Japan

Experience a rich and amazing culture and assist in conservation in Japan!

Conservation Volunteers travels to Japan each year to assist with vital heritage preservation, environmental conservation and cultural exchange.  Working in conjunction with Promark Japan, a respected Japanese eco-tourism company, our volunteers get off the beaten track, immerse themselves in a timeless culture, learn traditional ways, interact with local villages and experience history, culture, picturesque landscapes and the warm hospitality of Japan's rural areas.

The Japanese have had a long history with the landscape, living in harmony with the forest to provide food, shelter, medicine and tools.  This lifestyle and delicate balance still exists in the rural areas of many parts of Japan, however with an ageing population and the movement of younger people to the cities, many communities and conservation areas are struggling without proper and sustained management and assistance.

Conservation Volunteers sends a team over to a different location each year to assist with these important conservation and cultural activities.

Program Fee

The program fee includes meals, accommodation, transport, all cultural activities, eco-tours, a relaxation excursion, Japanese translator and a financial contribution to local conservation measures and projects.  Prices are currently being confirmed for 2012
* Price does not include international airfares, travel insurance, visa, passport or other personal expenses.

Program Dates 2012

November - Dates to be confirmed

We are currently finalising the program details, including dates, location and price.  Please register above to keep updated on this amazing program!

Previous Expeditions have been:

2008 – Kiratappu Wetlands, Hokkaido
Volunteers assisted in establishing boardwalks and habitat protection for endangered cranes throughout the wetland

2009 – Odaira Postal Village, Nagano prefecture, Honshuu
Volunteers learned about the important history and culture associated with these remote postal towns and assisted in restoring buildings dating over 100 years old

2010 – Shirakawa-go, Gifu prefecture, Honshuu
The team of Aussie volunteers joined with local Japanese to help restore traditional Japanese farmhouses at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Shirakawa-go, characterized by their striking thatched roof.  The team also assist in maintaining the forest and kaya grass plantations.

2011 – Yakushima Island, south of Kyushuu
In time for the UN International Year of the Forest, the CV team joined forces with volunteers from all over Japan on this amazing forest protection and enhancement project. Held on the UNESCO World Heritage landscape of Yakushima Island in southern Japan, the team enjoyed close encounters with deer, monkey and the endangered Loggerhead turtle.

2012...
The 2012 program is currently being put together and details on location, dates and price will be announced soon!  Register your details to keep updated on the 2012 expedition below!