VOLUNTEERS & INTERNS
Hands-on learning through farming, sustainability, and community
About the Program
The Volunteers & Interns program at the Midori Farm Kyoto Learning Center is designed for people who want to learn through real experience.
Participants join a working farm environment connected to education, sustainability, creativity, and cultural exchange. The program welcomes individuals from Japan and abroad who are curious, open-minded, and interested in learning by doing.
Participation may take place on-site at the farm, remotely, or through a hybrid format, depending on the role and timing.
Who This Program Is For
This program is well suited to serious-minded people who are:
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students and recent graduates
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gap-year participants
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people exploring sustainable living or agriculture
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individuals interested in education, food systems, or community projects
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those who prefer practical, hands-on learning
No prior farming experience is required.
Motivation, flexibility, and willingness to participate are more important than specific skills.
What Volunteers & Interns Do
Activities vary by season and individual interests, but may include:
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supporting day-to-day farm operations and seasonal activities such as planting, maintenance, and harvesting
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assisting with education programs, workshops, and visits
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supporting sustainability or community-based projects
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digital participation such as basic media creation, website and outreach support, etc.
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artist programs connected to the farm including content creation, research, testing ideas with children, and production support
The focus is on learning, contribution, and producing useful outcomes in a supportive environment.
How Participation Works
Participation can be:
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On-site: living and learning at the farm in rural Kyoto
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Remote: contributing to projects from another location
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Hybrid: combining time on-site with remote involvement
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In general, length of participation is flexible and discussed individually.
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For on-site farm work participation, longer stays are preferred and prioritized, as this supports effective training and a more rewarding experience for everyone. Stays of this nature that are less than a week are rarely accepted.
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For shorter stays, please see our programs for Farm Experiences.
Practical Details
Participation in on-site programs often involves a contribution to help cover shared living costs such as rent and utilities.
Participants are generally responsible for providing much of their own food.
Specific details vary depending on the length and nature of participation and are discussed individually in advance.
This approach helps support the sustainability of the farm and the learning environment while keeping the program accessible.
Some volunteers and interns may choose to use crowdfunding to support their participation.
Information about this option is available through the Midori Farm Corral (Crowdfunding) page.
Learning Center Connection
The Volunteers & Interns program is part of the broader Midori Farm Kyoto Learning Center, which also includes:
Programs often overlap, and participants may interact with artists, educators, and visiting groups during their time with us.
Next Steps
If you are interested in volunteering or interning with Midori Farm Kyoto Learning Center, we encourage you to get in touch to discuss timing, interests, and participation options.
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