experience that allows participants to become part of the ARI community. Visitors take part in daily farm work, meal preparation, learning sessions, and times of worship, experiencing community life firsthand.

Through interaction with students and volunteers from around the world, participants encounter diverse cultures, perspectives, and ways of life, offering an opportunity to broaden their own worldview. The program is ideal for those interested in organic agriculture and sustainable living, as well as anyone seeking new experiences, meaningful connections, and a chance to step away from the routines of everyday life.

Opportunities for Learning and Growth

Experience a Multicultural Community

At ARI, students and volunteers gather from across Asia, Africa, and many other parts of the world. By sharing meals, farm work, and daily life together, participants experience a multicultural community where they encounter diverse cultures and perspectives, learn from one another, and build connections that transcend differences.

Involve in Sustainable Lifestyle

At ARI, you can experience a self-sufficient and sustainable way of life, regardless of your agricultural background. From farming and food production to energy use and community practices, daily life is shaped by a commitment to sustainability. By living within this unique environment and sharing responsibilities with others, participants gain firsthand insight into the kinds of lifestyles and values that will be increasingly important in the future.

Discover New Perspectives

Spend a week living and working alongside people from diverse cultural and social backgrounds. Stepping away from the routines of everyday life creates space to reflect on assumptions and habits that often go unnoticed. Through shared experiences and meaningful encounters, you may discover new perspectives, fresh possibilities, and different ways of living in the world.

A Day of Working Visitor

6:30 Morning Activities

7:00 Foodlife Work

8:15 Breakfast

9:30 Morning Gathering

10:20 Classes

12:30 Lunch

13:45 Classes

16:00 Foodlife Work

18:30 Supper

A Year at ARI – Community Events

Life at ARI is a continuous rhythm of learning, working, praying, and sharing meals with participants from around the world. Seasonal farming, training, and events nurture the ability to “live together” across cultural differences.

Volunteers are not just supporters—they are part of the community. They can help plan and run monthly events and participate in various campus activities.

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

January

Feburuary

March

How to Apply

Application

Eligibility & Requirements

Applicants must be 18 years of age or older and in good physical and mental health.
A minimum stay of one week is required.

Livestock Health and Disease Prevention

To protect the health of our livestock and prevent the spread of infectious diseases, we ask for your understanding and cooperation with the following regulations:

Individuals who have entered Japan from another country within the past seven days are not permitted to enter livestock facilities.
Clothing and footwear that have been used overseas within the past four months may not be brought into livestock areas.

How to Apply

Please submit your application through the online form below, or contact us by email or phone, at least two weeks before your preferred arrival date. Please note:

Check-in is available only on Mondays and Wednesdays (or Tuesdays when Monday is a national holiday).
We do not accept Working Visitors from late March through the end of April, or during the first half of December.
Additional blackout dates may apply due to program schedules and community events. Please contact us before making travel arrangements.

Program Fees

(Accommodation, meals, and consumption tax included)

Stay Length	Student	General
Up to 7 nights	¥30,000	¥40,000
Up to 14 nights	¥50,000	¥60,000
Up to 21 nights	¥60,000	¥70,000
Up to 1 month	¥70,000	¥80,000

Supporter Discount: Monthly and Annual Supporters receive a ¥10,000 discount on the above rates. Payment Instructions: Once your participation has been confirmed, we will provide payment instructions. Program fees must be paid no later than one week before your arrival date.

Clothing Guidelines

At ARI, we welcome people from many different cultural and religious backgrounds. In order to respect the diversity of our community, we ask participants to avoid wearing revealing clothing in shared spaces, such as:

Skirts or shorts above knee length
Tank tops or sleeveless tops

Therefore, in addition to work clothes, please bring shirts with sleeves and clothing that provides adequate coverage during your stay.

FAQ

What do I need to bring?

What to Bring

Please bring the following items with you:

Health insurance card
Volunteer insurance (optional)
Work clothes (long-sleeved shirts and long pants) to protect against insects such as mosquitoes and black flies
Work gloves
Rubber boots
Rain gear
Hat
Water bottle
Towel
Hair dryer
Soap, shampoo, and other personal toiletries
Laundry detergent
Any regular medications
Two pairs of indoor slippers (optional: for the dormitory, dining hall, etc.)
Any other personal items you may need during your stay

Can I participate if I have food allergies?

Yes, in many cases you can participate, but it depends on the type and severity of your allergy.

ARI serves meals communally, and most meals are prepared in a shared kitchen using ingredients produced on campus and donated food. Because meals are prepared for the entire community, we may not always be able to provide special meals or completely eliminate the risk of cross-contamination.

If you have any food allergies, dietary restrictions, or medical dietary requirements, please inform us in advance when you apply. We will discuss your needs and determine whether we can accommodate them safely during your stay.

For severe allergies that may result in anaphylaxis or other serious reactions, additional precautions may be necessary, and participation may not always be possible.

Your health and safety are important to us, so please contact us before applying if you have any concerns about food allergies or dietary restrictions.

Can I participate if I have a disability?

ARI welcomes people from diverse backgrounds and strives to create an inclusive learning environment. Whether participation is possible depends on the nature of your disability and the support you may require during your stay.

Please note that daily life at ARI involves farm work, shared living, and participation in community activities. Some facilities may have limited accessibility, and we may not always be able to provide specialized assistance or accommodations.

If you have a disability, medical condition, or specific support needs, we encourage you to contact us before applying. By discussing your situation in advance, we can explore together whether the program is a good fit and what accommodations may be possible.

We are committed to treating each inquiry individually and doing our best to make participation accessible whenever feasible.

If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact us.

We are happy to answer any questions about the program, accommodations, daily life, accessibility, dietary needs, or anything else you would like to know before your visit. Please do not hesitate to get in touch.

email: [email protected]
tel: 0287-36-3111