2026 PilotJune 12 – July 12

The June Pilot

One month. A small cohort. Testing what community around trails actually looks like.

This is a coliving experience: a small group sharing a villa, daily life and the mountains together. The house is a 650m² villa with six ensuite bedrooms, big shared spaces and trails that start near the door. We'll be based in Fujimi, with daily access to the Yatsugatake range and the Southern Alps. Group runs organized based on conditions and what people want to do. Route knowledge shared. Time in the mountains, together.

This is a pilot. We're learning what works, what doesn't and what it takes to create something people want to return to. If you join, you're helping shape what this becomes.

Dates: June 12 – July 12, 2026

Location: Fujimi, Nagano (2 hours from Tokyo)

Group size: A small cohort

Applications: Rolling. Deadline May 5.

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The Space

Accommodation
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We'll be staying in a 650m² villa in Yatsugatake, 12 minutes from Fujimi Station. Six ensuite bedrooms (each with a private toilet), two Japanese inn-style bathing rooms and a large shared living space designed for both downtime and time together.

The house has a gym room, mountain bikes for local exploration, an outdoor BBQ setup, a piano and sound equipment, and a TV. The surrounding area is quiet and forested, with trails close by. Parking on-site (up to 10 spaces).

Getting around requires a car. We'll organize shared car access for the group. Chino Station is the nearest hub for trains back to Tokyo.

There's space for individual routines, shared meals and everything in between.

Fujimi itself is a small town on the border of Nagano and Yamanashi, with art museums, wineries, quiet roads and local life. The name comes from its view of Mt. Fuji. On a clear day, you'll see why.

What to Expect

Included

  • Shared accommodation in Fujimi
  • Daily access to Yatsugatake and Southern Alps trails
  • Group trail runs (routes adjusted for conditions and experience)
  • Shared car access for trailheads and local exploration
  • Route planning and local knowledge
  • Community meals several times per week
  • Coworking setup
  • Organized community activities (pop-up dinners, local festivals, cultural and culinary experiences)
  • A built-in community of like-minded people (because it's all about the people!)

Good to Know

The community is the heart of this. Living alongside like-minded people who love the mountains is what makes Goodpace what it is. Expect shared meals, shared runs and plenty of time around the table with people who get it. It's a community, not just a share house.

This is not a guided tour. You're responsible for your own training schedule. We organize group runs, share route knowledge and facilitate activities, but the days are yours to shape.

Food and groceries are handled individually or on a shared basis (Splitwise for group meals). Transport to/from Fujimi, personal activity costs (onsen, gear) and travel insurance are your responsibility.

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Sunset over the Southern Alps with tents and Mt. Fuji in the distance
Two hikers at a mountain summit sign
Mountain scene
Community moment

The Trails

Fujimi sits between the Yatsugatake range to the east and the Southern Alps to the west, two of the best trail running areas in Japan and two hours from Tokyo by train. You can run straight from the villa into the Yatsugatake network, and within a short drive you've got everything from quick local loops to 3,000m alpine traverses.

Yatsugatake

The Yatsugatake range starts at the door. A trail from the villa connects directly into the network, so you can step out for a quick door-to-trail run before work or after logging off. When you want more, the range opens up: volcanic ridgelines, mixed forest and technical alpine terrain, with Mt. Akadake (2,899m) and its surrounding peaks as classic day objectives. A well-connected hut network makes bigger missions easy to plan, from a single hut stay to the full Yatsugatake traverse over multiple days in huts or tents.

A short drive away

For more short pre- or post-work trails when you want a bit more variety, a couple of local favorites are about a 20-minute drive to the trailhead. Nyusayama (1,955m) has gentle meadow and forest terrain, beautiful views and low technical demand. Good for easy mornings or recovery days. Hinatayama (1,660m) in nearby Yamanashi is another local favorite: beech and larch forest leading to an unusual sandy summit. Both are the kind of trails you'll find yourself repeating.

Southern Alps

To the west, the Southern Alps go higher and wilder. The closest 3,000m peak is Mt. Kaikomagatake (2,967m), a striking granite pyramid with white scree slopes and one of Japan's most iconic alpine summits, accessible from Fujimi via Kitazawa Pass. Deeper in the range, Mt. Kita (3,193m) and Mt. Aino (3,189m), Japan's second and third highest peaks, are full-day or weekend objectives. The classic north–south traverse links multiple 3,000m peaks with mountain hut or tent camping options along the way. Some of Japan's most remote and rewarding alpine terrain.

