Japan
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Help to create and maintain a Garden of Five Continents situated in rural Itoshima, near Fukouka City, rated the 7th best City in the world. We are situated at the top of a small Japanese village and only a five minute walk to the beach. Itoshima is a beautiful place to stay renowned for its many beaches, mountains, countryside and is well known for it Oyster and seafood huts right by the sea.
The owner of the project, Jonathan, lives in England and he visits occasionally. The manager, David, is also English and lives off site. Tyler also helps to organise the messaging and you will receive initial messages from him. Volunteers will live amongst themselves and cook for themselves. Food is provided according to what is commonly sold and eaten in Japan.
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Farmstay help
Help around the house
General Maintenance
There are opportunities for cultural exchange with other volunteers and the Manager. The project is in a typical Japanese village and there are opportunities to attend local events. There are buses into Itoshima town from where you can take the subway to Fukuoka and we have a few bicycles for you to use to explore the local area. It can be difficult however to get back to the house using public transport late in the evenings. There is not much interaction with Japanese people or culture at the house or part of the work, unless volunteers are Japanese.
We have about 13,000 square metres of land separated into different areas overlooking the sea. In some areas we are creating a Garden of Five Continents. Other areas include tea fields, a fruit field, polytunnel and vegetable garden. Help is required in preparing, creating and maintaining all these areas. Work is outdoors all year round in all weather, hot, cold or rain and can be physically demanding, so please only come if you are reasonably fit, healthy and agree to work in these conditions. Work involves cutting bamboo down in the forest, building things such as steps, fences, walls etc, carrying heavy items such as logs, digging, cutting up trees, pruning, watering, weeding, planting, using heavy duty strimmers and whatever else needs doing. Volunteers are also required to keep the house clean and tidy.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
This host offers a language exchange
I need to speak more Japanese!
Volunteers will live in a typical modern Japanese house constructed 18 years ago. All modern amenities are provided, shower, washing machine, cooker, bread maker, rice cooker, microwave/oven, internet etc. You will usually be required to share a room with other volunteers which can be male or female. The owner of the project lives in England and the manager lives off site so volunteers will cook for themselves. Food is provided. Volunteers are required to be respectful of the property and to keep the house clean and tidy. As we live in a quiet village you will be required to be respectful of the area and neighbours, which means this is not the place to come if you are looking for loud drunken parties.
We are only a five minute walk to the nearest beach with its safe swimming and surfing. The area is known for its 'oyster huts', where freshly farmed oysters and other seafood is barbecued on the beach. The world famous Sakurai shrine and the Famatugaura 'sunset' beach are close by. There are mountains to hike and waterfalls within Itoshima and further afield. Fukuoka, rated the number 7 city in the world, is half an hour's drive away, and can be reached by Japan's renowned public transport system. However, there is no public transport to the house late in the evenings. A local resident has given us 3 kittens, just to let those know who might be allergic to cats! As we live in a quiet village you will be required to be respectful of the area and neighbours, which means this is not the place to come if you are looking for loud drunken parties.
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
We have wifi in the house. Outside of working hours you can do your own work, however, the house and bedrooms are shared. We cannot offer a quiet private place.
This host can provide space for campervans.
More than two
25 hours work per week. Usually Monday to Friday with occasional weekends, starting 6am (summer) 7am (winter), 1hr break for breakfast, finish 12pm (summer) 1pm (winter).
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(4.9)
Cultural exchange:
(4.1)
Communication:
(4.9)
