Improve your hospitality skills and explore Japan!

United States

4

I enjoyed my two weeks in Kamakura. I was given a night shift with plenty of time off to explore the area. I was disappointed with the sleeping arrangement due to my room having no AC in hot humid summer weather, bugs and lack of space. Because of the room i had to leave the accommodation early as I couldn't sleep at all. Other rooms, however, do have AC and space. I also had hoped that the free meals were three a day but we are only given them when working. Despite everything, I was able to meet some great people and the work helped me improve my hospitality skills.

12 months ago

Mexico

4

Kamakura is a beautiful place and Gokurakuji (where the volunteer house is located) is really cute. The tasks are quite simple, just be aware that with overnight shift they mean that you have to stay and sleep at the place you are scheduled at. Shifts usually go from 6-7pm until 10-11am the next day and the place to sleep may vary depending on the property (it can go from a bunk bed at the hostels to a cot in the restaurant/coffee shop kitchen). Food is provided either as grocery budget for the volunteer house or food at either of the restaurants owned by the host (only on shift days).

about 1 year ago

United Kingdom

4

Kamakura is a lovely place to visit if you love being near to the beach. It has a lot of opportunity to explore local culture, as there are many temples and shrines around. The working days were not that many and the day staff were very kind and supportive. On the days that you work, you will be given breakfast and dinner. The food was very yummy :)

about 1 year ago

Denmark

4

Absolutely loved my experience in Kamakura. The food was great, the staff was sweet and the town is so cute and nice. It did however surprise me that the house was rather unclean and doesn't match the photos on Worldpackers. The beds also differ a lot from being very good to sleep in to very bad - and you don't know where you'll be sleeping. I was also disappointed with how I was greeted since it's just the volunteers telling you how to do stuff mouth to mouth and not the owner. Kuni is so sweet and always there to help though! He's very chill:) Overall I really liked my experience<3

about 1 year ago

Chile

3

It was okay 👌🏼 they have a volunteer house, a lot of people were there, they give money to do groceries and the shift was easy.

over 1 year ago

Germany

4

I had a good time in Kamakura. The town is beautiful and close to the beach. I was staying with a roommate in a room above the cafe where you'll get food. The room was quite small and stuffed but somehow still cozy. I had only a few shifts so I had a lot of time to look around the city or go to Tokyo by train. It is very self-regulating you'll get the information mostly from other volunteers but if you have any questions you can ask or write Kuni. I enjoyed staying here and having a lot of time for myself.

over 1 year ago

Germany

4

I had a very good experience in Kamakura. I met incredible people and the work was not difficult at all. I only had to work maybe 3 times a week. But I have to say that the description is not up to date anymore. You only get food on the days you work (dinner and then breakfast the next day). There is a budget though of 3000¥ per day for groceries for all the volunteers together. We all live in a house that is 40 minutes away by foot and there we can cook. For some time though we were 12 people in the house which was a bit much for only one toilet and shower. But beside that I loved it :)

over 1 year ago

Germany

2

I had a good time, but I do not recommend this experience. Since 12/2023 volunteers live in a house in Gokurakuji. Sparsely equipped, too many people (up to 12), power failures, terrible WiFi. Host: hardly any points of contact, didn't respond well to problems. "We're just offering all of you a free bed and free daily meals only. Don't expect any other things, 'cause you're a traveler, not our staff, not our guest." Two tasty meals are available for those who work. For the others there is a budget for food, you cook at home. Work: fun! However, cold in the guesthouse I was assigned to.

over 1 year ago

France

5

I stayed only two weeks but I had so much fun there! Mr Kuni and his wife are very sweet and prepare for us two very good meal everyday. His food is so good !! We don't work with the other volunteers but we eat and live with them. I met awesome people working there. Kamakura is great and it is easy go travel to the cities near by. I recommend this place ! I would definitively go again ^^

over 1 year ago

Canada

5

I had a really great experience volunteering at Wanderkitchen and the other hostels. Kuni and Ai-san were really welcoming, as were the other volunteers. The food made for us by Kuni and Ai was AMAZING, lovely home-cooked meals twice a day (and very accommodating to my dietary preferences!!) Kamakura feels like a second home to me. The beach was very healing, especially at sunset. I would love to return to Kamakura and volunteer again. Thank you Kuni and Ai for everything!!

over 1 year ago

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