Help to renovate our house next to our Hostel!

Brazil

5

The 4 weeks I volunteered at the hostel went by so fast. I left wishing I could stay a little longer! the hostel is really cute, cozy, and comfortable, with a nice “homey” feel. It's well taken care of, and it feels great to help keep it running. The hosts are really nice, and I felt like we could be friends if we lived in the same city =) And they welcome you in the best way: with food! Hiwasa is small but very charming, and Shikoku really surprised me, it's a beautiful island! I totally recommend volunteering at the hostel.

about 1 year ago

New Zealand

5

Helping out at the hostel was a fun & relaxing experience. The work at the hostel is very reasonable & straight forward, & both Umi & Erika are amazing people & chefs! Hiwasa is a quite costal town with friendly locals and great food. During my days off, I enjoyed exploring the coastline, river & surfing with Umi. Thanks again Umi & Erika for your flexibility & generosity. I hope to see you, Akane, Nato & Bibi again one day.

over 1 year ago

Lithuania

5

The hostel in Hiwasa felt like home. Erika and Umi welcomed us volunteers into their adorable family, including their two cute kitties. Their exceptional hospitality and genuine care made our stay special. We shared delicious meals, great conversations, and cultural exchanges. the hostel's cool vibes and perfect location offered endless adventures, from cycling and relaxing by the river to enjoying the beach, engaging with the local community, and joining fun festivities. Meeting and socialising with guests from around the world was amazing. Thank you, the hostel!

over 1 year ago

United States

5

Erika and Umi have set the bar high for what a volunteer experience should be. They are both very kind and welcoming and make sure that volunteers are having a good time. There was plenty of opportunity to do activities in my free time like surfing and biking around town. I've enjoyed the moments of both relaxing and hanging out together and enjoyed all the meals we had together and talking about many things. Hiwasa is a very charming town so if you are looking for a peaceful place with nature all around then is the spot. I will definitely return on my next trip to Japan. Thank you the hostel!

over 1 year ago

United Kingdom

5

I couldn't have asked for a better first volunteer experience at the hostel! Umi and Erika are incredibly welcoming and kind. The work is clear and consistent, with everything explained to you well and help given when needed throughout the time. Hiwasa as a town is truly relaxing and peaceful, connect with nature and decompress here! The locals and friends of the hosts serve to enhance your experience with their friendliness and generosity. I spent my free time exploring the area, surfing, eating great food (thanks to the hosts) and overall relaxing in the Japanese countryside. What a time!

over 1 year ago

Germany

5

WOw ! Never would I have excepted to have so much love for a voluneer experience! You may read that it's in a quiet town but there is so much to discover around. To Do's: bike along river, hike, eat. One of the best chefs around is Erika-san. The Hiwasa community is so interested in getting to know foreigners and tries their best to communicate with a non-Japanese speaker. It didn't take me long to feel comfortable in the space Umi-san and Erika-san create. No matter how specific your question is about culture, they can and want to answer it precisely! I'll come back ☼

over 1 year ago

India

5

This was the best volunteer and hostel experience I have ever had. Erika-san and Umi-san are very nice, caring and cool host. Honestly they raised the Japanese hospitality bar very high for me. They are excellent cooks, I had so many tasty Japanese home cooked meals. I didnt even realise how a month passed away, didn't wanted to leave 🥹. I was lucky enough to attend traditional Japanese performances event (which was organised by Umi-san). The tasks are very simple and explained very clearly on your first day. I definitely recommend this place for the best volunteer experience of your life!!

over 1 year ago

United States

5

My time at the hostel was peaceful. Hiwasa is a quiet seaside town with excellent food, wonderful trails, immaculate sunsets, and truly kind locals. If you're looking for envelopment in nature and a slow-going lifestyle, this is the place for you. I developed my routine by riding one of the hostel bikes, spending hours at the beautiful Ryugu Park doing Yoga, and doing some online classes. I shared Umi and Erika's living quarters, a stone's throw from the hostel doors, yet had full access to the wonderful shared spaces inside the hostel! Finally, the countryside facilitates ample Japanese practice! BigUp.

about 2 years ago

Germany

5

Wonderful place to stay and volunteer, lovley hosts! If you're looking for a quiet, calm place far away from the big cities, enjoying slow life and exploring the countryside of Japan, this could be for you! Well, at least that's what I was looking for and it turned out to be even better. Erika and Umi are cheerful and caring hosts. They welcomed me warm-hearted and were always happy to help when I had any questions. And let me tell you about the food! We got home-cooked, japanese meaIs every day. Erika also made sure that there was always a vegan option for me! Thank you for everything ♡

over 2 years ago

Australia

5

This was my first time using Worldpackers and it was an amazing experience! Umi & Erika are wonderful hosts who truly welcome you into their home as if it was your own. The work was as described, straightforward and there was always help if you needed it. The sights around Minami are beautiful, from quiet spots on the river for an afternoon swim to hikes offering views of the surrounding coastline and mountains. There are so many opportunities to meet local people and travellers alike and get a sense of what it's like to live in a small Japanese town. I highly recommend applying!

over 2 years ago

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