Northern Alps

The Northern Alps are about 1.5 hours by car, with world-class fastpacking terrain around Yarigatake and Hotaka, plus the famous Kamikochi valley, one of Japan's most iconic alpine destinations. For a weekend change of scenery, the options are hard to beat anywhere in Japan.

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Who Should Join

Experience level doesn't matter. We're welcoming to new or aspiring runners and experienced mountain runners alike. What matters is genuine interest in spending time outdoors and contributing to community.

This is for you if

  • You want consistent trail access and mountain time
  • You're interested in trail running or mountain exploration in Japan
  • You can work remotely or have a flexible schedule during the month
  • You're comfortable with self-directed activity and group living
  • You want to be part of building something from the ground up

You should be

  • Ideally available for the full month (June 12 – July 12), though we'll consider shorter stays on a case-by-case basis
  • Comfortable with shared living spaces
  • Self-sufficient (able to organize your own schedule and training)
  • Open to group activities and knowledge sharing
  • Able to drive (nice to have; a Japanese or international driver's license is recommended for rural Nagano)

This is a pilot, not a polished product. Expect things to be rough around the edges, but you'll be rewarded by being part of creating the future of Goodpace.

The People

The trails are better with good company. Friends to plan the big days with, share the small ones and be around for everything in between. Share the month with like-minded folks who turn into close friends.

On the summit and around the dinner table, on the trails and off them. It's the people who are the point.

Three hikers in the Japanese Alps
Group of runners reflected in a road mirror
Three friends on a snowy winter summit
Two runners at an alpine summit
A group of six hikers together in the forest
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Practical Information

Getting There

Fujimi is 2 hours from Tokyo by train on the Chuo Line to Chino or Fujimi Station. We can provide detailed directions once you're confirmed.

What to Bring

Trail running gear, personal clothing, work setup, any specific training equipment you need. Full packing list provided after registration.

English and Japanese will both be supported. All experience levels welcome.

Cost

Shared room¥120,000 (~$750 per person)
Private room¥190,000 (~$1,190)

This is founding-member pricing for our pilot month. Future months may be higher.

Shared room pricing is based on two people. Come with a partner, friends or a group and the per-person cost goes down. Mention your group size in the application. Coming solo is great too. You can still book a shared room and meet new friends along the way.

Scholarships available if needed. Reach out and we'll work something out.

If you're a content creator or photographer, or can offer something to help build Goodpace (community building, local expertise, or anything else), we're open to discussing alternative arrangements. Get in touch.

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After You Sign Up

This is a collaborative process. We'll be in touch with everyone who expresses interest to answer questions and make sure it's the right fit. We review applications on a rolling basis (confirming people as we go), and the deadline is May 5.

We'll send you

  • More details about the pilot structure and schedule
  • Payment information and deposit details (¥50,000 deposit to reserve your spot)
  • Packing list and preparation guide
  • Welcome packet with house details, local area info and logistics

Timeline

April: Applications open, initial outreach

May 5: Application deadline (we review as we go, so apply early).

Early May: Participants confirmed

Late May: Final logistics and preparation

June 12: Pilot begins

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Common Questions

Do I need trail running experience?

No. We're welcoming to all experience levels. What matters is genuine interest in spending time in the mountains.

Is this a structured training program?

No. We'll organize group runs and share route knowledge, but you're responsible for your own training schedule.

Can I work remotely during the pilot?

Yes. The accommodation has wifi and coworking setup. Most participants will be remote workers.

What if I can't commit to the full month?

The pilot is designed as a month-long experience. We're prioritizing people who can commit to the full period, but we'll consider shorter stays on a case-by-case basis. Applications close May 5.

Do I need to be able to drive?

A Japanese or international driver's license is recommended. Driving is the easiest way to get around in rural Nagano, and we'll organize shared group car access for everyone. If this is a concern, mention it in your application and we'll figure it out together.

What about insurance and safety?

All participants must have their own travel/health insurance. We'll provide safety protocols and guidelines for mountain activities.

Is this only for international residents?

No. We welcome both Japanese and international participants. The goal is a culturally diverse community.

What's the deposit and payment structure?

¥50,000 deposit to reserve your spot (deducted from total fee). This deposit is non-refundable. Remaining balance due before arrival.

Are scholarships available?

Yes. If the price is a barrier, reach out and we'll work something out. We'd rather find a way to make it work than have the right person miss out.

Can I come with a partner, friends, or a group?

Absolutely. You're welcome to apply as a group. Shared room discounts are available depending on group size, so please mention this in your application and we'll work out the best arrangement.

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