The "Land of the Rising Sun" is a country where the past meets the future. Japanese culture stretches back millennia, yet has also adopted (and created) the latest modern fashions and trends.

Japan is a study in contrasts and contradictions.

Volunteer in Japan will give you a rare opportunity to experience this culture first hand. The volunteer opportunities in Japan allow volunteers to learn about sustainable living. Japan is japan and nowhere else can compare.

Recommended volunteer abroad projects in Japan

Sustainable living volunteer in Japan

Cost - Free

The ethos of this volunteer project is to live sustainably and in harmony with nature. The mission statement is: "To inspire and educate the citizens of Earth to create their own environmentally sustainable lifestyles and businesses, through participation in the creation and operation of a self-sufficient education center, organic farm, restaurant, fair trade shop and eco-technology development and demonstration center". The farm and Cafe are run by an international volunteer team of staff from all over the world. About 4 or 5 team members and volunteers live on Mt Fuji full-time. We are also largely supported through the help of our Short Term Farm Volunteers, who help with everything from planting to cooking.

Volunteer at sustainable farm and lodge, Japan

Climate

The climate of Japan is rather complex, having both marine and mainland influences on the weather of the four main islands that constitute the country. Generally though, the climate is temperate and divided into four seasons. The hottest months, June, July and August, are also very humid, with conditions particularly hot in the south. Southern winters are sunny and pleasantly mild, but further north the mercury drops to very low averages and snow is usual. The northerly island of Hokkaido experiences freezing winter weather.

Visa

Visitors from most European countries, Australia and North America are usually issued a 3-month tourist visa on each entry to the country (see below). Nationals from other countries will have to obtain a visa in advance to enter Japan.

Foreign tourists are required by Japanese law to carry their passports with them at all times.

All foreign nationals, including permanent residents of Japan, are required to have their fingerprints electronically scanned and are photographed upon arrival in Japan. Refusal to provide fingerprints or be photographed is grounds for refusal of entry into Japan. People under 16 years of age and holders of diplomatic or official visas are exempt.