Welcome

The Bliss Project is about connecting with land, culture, and community

Nestled in the countryside of Oita, Japan, the Bliss Project is a community effort to revive a centuries old farm. Together, we tend organic gardens and orchards, care for old-growth forest, and restore historic Meiji Era buildings and their surrounding formal Japanese gardens, all while sharing a community space that provides room for art, culture, and quiet moments of connection.

For volunteers who join us, there is no typical day, only the invitation to be present in each one. Some come to learn about sustainable gardening or Japanese culture. Others come for a digital detox and a chance to work with their hands. Whatever draws them here, the hope is that they leave with not only a deeper respect for the effort involved in growing healthy food, but also an appreciation of the special community that makes it happen.

Through a balance of work, rest, shared meals, and simple pleasures, we invite people into a different kind of rhythm. There is room here for quiet, for discovery, for connection. What people find in that space is up to them.

Bliss isn’t a destination. It’s a state of mind that becomes possible when you are fully in the moment, connected to the earth and to the people around you.

— Ariana Bliss, founder of the Bliss Project

Feeling the magic in myriad ways

This is truly a magical place. You can feel it as you unwrap Meiji-era lacquerware, neatly packaged with newspaper from the 1920s, or when you water the garden in the early morning sun, your sole company, a pair of blue dragonflies. Or maybe you feel it in the cool reprieve of the forest, surrounded by the glittering webs of spiders; either way, I am sure you will feel it, just as I felt it.

—Isabelle, Vancouver

Being part of a beautiful project

The 3 weeks I spent here were such a BLISS! I loved the early morning weeding…so meditative! Our chats about all sorts of things…the samurai event in Kitsuki, indigo dying, letting me paint on the Seeds door. Thank you for your trust, your openness, for new ideas and sharing your amazing knowledge, letting me be part of this beautiful project.

—Lynn, Luxembourg

Each person can find their bliss

…There’s so much gorgeous creativity in this undertaking—that helps all who come here. It seems each person can find their bliss—building with wood, painting, culling trees, cooking, growing veggies and watering plants (which is really soaking roots). Infinite bliss.

—Catherine, Australia

Living and learning in the Japanese countryside

We had an unforgettable time here at the Bliss Project. From the time we came, we were welcomed by you and the crew like we’d known each other for a long time. We are so happy to have had the opportunity to live in the Japanese countryside and learn about sustainable farming.

—Kris and Liora, Ontario, Canada

A very unique experience; learning and finding peace

I have had such an amazing time working here on the farm. Learned a lot and felt very peaceful being in this environment. Thank you so much for letting us into your life and meeting so many cool, lovely people. Very unique experience.

—Liva, Denmark