Living in Japan: Leaving Tokyo to volunteer in Okinawa
Welcome back to my 12-part series recapping my life in Japan! In this fourth episode, I’m sharing my journey from leaving my share house in Tokyo to volunteering in Okinawa and Beppu. 🌸✈️
After an exciting flight from Haneda to Naha, I settled into the Santiago Guesthouse in Okinawa. Volunteering involved 20 hours a week of cleaning and housekeeping in exchange for two days off and a bed in a dormitory. I met amazing people, explored Naha’s vibrant streets, and adjusted to the heat and humidity. 🌞
One highlight was visiting Shurijo Castle, a UNESCO site under reconstruction after a 2019 fire. Driving for the first time in Japan was thrilling as Marie and I explored Sesoko Island’s beaches, Tropical Garden, Cape Manzamo, and American Village. 🚗🌊
I also ventured south alone, visiting Gushikawa Castle Ruins, Cape Kyan’s cliffs with a tragic history, Peace Creation Forest Park, Himeyuri Peace Museum, and Okinawa World Experience. Before leaving, we had a fantastic farewell party with my co-volunteers and staff. 🎉
Next, I headed to Beppu, thrilled to have my own private room. Beppu, with its lovely ocean view, offered a relaxed volunteering schedule—12 hours of work per week with three days off. I quickly befriended Masha, a Russian volunteer, and we enjoyed Kijima Kogen Park together. 🎢
I visited the famous Beppu Hells, a collection of unique hot springs, and hiked up Mount Tsurumi, which offers panoramic views and is dotted with shrines dedicated to Shinto and Buddhist deities. 🗻♨️
That’s it for this episode! Stay tuned for the next one, where I’ll continue exploring Beppu and Oita, and share my travels with my husband, who’s finally visiting after five months apart. 🚂❤️
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