Join Us!
Please note: We do not accept direct applications outside of the WWOOF system. π
About Harappa Cafeβ
Thank you for your interest in volunteering at Harappa Cafe!
Harappa Cafe is a "community kitchen" open to everyone, from children to adults.
We aim to be a place for connection that brings people together and a safe space where everyone can feel at ease.
Everyone, including the owner, runs the place on a volunteer basis.
We are always looking for volunteers through the WWOOF system.
What is WWOOF?β
WWOOF (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms) is a worldwide network that connects organic-minded farms and restaurants (hosts) with people who want to help and learn (volunteers, known as "WWOOFers").
- Exchange System: In exchange for 6 hours of help per day, WWOOFers receive three meals and a place to stay.
- Cost: There is no exchange of money between hosts and volunteers.
For more details, please see the official WWOOF Japan website.
What kind of help is involved?β
Here, WWOOFers work as restaurant chefs and staff, handling cooking, cleaning, and more.
For cooking, volunteers are free to choose and prepare dishes using the ingredients available in the kitchen.
Depending on the season, activities may also include:
- Helping out at nearby small-scale organic/pesticide-free farms
- Responding to requests for help from people in the neighborhood
- Cleaning, carpentry, laundry, etc., to ensure the space is comfortable for everyone
Who are the WWOOFers?β
Enthusiastic people from Japan and abroad who are passionate about food and love to cook.
- Background: Most come from overseas, especially France, the US, Australia, and Taiwan. Of course, volunteers from within Japan are also very welcome.
- Age Range: Wide-ranging, from teenagers to people in their 80s.
- Language: You don't need to be fluent in Japanese, but learning a few basic phrases (greetings, thanks, etc.) is always appreciated.
By cooking and eating together, you can directly experience food cultures, customs, and perspectives from around the world. You might learn traditional family recipes or unique life wisdom from one another. Everyone here is open-minded and eager to understand each other.
FAQβ
- How many people stay at a time?
Usually, there are 5 to 8 people staying. - How long is the stay?
We generally ask for a minimum of 2 weeks. Many stay for several weeks to a month. - How old do I have to be?
You can register for WWOOF from age 16. For those 15 and under, it is possible to participate if a parent registers and joins the activities.
Please also check our FAQs page.
How to Applyβ
We ask that all volunteers apply through the WWOOF website.
- Register with WWOOF
Register via the WWOOF Japan website (an annual fee of Β₯5,500 is required). Once registered, you can connect with over 290 hosts in Japan, including Harappa Cafe. - Send a Message
After registering, log in and send a message to Harappa Cafe via this link. - Check for a Reply
We will reply regarding room availability and other details.
Note: Since space is limited, we may not always be able to accommodate your preferred dates.
Finallyβ
Every day at Harappa Cafe is an exciting and fulfilling adventure!
We look forward to seeing you!