Pepperpreneurs is transforming into Izu-Pen Hideaway, forming a real community hub in the picturesque Izu Peninsula of Japan. And the best part? We’re inviting you to come along and be part of this thrilling journey!

But more details on that will be shared towards the end of this message.

First, some wanderlust pics of the Izu Peninsula and a little more on where and what it is.

Where is Izu?

The Izu Peninsula is located a 3hr drive from Japan’s capital, Tokyo - right by the sea.

What is Izu?

The Izu Peninsula formed hundreds of thousands of years ago when submarine volcanoes, drifting north on the Philippines sea plate collided with the Japanese mainland.

There was an explosion of volcanic activity which left an unbelievable landscape.

Here’s what I mean:

It’s a place full of natural wonders, little known to travellers, to explore

Incredible coastlines to get lost on

And full of authentic culture and fishing villages

Why is Pepperpreneurs basing itself in Izu?

I’ll keep this brief. But it’s been a true journey, full of unexpected pivots to this point.

1 year ago …Mike and I recorded a podcast about his visit to the Izu Peninsula. His experience here changed his perspective on life and work.

Whilst in Izu he met a man who owned a bar on a cliff.

It just had a simple sign post and an open bar.

He managed nothing.

Just chilled, looking over the ocean whilst visitors took drinks, kept the camp fire alive and paid what they needed to into a box.

That silhouette of the owner, sat on a cliff contemplating the sea was striking for Mike who was coming from a heavy corporate background.

In this image he saw and both hope and possibility.

From this point he started monthly trips, looking for places in the area.

Remember this story, because it’s going to lead to something exciting for you soon 🙂

Side note: Picture of Mike and I in South Africa doing research over 10 years ago…yikes!

How does this connect with Pepperpreneurs?

Whilst all this was happening in Mike’s world, I’ve been meeting you guys, digital nomads with thirst for entrepreneurship.

As we spoke, it became clear that being a nomadic entrepreneur can be lonely.

We may meet people as we travel but they may not be facing the same challenges as us.

So, we needed a space to connect, brainstorm new ideas, problem solve together, form deep relationships, and support networks.

Initially I thought this could be online, but that’s not what we’re all about.

We’re about life changing experiences.

So, there I was with a huge WHY to fulfil but no clear path ahead.

I mean, renting a place would be too pricey. I’d also need to be present for the events but I don’t live in a nomad city - Rio de Janeiro is over 2000km away.

That’s when Mike chimed back in …

And what do you know, Japan just released it’s first nomad visa!

This is where it gets interesting for you

Mike and I aren’t going to do this in isolation.

We, as entrepreneurs and travellers like you want to make this journey our journey.

We want to develop this property with you and share all the information along the way including:

• How we are choosing a place down to the blue prints and prices

• How are we developing the concept for entrepreneurs

• What we are discovering in Izu: food, experiences, culture

• What does it require to renovate

• How we are building the sales and marketing strategy

If this sounds like a journey you’d like to be part of - keep subscribed.

I think it’ll be the most real knowledge drop for this kind of entrepreneurial activity available with lots of cool travel tips too.

For now, look out for this log next time

And of course, the newsletter will be under the new name Izu-Pen Hideaway.

Catch you in the next one!