Help with everyday work at Buddhist temple lodging

United States

3

I had a mixed experience. I wouldn't recommend it for first time volunteers, as communication is not great and the hours (especially during busy season) are quite long. However, I did have a lovely time meeting all the volunteers and staff (including cafe staff!). Volunteers should be prepared to be very flexible with the work/schedule and to possibly experience some harsh feedback. Thank you to all who showed your kindness and patience! If you're looking for a spot to work hard, enjoy the mountains, eat good food, and get to know some good people, this is still an okay option.

2 months ago

Junko replied

色々ありがとうございました。その時その時のメンバーで、色々なメンバーでグループができてしまったり、英語が不得意な私たちにとっては、まとめられませんでした。人間関係は、鏡です。あなたが感じたことは私たちも感じているのかもしれませんね。

Netherlands

4

The host is a beautiful location surrounded by nature. I loved exploring the area—biking to a lake with Mount Fuji views, hiking, visiting temples, shrines, and enjoying the cherry blossoms. The family is welcoming, and there are great opportunities to experience Japanese culture, especially outside sakura season. However, during busy periods, expect longer work hours (6 days a week, 5+ hours per day). Access to the host's onsen is sadly limited to Japanese staff. Some cultural differences can be felt, so flexibility is important. Experience in hospitality is highly recommended.

3 months ago

Junko replied

忙しい時期で、多くのワーカーさんがいたので、大変でしたね。
それぞれがそれぞれの感情や文化の違いを主張だけするのではなく、分かちあってくれたらいいと思っていました。いつも通訳に協力してくれてありがとう。相談に乗ってくれてありがとう。

United Kingdom

1

Awful experience: agreed one month, left after 10 days. Wordcount too short to go into detail, so DM if want more info! -Because of peak holiday season (sakura), working days 6/week, and hours up to 6/day; unlike stated on WP, this time was not made up later on -Bad atmosphere: endless rules, constant arguments, many volunteers left early -No proper bedding, just old duvet covers -Nasty attitude from some staff i.e.mean comments made in Japanese about foreign volunteer in front of them, knowing they wouldn't understand Minobu is beautiful, and some ppl were kind, but not worth it IMO

3 months ago

Junko replied

忙しい時期だという事は、伝えて参加していただいたはずです。忙しい時期だから、多くのボランティアが滞在していました。多彩な文化や習慣、感情の起伏も様々。時には挨拶もしない、不機嫌、ヘッドホンしながら仕事していては、話しかけることもできない。日本文化に参加したいと言いながら、ボランティア同士で英語でしか話さない。日本人は複雑な感情をこらえるのに精一杯でした。
世界中には、あなたに合うところも、合わないところもあると思います。今、何度も戻ってきて働いてくれている子達で毎晩ゲームしたり、英語と日本語のエクスチェンジして楽しく過ごしています。
忙しい時期にご苦労様でした。ありがとう。

Brazil

4

The host is a good place for stay and immersing in the Buddhist mountains area. The Japanese Staff are amazing I'm so thankful for ALL them very respectful and kind at ALL :) The food is amazing & Delicious :) P.s: pay attention in all reviews & if you want more information hit me up :) as a 9years WP traveller!

6 months ago

Junko replied

色々ありがとうございました。もっと話したいことがあったけど、忙しい時期であまり話せませんでした。残念。

United States

5

I enjoyed my month at the host! Work hours were generally respected, though extra help was sometimes requested—it was up to you to decide whether to pitch in. The staff was kind, though instructions relied on volunteers passing down info, which could be unclear at times. Being included in local events and social media outreach added to the experience. Overall, Minobu was a peaceful escape from the city and offered great insight into what makes Japan special!

9 months ago

United Kingdom

5

I really enjoyed my stay at the host. The team is welcoming and the property and area is lovely. The work is straightforward and there's opportunities to do different roles. Everyone gets involved to help with evening meal and dishes. The food was always plenty and tasty and eating together with other volunteers and Japanese staff was a highlight. Communication and team management could be better, as you're reliant on other volunteers to know what to do and expectations aren't explained but this is still a great experience for engaging with Japanese culture and exploring mountain countryside

10 months ago

Germany

5

It was a great experience at the host. The staff are super nice, happy to help out with questions and try their best to communicate with you. You can learn Japanese very well and learn a lot about the local traditions and customs. The place is very nature-oriented and there are beautiful hiking trails. You feel like part of a big family, living together with the other volunteers is great and it's hard to say goodbye.

10 months ago

Argentina

5

It's my second stay here and I honestly couldn't be happier. The place is very good and the meals are excellent, but above all the best thing is the people who work here, they make you feel at home and want to return.

10 months ago

Singapore

5

It was my first time volunteer and I had a very pleasant time here with the delicious meals and spacious room provided. The cleaning and kitchen work are manageable, it helps to know basic Japanese numbers to communicate in the kitchen. I was more than happy to be able to teach yoga in the host hall as it was the typhoon period and the regular teacher couldn't come. The host and local staff are very open and understanding. Everyone work, cook, have meals, chat and clean up together which I like about this strong sense of community. And they have the cutest cat.

10 months ago

Morocco

5

I had a great time at the host, and learned a lot. The work was fair, everyone was nice and friendly and it was always lovely to gather over the delicious lunch and dinner with the hosts, the Japanese staff and the other volunteers. Minobu where the lodge is located is a beautiful area rich in culture and history, where you can slow down, and retreat. If you're looking for a place to connect with locals, nature, go on hikes, or just spend hours reading/chilling by the river or at the staircase of a centuries-old the host then this place is for you. Thank you so much for having me!

10 months ago

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