Ever gone WWOOFing?

In My Humble Opinion
1

So I have about a week and a half to two weeks of vacation this summer before I leave Japan for good (after being here 3 years) and I want to go to Hokkaido (the cold northern part of Japan). Problem is, I don’t have a lot of money.

I can get a flight for pretty cheap, but once I get there, it’ll be pricey. I don’t have a license so I’d only be able to get around by public transport (not convenient in big, open Hokkaido), Japanese hostels usually cost around $35 per night for a dorm bed (once you get out of the big cities) and the costs just keep adding up.

I remember hearing a while back about this thing called “WWOOF.” As you can see on their website, you can go around to various farms, work approximately 6 hour days and receive housing and food in exchange. Japan has a WWOOForganization as well. Looks like there’s about 60 farms in Hokkaido. Apparently it’s possible to do it for only a few days, so I was thinking of that as an alternative to tourism. There’s nothing I really want to do in Hokkaido specifically, tourist-wise–I just want to escape the heat of Tokyo, go somewhere I’ve never been before, and hopefully see the sea. Plus, as I said, I have no money.

Downsides–it costs $50 to join (and looks like a pain in the ass since the organization uses Japan’s antiquated banking system). I don’t know if I’ll be able to get a place for my very specific needs (a few days to a week during a very specific time). Plus I don’t know how much work it will actually be, or if there will be weird people around, or what. How much can I see of Hokkaido if I’m shoveling cow shit the whole time? I’m not exactly a fit farmer type either, although I’ve done a little physical work in horse barns and stuff in the past, and I’m basically healthy.

Anyways, that’s why I am asking the SDMB. Anyone done it before? Was it a good experience? What should I look out for? Thanks in advance!

2

Wow, that sounds like a ridiculously bad deal.

But, you might get more help from Dave’s ESL Cafe.

3

FWIW:
My former next-door neighbor WOOFED at a farm in New Zealand and met her future husband there.
Their daughter grew up and WOOFED in the same spot.

4

I already have a job… I’m leaving Japan. I’d just be doing it for a few days, to experience a Japanese farm and stay somewhere free for a few days. It’s not really about whether it’s a good or bad deal.

Thanks Caprese! Good to hear someone seemed to enjoy it. :smiley:

5

Would you be willing to try couchsurfing?

6

I WWOOFed in Italy and really liked it. It’s probably not for everyone and it will depend a lot on the farm you are at. It saved me a ton of money, as I didn’t have to pay for lodging or food and some transportation (basically when the farmer was going somewhere I could hitch a ride). It can be a good way to make friends with locals, I know I got to know Italians in ways I wouldn’t have as regular tourist.

It’s quite possible you can find a place that will fit your needs, but it really depends on circumstance. Depending on the season there may be more or less work of the type that works for you (not too heavy, just for a few days) and it really depends on the farmers whether you will have a good time or not.

I’d encourage everyone to do it, but I do know that it’s not everyone’s cup of tea.