[Archived 22 Aug 2023 by Amanda] Tea Internship

Our volunteer internship provides an opportunity for tea enthusiasts to experience Japanese tea culture first hand on our farms. You will be exposed to organic farming methods and aid with various aspects of our work from planting to harvesting to packaging. The work you will be helping with will depend on the season and the specific needs of the tea farm at that moment. Depending on your unique skills, you can also start your own project!

 

Work Activities By Season

Fall: Weeding, harvesting, processing green tea, compost

Winter: Trimming, weeding, planting tea trees, paving farm road, making new tea field, compost, dry grass

Spring: Weeding, kabuse (covering tea trees), harvesting, processing at the green tea factory

Summer: Harvesting, processing black tea, trimming, weeding, compost

Beyond Volunteering

This is a great opportunity to learn not just about Japanese tea, but about traditional Japanese life in general. This is your possibility to experience a side of Japanese life that is available to few visitors.

In your free time explore local restaurants and cafes. With our farm close to Fujieda City and half an hour away from Shizuoka there is opportunity for lots of sightseeing! We can also take you to our many local events. Shizouke offers something for everyone — whether it be pottery classes, beer festivals, or traditional woodworking. Situated in a beautiful mountainous area, our place is perfect for anyone who enjoys biking, running, and hiking (we can share our favourite trails!).

Accommodation

Our intern house has many comfortable rooms for your stay. You can sleep on traditional tatatami and we will provide you with futons, pillows and blankets. On workdays you will enjoy freshly cooked Japanese lunch and dinner. If you have any dietary restrictions feel free to let us know and we will prepare accordingly.

Volunteer Expectations

From Monday to Saturday, our workdays typically start at 8am and end at 5pm. Sunday is a day off. If you want to have time off for a day trip or just need some rest, talk to us and we will take care of it! We are happy to have interns interested in language exchange however it is not expected for you to speak Japanese.

Qualities of an ideal intern:

  • Positive :)
  • Hardworking
  • Problem solver
  • Creative
  • Passionate about the environment
  • Appreciate and respects Japanese culture and value
  • Loves tea!

Apply!

If you are interested in volunteering, we ask that you contact us here at least one month before your desired start date. Please send a cover letter detailing why you are interested in completing a tea internship with us and what you hope to gain from the experience.

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