Volunteers: 3
Age: over 18
Language: English / Japanese
Sponsor: Kyoto Youth Hostel Association, AMANOHASHIDATE Youth Hostel
Airport: Kansai International Airport
Terminal: Amanohashidate station run by Kitakinki Tango Railway
Background:
Kyoto Youth Hostel Association was established in 1968 and since then it has played a significant role in the field of international exchange activities in Kyoto, which is one of the most historic cities in Japan. In order to help establishing better understanding over the foreign cultures between people who live in Kyoto, and people who visit the city, Kyoto Youth Hostel Association hereby welcomes the volunteers from all over the world.
Work:
Volunteers will be in charge of various duties in routine work such as taking care of guests, cleaning and organizing guest rooms and the hostel, and giving information to the guests in the mornings and early to late evenings. (Around lunch time and holidays will be free of duties.)
Volunteers will be expected to join the preparation for and carrying over the events which will be held in hostel and to accompany guests to local traditional events as a guide.
Volunteers will visit local elementary school and give presentation about their countries. They are also encouraged to write about his/her volunteer experience on the Youth Hostel’s website.
Accommodation:
Volunteers will be accommodated in the hostel.
Facilities:
Bedding will be provided. There are a washer, a kitchen, a lavatory and a bathroom. Internet access is available. A small shop is located within 10-minute walk.
Meals:
Breakfast and Dinner will be served every day. (When you go out, it will be cancelled.)
Lunch (of approx. 500 JPY) will be provided as well.
What to bring:
Toiletries, casual clothing and sandals are necessary. Please bring home countries’ recipes and ingredients. Volunteers are also encouraged to bring something to introduce their culture and life, as you have a chance to show them to local children at the elementary schools. The beautiful ocean is nearby. Bring a swimsuit if you like swimming.
Note:
Participants need English skill to communicate with international guests staying at the hostel.
Also basic Japanese skill is required in order to work with Japanese staff. Volunteers are expected to be physically strong and adaptable to cultural diversity.
Location:
Amanohashidate, one of the most famous sightseeing spots in Japan, located in northeastern Kyoto, has been attracting people for hundreds of years with its unique landscape. It is also known as one of the top-three best views in Japan. “Amanohashidate” means “The place where heaven, ground and the sea meet”. The base town Miyazu faces Miyazu Bay with its eastern side, and has the various classical architectural heritages from the 16th century scattered all over the town, being surrounded by abundant nature as well. The Youth Hostel is located in the mountains which faces Amanohashidate station over the bay. By way of Amanohashidate, the bridge, it will take an hour on foot to the hostel from the station.
It takes approximately 2.5 hours to get to Miyazu from Kansai International Airport by train. From Kyoto station, it will be roughly 2 hours.
URL:
Amanohashidate Youth Hostel(ENGLISH): http://www.hashidate-yh.jp/english.html
Kitakinki Tango Railway (ENGLISH): http://ktr-tetsudo.jp/english/
Amanohashidate Tourist Information Center (JAPANESE): http://www.amanohashidate.jp/
Remarks
Volunteers who love nature and traditional Japanese culture are most welcome. The host organizers may take you to hot spring or landmarks on weekend.