Help with everyday work at Buddhist temple lodging

High demand host: This host has received 4 applications recently. We recommend you apply for other positions too.
Immerse yourself in the local culture: 37 travelers recommend this host for those looking for a local cultural immersion
Connect with international travelers: 34 travelers recommend this host to meet travelers from all around the world
Needs help immediately

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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

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Jan

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 50 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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42 Reviews

4.5

Host & Team

4.0

Hours & Tasks

4.0

Buddhist Temple Lodging Shukubo

4.0

Learning & Fun

4.5

How this experience will transform you

37 Immersing in the local culture
34 Meeting international travelers
33 Get in touch with nature
31 Meeting locals
16 Practicing English
10 Developing social awareness

This host contributes to Sustainable Development Goals

12 3. Good health and well-being
8 11. Sustainable cities and communities
6 12. Responsible consumption and production

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!

about 2 months ago

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!

about 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.

2 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。

Shaquille

United States

This was truly an experience for me. Seeing Japanese culture and work life from a whole new perspective. It will be plenty of work, but fear not because everyone is working hard together!

3 months ago

Junko replied

忙しい時期だったから、大変でしたね。ありがとう。

Christian

United States

My stay at the host was amazing. Thank you to Junko-san and Zeko-san for hosting me and making me feel welcomed in your home. And to the rest of the Japanese staff it was fun working with all of you! I was able to make lifelong friends here. There is a lot of nature surrounding the area so its a good spot for hiking.The work is easy and there was nothing to complain about. If you come with a good attitude and open mind then you will have a great time.

4 months ago

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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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