Shinko 3

1. Summary: Create a mountain trail with beautiful view of Norther Japan Alps together with the local
people! First year to organize an international workcamps!
2. Background: Newly organized with the local community. Takano village of Shinko district is surrounded by
the mountains and located at 750-800 a.s.l. The village don't have particular attractions for
tourists and ongoing depopulation and aging, that is a common serious issue in most of the
country sides (or even the whole country!) of Japan, would be more serious in the future. But
they have great potential to have a train where we can enjoy a beatiful view of Nother Japan
Alps mountains that could not only bring more visitors, but also re-activate the community!
They need volunteers to make it real and the ex. Director of NICE is living here since last year,
so he's suggested the community and NICE to organize international workcamps!
3. Work: We will 1) create and maintain the trail where they are planning to organize Training Running
Event on Oct. 29th, 2) help farm work in the rice fields from which they are planning to invite
fireflies and also to make sake from the rice, 3) Explore hidden treasurers for sightseeing by
walking around and taking pictures/ drawing the spots as well as making interviews to the local
people that results will be presented in the end.
4. Accommodation: Public hall. Meals (attention: only vegan food is possible!) will be cooked by volunteers by
turns. Sleeing bag is necessary.
5. Study theme: Similar types of local actions in each country. Bring some info.!
6. Other activities: Exchange program with the local children, lesson to learn local traditional recipe, etc.
7. Location: Shinko district is located in the south west of Nagano city which is located in the noth east of
Nagano prefecture. The climate is colder than low land, so even in summer, it may be cool in
the evening and morning. Rice and apples farming is the main industry.
8. Terminal:Tokyo (2 hours by the bullet train or 3-4 hours by bus. You need to arrive at Narita airport by
07:00 a.m. on the first day and can leave there after 20:00 on the last day.)
9. Requirement: We welcome strong and motivated volunteers who are happy to work hard even in some rain
and also to enjoy the healthy vegan food!
10. Participation fee: No fee
11. Language: English (Japanese is also welcomed!)
12. Other None