Help us take care of our temple in the countryside of Nagoya, Japan

Details

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  Description

  ::::::::::Our temple accepts only one person at a time.
  We will not respond to requests from groups.::::::::::
  
  My name is Shinku. I am a Buddhist monk living in a peaceful, traditional temple in the countryside south of Nagoya. It is a quiet place surrounded by nature, ideal for practicing meditation and experiencing everyday Japanese temple life. I live together with my family: my wife, our 8-year-old son, and my mother, who is a Buddhist nun. Outside of my duties at the temple, I also enjoy outdoor activities like camping and music.
  
  【About Our Activities & Clear Clarification】
  Please note that we do NOT run any commercial businesses, paid activities, or paid events at our temple. We are a family living in a traditional temple, and our sole reason for hosting Workawayers is genuine cultural exchange and mutual learning.
  
  【Tasks, Safety & Skill Sharing】
  Daily tasks mainly involve routine care of the temple grounds and historic buildings, such as sweeping gardens, weeding, and general cleaning.
  - All tasks are shared: I will always work alongside you as a partner and guide. We never leave tasks solely to our guests.
  - Safety first: We do not use or ask for help with dangerous machinery (such as chainsaws).
  - Respecting local trades: We are strictly here for cultural exchange, not to replace local workers. For any heavy construction, major tree work, or skilled maintenance, we always hire local professionals and licensed tradespeople.
  
  【Cultural Exchange & Learning Opportunities】
  We host because we want to connect with people from around the world and share our everyday culture. We look forward to cooking and sharing meals together, practicing mindfulness or zazen (seated meditation), and sharing local traditions. In return, I am eager to learn about your language, culture, personal perspectives, and life experiences.
  
  Because our temple is a historic wooden structure that requires thoughtful care, we can only accommodate guests aged 20 and older (we particularly welcome mature guests in their 30s and 40s). To share this opportunity with more people, stays are generally limited to up to three weeks.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Light gardening

  Creative DIY projects

  Babysitting and creative play

  Help around the house

  Light maintenance
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  If you are interested in Japanese culture or language, or want to experience life at a Japanese Buddhist temple then this is the perfect place. My family is very open and we enjoy helping each other at all times.

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  Projects involving children

  This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.

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  Help

  We require general Mowing with a lawn mower, house tasks, which includes cleaning the floors, vacuuming and dusting, cleaning windows, etc...
  
  Outside we have a large garden and yard that require lots of upkeep. Outside work will include things like weeding, gardening, trimming the hedges, sweeping and raking, etc. We give you ample freedom to do the tasks your way, but expect you do your best and take the job seriously. It is important to us to preserve our temple, so if you cannot do the work properly, we can also ask you to find a new place.
  
  You are only expected to work 5 hours a day 5 days a week and have 2 days a week off. You can choose which days you want to take off yourself.

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  Languages

  Languages spoken
  Japanese: Fluent
  English: Beginner

  This host offers a language exchange
  This host has indicated that they are interested in sharing their own language or learning a new language.
  You can contact them directly for more information.
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  Accommodation

  Our temple has a history of over 300 years, but it was renovated about 25 years ago so the building is modern. We have high speed internet and you will have your own private room. Every day Renjun cooks lunch and dinner and you will be able to enjoy these meals with her and whoever might join that day. On days she is not here, you can prepare food yourself. On Tuesdays we all eat together in Renjun’s room.

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  What else ...

  We are about 20 minutes by car from the Nagoya international airport (Chubu Centrair International Airport). If you are flying in to Nagoya we can pick you up. If you are taking a train or a bus arriving at Nagoya station, then you must exit Nagoya station and walk to the Meitetsu station which is right next to it. Once there, take the Kowa train to Agui station, where we can pick you up. Please keep in mind that we can pick you up until 20:00 in the evening.
  
  Agui station is about 15 minutes walking distance from the temple so you can easily access the train on your own during your time off. The centre of Nagoya is about 30 minutes away by train so you can enjoy sightseeing there on your days off. Our temple is in a quiet village with lots of nature and rice fields. There are also nice biking routes you can take to the beach, local parks, local shops etc. We have a bike you can borrow if you like.
  
  It is difficult for us to accommodate people who are vegetarian, so if you would like to stay here as a vegetarian, please arrange meals yourself, you can use a fully equipped kitchen to cook.

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  A little more information

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    Internet access

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    Limited internet access

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    We have pets

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    We are smokers

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    Can host families

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  Can host digital nomads

  This host has indicated that they love having digital nomads stay.

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  Space for parking camper vans

  We have a parking lot where you can park your van if necessary.

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  Can possibly accept pets

  This host has said they are willing to accept those travelling with a pet.

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  One

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