Hirata
Code: 20260217-75af-4815-a261-a8979b78044a Copied
About the project
Hirata
📝 Detailed information
🏢 About the local organisation
💼 What the programme involves
Your role as a volunteer will be dynamic and deeply impactful, centred on three core activities:
Educational and Cultural Exchange
You will design and lead a two-day open lesson for local elementary school students. This is your chance to share your culture, language, and traditions through engaging games, songs, and interactive activities. For many of these children, this will be their first meaningful interaction with someone from another country, helping to broaden their horizons and spark their curiosity about the world.
Cultural Preservation
You will learn and practise the traditional Kawashimo Bon Odori dance alongside local children and community members. This is more than just a dance; it's a cherished community event that honours ancestral spirits. Your participation directly supports the effort to keep this beautiful tradition alive for future generations.
Community and Environmental Support
The programme also includes a visit to a local nursery school to interact with younger children and a seaside cleanup activity. These tasks address immediate community needs and demonstrate a commitment to protecting the beautiful natural environment of the Izumo region.
🏠 Accommodation on site
Volunteers will stay at a local community centre, providing an authentic and immersive experience. Rooms will be shared with other international volunteers. A sleeping bag is required for your stay. This communal living arrangement is a great way to build strong bonds with your fellow participants.
🍲 Food
Meals will be a collaborative effort, with volunteers taking turns to cook for the group. This is a wonderful opportunity to share recipes from your home country and learn to prepare Japanese dishes. While in Izumo, you may have the chance to try local specialties such as Izumo Soba, a unique type of buckwheat noodle famous throughout Japan, and fresh seafood from the Sea of Japan.
📍 About the location
The project is located in Hirata, a town in Izumo City, Shimane Prefecture. Situated on the coast of the Sea of Japan, it is approximately 250 km northwest of Osaka. This region is less travelled by tourists, offering a genuine glimpse into rural Japanese life. Izumo is most famous for the Izumo Taisha (Izumo Grand Shrine), one of the oldest and most important Shinto shrines in Japan, which adds to the area's profound cultural and spiritual significance.
🎒 Leisure activities
During your free time, you will have the chance to explore the rich cultural and natural heritage of the Izumo region. A visit to the majestic Izumo Grand Shrine is an absolute must. You can also explore the scenic Inasa-no-hama beach, which is linked to many ancient myths, or visit the Shimane Museum of Ancient Izumo to learn more about the area's fascinating history. This is a perfect opportunity to experience a side of Japan that is deeply traditional and off the beaten path.
⚠️ Requirements
A positive, patient, and enthusiastic attitude towards working and communicating with children is essential. No specific language skills are required, but a willingness to engage and participate fully in all activities is key to a successful experience.
🤝 Meeting point
Learning Theme
This project offers a unique opportunity to develop practical skills in cross-cultural communication, particularly with children. You will also gain first-hand experience in cultural preservation by learning and performing a traditional local dance.
Participation Fee
A participation fee of 9,000 JPY (approximately 50 EUR, though the exchange rate may vary) is required. This fee must be paid in advance to our partner organisation via credit card or PayPal. It is used to cover essential project preparation and coordination costs, such as transportation for staff, publications, and visa support documents. Please note that your meals and accommodation are generously provided by the local host and are not covered by this fee.
ℹ️ Additional information
Interested in this project? Create your account and apply online.
Sign in to apply📷 Project photos
📅 Available sessions
NICE-26V-0813A
13/08/2026 at 00:00 → 18/08/2026 at 00:00
ℹ️ Key information
Age required
15–99 years old
Solidarity donation
18000.00 JPY ≈ 102 EUR
French tax residents may be eligible for a tax reduction of up to 66% of their costs (membership, plane tickets, solidarity donation).
📍 Location
Shimane, Japan
Japan
🌍 Location info
Local currency
Japan Yen (JPY / ¥)
Exchange rate
1 JPY = 0.005641 EUR
Rate as of 31/05/2026
Timezone
Japan Standard Time
Local time: 21:11 (12/11/2026)
🛡️ Before you leave
✅ Features
🏠 Accommodation
🗣️ Languages spoken