Nestled in the heart of Shikoku, this small town offers the best of rural Japan:
a welcoming local community, sacred sites like Konpira Shrine, rolling hills and udon you’ll dream about.
It’s peaceful, walkable, and just a short train ride from Takamatsu or Osaka.
At Alt_Coliving and Kotori, we prioritize community first. Our pop-up reflects this value by creating a space where connections flourish, both within the group and with the local culture.
The local town of Kotohira is full of kind-hearted people very open to connecting with visiting nomads, and we make sure you have every opportunity to connect with them!




Core anchor activities + plenty of white space; leaving plenty of time open for staying productive & living the country life. At weekly Family Meetings participants are encouraged to share what they would like to do and co-create a program unlike no other! These could be game nights, outings and skill‑shares, so the program grows with you.




A bilingual community manager and local team are there to make sure you have a soft landing, and are eager to help facilitate local connections so you don’t feel a language barrier. They keep the vibe welcoming, safe and organised.




Local expert and fluent in both English and Japanese, Yoti is the bridge between our global residents and the local scene. He keeps the Wi-Fi humming, the activities rolling, and every cultural question answered so you can concentrate on work and still feel at home. Need some help or just a good hug? Yoti’s got you.




I’m from Okayama, Japan. I lead the DMC and community business at Kotohira Bus, where I design and organize programs that connect international visitors, digital nomads, entrepreneurs, and local communities. I’m passionate about creating meaningful experiences that inspire collaboration and long-term connections.

I’m Carol from Hong Kong. I studied in Taiwan and have been living in Japan for the past 10 years. With a background in hotel management, revenue management, and marketing, I’m currently the Community Manager at Kotori Coworking & Hostel, where I enjoy connecting people from different cultures.

I'm J from Kagawa, Japan. I went to Australia on a working holiday for two years. After participating in some Japanese festivals there, I fell in love with Japan even more. Now I'm a tour guide in Kotohira. I’ll share exciting stories about Kotohira with you!

I'm Yna from the Philippines. After moving to Japan 3 years ago, I discovered my passion for community building and rural tourism. I now work as a Community Manager at Kotori Kotohira, welcoming guests from around the world and helping them experience everyday life in Kotohira. I enjoy showing people my favorite spots in Kotohira and the surrounding area, discovering new places together, and exchanging stories about food, culture, and travel over a good meal. I look forward to meeting you and hearing your story!

Only 12 spots available. If you’re curious, excited, or considering joining, leave your email, and we’ll get in touch to answer all your questions!
Unlike typical programs focused on sightseeing, this experience emphasizes community building, cultural immersion, and personal connection. You’ll have the opportunity to co-create the experience while living in a serene and authentic Japanese town.
Kotohira is a picturesque town in the Shikoku region known for its rich cultural heritage, including the iconic Kotohira Shrine, Kabuki theater events, and world-famous udon noodles. It offers a tranquil atmosphere surrounded by scenic hills and cherry blossoms during spring.
The closest airport to Kotohira is Takamatsu Airport (TAK), from which you can get a to Kotohira Station by 48min bus ride (¥2,000 one way), minimum stress. <br>
If you fly into Kansai International Airport (KIX), you have the option to use the Kotohira bus connecting Osaka city directly to the doorstep of Kotori (¥3,500 one way).
Participants must be at least 18 years old. Beyond that, the program welcomes individuals of all ages and backgrounds, as long as they share a love for travel, community, and cultural exploration.
While the program isn’t packed with tourist activities, we’ll arrange optional guided visits to iconic spots like Kotohira Shrine and workshops on local traditions, such as udon-making. These are designed to offer deeper cultural insights rather than surface-level sightseeing.
Definitely! Kotohira is a convenient base for day trips to attractions like Naoshima (the art island) and the Iya Valley. We’re happy to assist you with travel recommendations and tips.
Yes! We’ll host online meet-ups before the program begins so everyone can get to know each other and share ideas. This helps us tailor the experience to suit the group.
Absolutely! Whether you’re new to remote work or a seasoned digital nomad, the program offers a supportive environment to help you balance work and cultural exploration.
Not at all! The program is designed for international participants, and most activities will be conducted in English. Local hosts and staff are bilingual and happy to assist.
