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Kakurinbo Temple Lodging
＊PLEASE NOTE THAT WE CANNOT ACCEPT VOLUNTEERS WHO DO NOT HAVE INTERNATIONAL HEATH INSURANCE COVERAGE OR ENOUGH MONEY TO COVER VISITS OR STAYS IN HOSPITAL WHILE WITH US.
A "shukubo" or temple lodging. As such, it is both a business and a Buddhist temple. We offer a rare opportunity to be involved in the everyday running of such a place. Most Japanese, let alone non-Japanese, have never had such an experience.
We are located at the foot of Mt. Minobu, one of the most sacred mountains in Japan. It is surrounded by nature and steeped in Buddhist culture.
Mt. Fuji is not far away, and neither is Tokyo, which can be accessed by express bus in three hours.
Our staff is made up live-in staff and family members, as well employees who come each day from their homes. As country folk, the people are very friendly and remarkably direct. Expect to be treated as family member. The atmosphere is extremely friendly.
＊Please note that failure to follow the instructions of the staff may result in you being asked to leave.
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About the experience in: Minamikoma District, Japan
Costa Rica
Our experience in the house was very good. Minob is a beautiful area, the temple is very beautiful and the food is delicious. The Japanese staff was very friendly and treated us well. We appreciate that they adapted to our needs and helped us when we needed it. For future volunteers, keep in mind that it is a demanding job and you have to work hard during the established hours. Also, for dinner in the evening, you usually have to wash dishes for one or two hours. Overall, it was a positive experience. Thanks to the team for welcoming us and helping us during our stay!
11 days ago
About the experience in: Minamikoma District, Japan
France
It was a short experience for me but i relly enjoy the place , even if the work was quite intense . Kris is a relly good manager ! He listen to you and take time for understand you and help you .
about 1 month ago
About the experience in: Minamikoma District, Japan
Australia
I had a goood time in the month that I spent living and working on Mt Minobu. The countryside in Minobu is beautiful and I loved visiting Kuonji the guest house which was only a 15 minute walk away. The work was fairly standard and well within what I agreed on before arriving. Both of the volunteers I was going to work with left early, so I spent most of my stay working alone. Luckily the Japanese staff were very cordial and the kitchen staff were super kind. 💯 Even though my Japanese was very tudimentary, I managed to talk to the Japanese staff over meals. Which helped me improve a ton. 😍
about 2 months ago
About the experience in: Minamikoma District, Japan
Spain
The job is the promised 5 hours per day. The food is very good and the kitchen staff is amazing. The location is beautiful, we recommend renting a car for your days off, otherwise you depend on the train and it's not very convenient. The accommodation they provide is somewhat basic. We arrived at the house seeking a cultural experience but found a language barrier and that the Japanese staff have to sign a document if you want to make plans together, making the relationship feel a bit unnatural. Still, we are very grateful for the experience and the people are very special; we will remember them!
2 months ago
About the experience in: Minamikoma District, Japan
Spain
I really loved being part of the team. I was working at the Café and it was amazing. I had the chance to immerse myself by practising Japanese with the sweetest staff members ; I will miss them ! The work load it's fair. However at dinner, dishes helping time could be a little bit less rough ! There was always a good ambience within the team members; and I had the kindest roomate ever ! Minobu is so interesting and there is lots to do around, specially if you are interested in nature and spirituality. Special thanks to Junko-San, for giving me this incredible opportunity :)
3 months ago