Help with everyday work at Buddhist temple lodging

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.

12 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!

12 months ago

Australia

5

I had an amazing experience here. I knew coming into this I wanted a month to unwind, relax, meeting other foreigners and learn about Japanese culture. I am very grateful as I was able to do all these things. Although I was here at a quite time of the year I heard it can be different when it's busier season. It is a very quite town with hikes and temples all around but there is not much to do otherwise if you are not into those things. So if you are looking for partying and lots of things to do I wouldn't recommend this place. For me it was perfect. I am very appreciative for my time here.

over 1 year ago

Junko replied

色々ありがとう。至らない点がたくさんあった事お詫びします。

United States

5

To start with the bad: during busy season you'll be expected to have a “Japanese work ethic” where you work too much with not enough time off. This, and communication as a whole, needs some improvement, especially for volunteers. That said…I really enjoyed my time here. The work was fun. The provided food was always delicious, everyone eats together at “family dinner” whether that's at 7pm or 9pm. There was also plenty of other foreigners to befriend and learn things from. Minobusan is a very pretty and quiet area, but it's also small with not much to do. Party people wont enjoy it here.

over 1 year ago

Junko replied

色々ありがとう。私たちも、ワーカーを受け入れ始めて経験不足なことと、あまりにも文化の違いに困惑していました。

Mexico

5

It was an amazing experience!✨️ I learned a lot, and I was able to make a lot of friends. The people in Kakurimo are really beautiful and nice, they will make you feel part of a family, I'm really grateful whith everyone here. The job is easy to understand, sometimes it is a little busy and we all have to help, but the staff with more experience will guide you to make a good job. Be patient and do your best ✨️🥳 For Junko San and Zeko San, thank you for teaching me about your beautiful house, your amazing work and family, and the community that you have created, I'm really grateful 💕✨️

over 1 year ago

Junko replied

本当にありがとう。一緒に旅をした思い出は忘れません。
楽しかったよ。ありがとう。

France

5

This experience was truly amazing, one if not my best experience in Japan, I met many people during my stay here and got to enjoy numerous cultural experiences, I'm really grateful to junko-san and all the staff that I met there for all those precious moments I will cherish this experience for long Thank you again 🙏🏻❤️

over 1 year ago

Junko replied

色々ありがとう。文化の違いで疲れたと思います。お疲れ様。

Mexico

5

The host is the kind of place you can feel like home, everyone is really kind, open to talk and help. I met so many people from different countries, people who I'm going to keep talking and that is more than I was looking for. I 'm lucky to have met them. My time with them was good, I enjoyed the mountains, the view, the temples and peace from Minobu (even with all the monkeys). I would like to say more than thank you, but I'm sure they know how much I'll miss them. See you soon.

over 1 year ago

Junko replied

本当にありがとう。たくさんのSNS投稿も感謝しています。

United States

4

From the beginning, I experienced a warm and earnest welcome. The sense of family fostered through meal sharing and communal living made for a seamless integration. The cozy accommodation, nestled in the mountainside of Minobu, is perfect for nature enthusiasts. Tasks are straightforward, with willing support from fellow volunteers and Japanese staff. Occasional participation in tourism promotional events provides unique insight into local culture. While communication could improve, expectations are largely clear. Overall, I am truly grateful for the opportunity to volunteer at the host.

10 months ago

Germany

4

What a lovely experience to immerse into Japanese countryside culture! Very authentic, nice Japanese stuff & also the food was always great and felt like family dinner (: Thank you for letting me help in the café, it really helped my to improve my Japanese language skills!

12 months ago

Taiwan

4

The property is beautiful, the tasks are doable, and the town is lovely, highly recommended to someone who's calm and wants to explore Japanese mountains and local religions. We lived in a big house with quite many people (like a family though) and Junko san was very busy everyday, thus you might need to spend more time on communication & seeking for a communication. Everyone was very open-minded and respectful, I enjoyed my time there. PLUS, THEY HAVE A CAT!

about 1 year ago

Junko replied

色々な仕事を助けて頂いてありがとう！
本当に助かりました。
気を付けて旅を続けてね！

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