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About Your Stay

Our accommodations are located right next to the cafe and are called the "WWOOFer House." When you first arrive, we will guide you here.

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If no one is available to guide you, please wait at the cafe.

About WWOOFer House​

It is a retro, hideaway-like building.

  • No Smoking: Smoking is strictly prohibited inside the house.
  • Rooms: Small private (or shared) rooms partitioned with handmade wooden boards, providing enough space for a bed and luggage.
  • Facilities: Please note the rooms have no insulation or soundproofing.
danger

Be sure to turn off all lights and electrical appliances when leaving your room.
Especially in winter, kerosene heaters are a fire hazard. Please be extremely careful not to leave them on.

Futons and Sheets​

To keep the futons and pillows clean, please always use the three types of sheets provided:

  1. A cover for the top futon (Duvet cover)
  2. A sheet for the bottom futon
  3. A pillowcase

Note: If items are soiled due to carelessness, you may be asked to cover cleaning costs. Extra blankets and electric blankets are available during winter.

Music Room (Common Space)​

All staff members are welcome to use this space.

  • Hours: Please keep noise levels down after 9:00 PM.
  • Note: The room is not soundproof.

Toilet & Amenities​

  • Toilet: Located just outside the house (shared with cafe customers).
    • If you notice any dirt, please clean it.
    • Please restock the toilet paper when it runs out.
    • When the sanitary box is full, place the bag in the kitchen trash bin.
  • Amenities: Please bring your own towels, toothbrush, soap, etc.
    • Shampoo and body soap are provided at the hot spring.

Using the Hot Spring (Onsen)​

There is no bath or shower in the house. Instead, you can use the hot spring at the guesthouse run by the owner's family (a 10-minute walk away).
The shower is always available, though the water may sometimes be lukewarm. Please bring your own towel and hair dryer.

TypeRules
Men's / Women's BathAvailable freely at any time. Please be polite to guesthouse guests.
Family BathCan be used privately. Please limit use to 30 minutes per person.
β€» Write your usage time on the board in the cafe kitchen.
Watch out for Heat Shock in Winter

Winter temperatures in Yufuin can drop below freezing.
The extreme difference between the hot spring and the outside air can cause "heat shock." Please avoid sudden temperature changes when entering or exiting the bath.

House Rules (Laundry, Meals, Trash)​

🧺 Laundry​

  • There are two washing machines in the house (detergent provided).
  • Do not leave laundry: Remove items immediately after the cycle to prevent mold and allow others to use the machine.
  • Hours: Please avoid doing laundry late at night.

🍱 Meals and Drinks​

  • On Business Days:
    • Lunch: After 1:00 PM / Dinner: After 7:00 PM (Customers take priority).
  • On Days Off: You may eat food from the refrigerator or cook for yourself.
    • Golden Rule: Always wash, dry, and return any dishes or utensils to their original place.
  • Drinks:
    • Tap water is drinkable (if you prefer, bottled water is available nearby, or spring water is a 20-minute walk away).
    • For cafe drinks (coffee, tea, etc.), please put 100 yen per cup into the payment box.

πŸ—‘οΈ Trash Disposal​

  • Burnable Trash: Use the yellow bags designated by Yufu City.
  • Other Trash: Separate "Non-burnables," "PET bottles (crushed)," and "Glass/Cans" into clear bags.
  • Where to put it: Place bags at the house entrance. When full, move them to the storage area behind the kitchen.

Seasonal Notes​

SeasonFeatures and Precautions
Spring & WinterTemperatures can drop to -10Β°C (14Β°F). Water pipes may freeze, making the toilet temporarily unusable.
Summer & AutumnVery humid; only fans are available for cooling. Insects (cockroaches, centipedes, mosquitoes) are active.
During the rainy season, using a coin laundry dryer (5 mins away, 200-300 yen) is recommended to prevent mold.

Other Important Information​

🐾 About Cats​

There are pet cats and stray cats around.

  • Allergies: Please be cautious if you have cat allergies.
Attention

Cats may scavenge for food. Do not leave food out; keep it in the refrigerator or use a lid.
We strongly recommend keeping your room door closed at all times in the WWOOFer House.

πŸ“’ Siren​

A loud siren or music plays from the neighboring community center at 6:00 AM, Noon, 5:00 PM, and 9:00 PM.

πŸ•ŠοΈ Our Stance on the Palestine Situation​

As a community, Harappa Cafe values being a place where everyone can feel safe and comfortable.
We do not hold any specific political ideology, nor do we deny any.

However, the cafe owner, as an individual, has deep concern and strong feelings regarding the situation in Palestine, and people who share those views sometimes visit.
You will find messages supporting a ceasefire displayed inside the cafe.

We would appreciate it if you could keep this in mind.

πŸ›« Before You Depart​

When you leave, please complete the following cleaning and laundry so the next volunteer can start their stay comfortably:

  1. Clean your room: Please clean every corner of your room.
  2. Laundry: All used sheets must be washed and dried before being returned to their original place.
    • If you are leaving early and cannot finish drying, please consult with other staff in advance.

It would be wonderful if you could leave a brief note for the next WWOOFer!