Help with everyday work at Buddhist temple lodging

Higher chance of approval: This host has recently approved volunteers and is looking for more applications.
Immerse yourself in the local culture: 38 travelers recommend this host for those looking for a local cultural immersion
Connect with international travelers: 36 travelers recommend this host to meet travelers from all around the world

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What you offer

25h

Hours per week: Help out and collaborate with your host only a few hours per week.

Gardening: Help grow plants and cultivate gardens

Kitchen Hand: Help prepare, finish and serve meals.

Cleaning: Help clean the kitchen, bedrooms, bathrooms and common areas.

Housekeeping: Help with changing the bed linens and general housekeeping.

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What you get

Days off per week: Have some time off for yourself, go explore the city or rest for a while.

Shared Dorm: You will have a bed in a shared room, which means you will share the same room with other travelers.

Team Dorm: You will have a bed in a shared room, which means you will share the same room with other people.

Breakfast: You are entitled to a free breakfast, every day of your stay.

Lunch: You are entitled to a free lunch, every day of your stay.

Basic Internet Access: Basic speed internet for you to work remotely

Use our equipped kitchen: Feel free to use our kitchen and make your own delicious food.

Free Laundry: You can use our laundry room freely.

Discounts on Restaurants: Get discounts at nearby restaurants.

Discounts on Drinks: Get discounts for drinks and beverages from our bar.

Free Tours: We’ll take you on tours and rides around town. For free!

Free Events: Get free entrance for the best events in town.

Bikes at your disposal: You can use our bikes any time you want.

Support: Get help from the Worldpackers support team in case you need it, at any point of your trip.

Verified Host: This host has been verified by our team before joining the community.

WP Safeguard: Did something not go as planned? Contact our team.; Learn more

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Availability

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Jan

Feb

Stay at least: 30 days

Stay up to: 12 weeks

The Experience

We are seeking live-in help for at least one month. BE SURE TO FULLY READ the descriptions and volunteer reviews before contacting us. Tasks include all aspects of the hospitality, including cleaning toilets and bathrooms, room-making, customer service, kitchen help, washing dishes, etc. English is a must, but no Japanese is required. As all live-in staff eat together, we cannot cater to vegetarians, vegans, etc. We do not accept couples.

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Requirements

Fluent Japanese or Intermediate English
Between 22 and 40 years old
Only hosts solo volunteers (doesn’t accept couples or partners)

What's not included

Flights, Travel Insurance, Internal Transportation and Visa

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Talk to those who have lived the experience

In our community, you can talk to worldpackers who have already collaborated with this host and get your questions answered directly.

You can ask things like:

a) How was your experience with this host?
b) How was your day-to-day routine?
c) How much did you spend on this trip?

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44 Reviews

4.5

Host & Team

4.5

Hours & Tasks

4.0

Buddhist Temple Lodging Shukubo

4.5

Learning & Fun

4.5

How this experience will transform you

38 Immersing in the local culture
36 Meeting international travelers
34 Get in touch with nature
33 Meeting locals
17 Practicing English
10 Developing social awareness

This host contributes to Sustainable Development Goals

14 3. Good health and well-being
9 11. Sustainable cities and communities
7 12. Responsible consumption and production

Gabriele

Italy

Describing such a unique and unrepeatable experience is truly challenging, and putting into words how grateful I feel to Junko-san and the entire staff of the host is anything but easy. They gave me the opportunity to live a month I will carry with me for the rest of my life. Their kindness, courtesy, and helpfulness will forever remain unforgettable memories in my heart. I can't help but recommend this experience to anyone who wishes to meet such wonderful people and fall in love with an hidden corner of Japan, a magical place where one can reconnect with nature and with others.

7 days ago

Eliza

United Kingdom

My time at the host was amazing! All of the staff and volunteers were so lovely and I'm going to miss everyone there! The work was simple, cleaning the baths, toilets and bedrooms mostly. They try to group your days off together so you can explore more of Japan on your breaks. Breakfast and Lunch was included but you get dinner if you help out with the washing up in the evening. This was my first time volunteering and I'm so glad I picked here, I got to experience so many cool things all thanks to them! I will definitely be coming back! ❤️ Thank you so much Junko and the host family! 🥰

25 days ago

Junko replied

Thank you Eliza for being so kind! We are glad you were able to join your time with us and experience a few activities we had going on. Thank you for your work!

Michelle

United Kingdom

I'd always wanted to experience a Shukubo and was lucky enough to be able to live and work in one for a month. I got to immerse myself in the beautiful nature in the area, learn about Nichiren Buddhism, shukubo and Japanese culture. Both the volunteers and Japanese staff work well together in one big team. I met so many lovely people, it was sad to say goodbye. It was truly a unique and unforgettable experience!

2 months ago

Junko replied

Thank you Michelle! You were a great help. You were a volunteer that we could rely on for many tasks. We hope you will come visit again!

Paula Susana

Mexico

I had a wonderful time during my stay. We formed a great family, I met people from many countries. The town is wonderful, surrounded by forests, nature, and Buddhist temples. The sound of bells and prayers is very pleasant and calming, far from the hustle and bustle of big cities. I'm going to miss my mates, the Japanese staff and my lovely Junko!

2 months ago

Junko replied

色々お世話になりました。最後の日に会えなくてごめんなさい。
また、お目にかかれるのを楽しみにしています。

Jorge

Mexico

It was a wonderful experience. I met many interesting people, learned about Japanese culture and history, experienced rice farming, trekking, music, rituals, travel, fantastic food, and especially the nature that Minobu San has to offer. Without a doubt, a wonderful place, and one that I will miss.

3 months ago

Junko replied

色々ありがとうございました。メキシコ料理もおいしかったよ。

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About the host

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Response Time: This host usually writes back in Less than a day
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