Japanese wooden boatbuilding/cultural exchange in Seto Inland Sea

Higher chance of approval: This host has recently approved volunteers and is looking for more applications.
Immerse yourself in the local culture: 4 travelers recommend this host for those looking for a local cultural immersion
Connect with the locals: 3 travelers recommend this host to have close contact with locals

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What you offer

25h

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

Building & Repairing: Help with a wide range of repairs or building.

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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.

Private Room: You will have a bed in a private room. In other words, a room just for you.

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 Parties: Get discounts at nearby parties and clubs.

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

Discounts on Tours: Get discounts for tours and excursions around town.

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

Get free drinks or beverages.: Drink up! Get free and tasty drinks for yourself.

Free Parties: Get free entrance for the best parties in town.

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

Pick Up: We will pick you up when you arrive, and take you to our property.

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

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Stay at least: 1 day

Stay up to: 2 weeks

The Experience

What I am doing now are an apprenticeship of Wasen (Japanese traditional boat) building to restore the wooden boatbuilding techniques/expertise, a mobile gallery bar with a mobile Japanese traditional architecture and an artist residence for the foreigners and the locals to socialize with each other. "Culture" is the concept of all these activities.

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Requirements

Intermediate English or Intermediate French
Between 18 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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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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4 Reviews

5.0

Host & Team

5.0

Hours & Tasks

5.0

Gallery Bar And Japanese Boatbuilding

5.0

Learning & Fun

4.5

How this experience will transform you

4 Immersing in the local culture
3 Meeting locals
2 Get in touch with nature
1 Developing social awareness
1 Practicing English
1 Learning about sustainability

This host contributes to Sustainable Development Goals

2 14. Life below water
1 12. Responsible consumption and production
1 16. Peace, justice and strong institutions

Matteo

France

I spend only few days with Kagiyama-san, but it was full of discoveries. The work was repairing tools for his project of boatbuilding, and I also helped with his mobile the host. Work was very funny and not time-wasting, and the host helped me to discover local culture and meet locals. Additionally, Kagiyama-san is very kind and comprehensive, and I will miss his meals! I recommend this experience at 100%!

3 months ago

Hiroshi replied

Hi Matteo, I miss that you say "délicieux" after every meal:) Make sure to let me know when you come back around here!

Allegra

Italy

I spent a week with Hiroshi helping him with his Wasen construction project. The work was mostly cleaning the rust off the planes that he will use for Wasen building, and I was also lucky enough to help out with his mobile the host. The work is fair and rewarding. As for accommodation, you will stay in Hiroshi's recently renovated traditional japanese house which is right by the sea. You will eat delicious home cooked meals, sleep in a very cosy and comfortable room, be immersed in the host's culture, and spend time with wonderful Hiroshi. I am super grateful for this experience.

3 months ago

Natalia

Poland

I truly enjoyed the few days I got to spend at Hiroshisan's. I got to learn a little about the local community, traditions and of course boatbuilding. Hiroshisan is an excellent host and I felt very comfortable during my stay. He is a very caring and open person. The communication was very smooth and I really enjoyed the conversations we had! I also really appreciate that he cooked vegetarian meals for me which were very delicious! My only job was to clean woodworking tools which was quite enjoyable actually. Overall I honestly can't think of any downsides. It was truly perfect! Thank you!

4 months ago

Hiroshi replied

Oops I just found out your review. How nice your compliments are:)

Jillian

Canada

Hiroshi-san was a nice host. We had good conversations and he was happy to talk about the local crafts, culture, and his various projects! He was not building boats during my visit, so my duties were miscellaneous tasks around his house: pulling weeds, vacuuming, cleaning tools. I helped him set up and take down his mobile the host one night. Overall it was a good experience, but if you are wanting to go to participate in Wasen building, then make sure to ask if he will be building during your stay.

16 days ago

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About the host

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Hosted by Hiroshi

Response Rate: This host usually answers to 100% of the messages
Response Time: This host usually writes back in 1 day

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