❓ FAQ | 原っぱカフェ

Can pairs, couples, families stay together?

Yes, absolutely!
We kindly ask that all guests be registered with WWOOF, but children under 16 are very welcome without registration.
We’ll do our best to arrange a shared room for you, but just keep in mind that rooms are limited, so on some occasions, you might be in separate rooms.

Please let us know in advance so we can plan accordingly.

Can I bring my own car?

Yes, if there’s space in the parking area.
Please check with us in advance so we can confirm availability.

How many people do you host at once?

We usually host around 5 to 8 volunteers at a time.

Can you accommodate food allergies or dietary restrictions?

We’ll do our best to accommodate your needs.
We can accommodate vegan and vegetarian diets.
For other allergies or restrictions, please let us know—we’re happy to discuss and work something out.

Is there a lot of heavy physical work?

Not really.
At Harappa Cafe, most of our work is cooking and kitchen tasks.
Occasionally, we help out at nearby organic farms, but even then, only those who are able and comfortable do the heavier tasks.
Everyone helps in their own way.

Do I need special equipment? (e.g. farm work boots, etc.)

No special gear is needed.
If we go to help at a farm, we provide everything—gloves, boots, and any tools you might need.

Is smoking allowed?

Smoking is not allowed inside any buildings.
You may smoke at the chairs in front of the cafe, but please be mindful—check that the door isn’t open, and keep an eye on your surroundings to respect others.

Can I bring alcohol?

Yes, you’re welcome to bring your own drinks.
However, please refrain from drinking before or during the activity.

Do you have any pets?

Oh, do we have a pet?
Yes—We do have a pet.

We serve the self-proclaimed overlord of our premises: a delusional house cat who believes this world was built for his appetite and amusement. He’s got a network of stray hench-cats patrolling the grounds like it’s their criminal empire.

Any open door? An open invitation.
Leftovers? Gone.
That sandwich you forgot on the table? Already processed.
Your secret snack stash? Erased from existence.

And as a special gift, he leaves behind tiny, itchy hitchhikers—fleas—like some kind of furry, four-legged bio-terrorist.

So no, We don’t own a cat.
We serve the cat.
And the cat tolerates me… between raids and flea-droppings.

Is WiFi available?

Yes!
We have WiFi in both the cafe and the WWOOFer house.

Does mobile phone signal work well?

Yes, it works well.
Most carriers have strong reception in the area.

Nearby Facilities

Are there supermarkets or drugstores nearby?

Yes, there are several within walking distance:

Supermarkets:
- A-coop – 5 min walk (10:00–19:00)
- Marumiya – 6 min walk (10:00–20:00)
- AEON (largest store) – 15 min walk (9:00–22:00). Daiso is on the 2nd floor.
Drugstore:
- Cosmos – 3 min walk (10:00–21:00)

Are there convenience stores nearby?

Yes!
There’s a Seven-Eleven just 2 minutes away, and a Lawson about 10 minutes on foot.

Are there ATMs nearby?

Yes, ATMs are available at the convenience stores.

Is there a post office nearby?

Yes, there’s one near JR Yufuin Station, about a 15-minute walk from the cafe.
Parcel services are available from 9:00 to 17:00, but the post office is closed on weekends and holidays.

Can I use credit cards around town?

Most supermarkets and larger shops accept credit cards, but many smaller stores do not.
We recommend carrying some cash just in case.

Is there a hospital nearby?

Yes, there’s a medium-sized hospital about 10 minutes away on foot, and several more within the town.

Is there a police station nearby?

Yes, the nearest one is about a 20-minute walk from the cafe.

Local Information

What’s the climate like in Yufuin?

Yufuin has large temperature differences between day and night. Summers are relatively cool, while winters can be quite cold.

Spring (March–May):
Beautiful cherry blossoms and fresh greenery. Pleasant days, but still chilly in the mornings and evenings.
Summer (June–August):
Very hot and humid during the day, but the heat subsides in the evening.
Autumn (September–November):
A perfect season for sightseeing, with stunning autumn leaves. Days are mild, but nights get colder.
Winter (December–February):
Cold and crisp. Roads and water pipes can freeze. Average temperature is around 3°C (37°F).

Are there tourist attractions nearby?

Yes, Yufuin is known for several lovely spots:

Mount Yufu:
A beautiful mountain that changes with the seasons—popular for hiking and views.
Hot Springs (Onsen):
Many ryokan and hotels offer day-trip bathing.
Kinrin Lake:
A scenic pond fed by natural hot springs. In winter, steam rises from the surface.
Yunotsubo Kaido:
The main street from Yufuin Station to Kinrin Lake, lined with souvenir shops, cafes, and dessert places—mostly chain stores.

Is it okay if I don’t speak Japanese?

Yes, absolutely!

Knowing a few simple phrases—like "hello" (Konnichiwa) or “thank you” (Arigatou)—is always appreciated.

The owner can communicate in English, and most of our volunteers and staff either speak English or can understand basic communication.
You’ll fit right in.

Is it okay if I don’t speak English?

Yes, no problem!

Knowing a few simple phrases—like "hello" or “thank you”—is always appreciated.

And if you’re learning English, we warmly encourage you to give it a try!
Everyone here is kind and patient, and we love hearing people express themselves, no matter the language.

Wait, if you’re reading this without a translator, you’re doing just fine! 😉

🤔 🙅 🗣️ 🇯🇵 / 🇺🇸 ❓ (Is it okay if I don't speak Japanese or English?)

✅👍😊

👥 🤝 ❤️ 🗣️ 🌈 ✨ 🥰

Can I send my luggage ahead before arrival?

Yes, you can send your luggage in advance.
Please ship it to the cafe’s address, with your name as the recipient.
Just let us know beforehand so we can expect it.

Since when have you been hosting volunteers?

We’ve been welcoming WWOOFers since 2006—over 18 years of sharing food, life, and friendship!

Are there any important rules I need to follow?

Harappa Cafe doesn’t have many fixed rules.
Instead, we ask everyone to act with common sense, kindness, and responsibility.

When something needs clarification, we prefer to discuss it together and decide as a team.
Because of this, the cafe is very free—and sometimes may feel like a lawless zone.
You might find things done differently than you’re used to.

But that is the result of past staff doing their best based on their own values.

If you have an idea—“Maybe we could try this?”—please share it!
Good ideas that feel sustainable will be continued.

Nearby Facilities​

Local Information​

Nearby Facilities

Local Information