We’ve put together some common questions to help you feel at ease before your stay.
If you have any other questions not listed here, please don’t hesitate to reach out!
About Staying
Yes, absolutely!
We kindly ask that all guests be registered with WWOOF, but children under 16 are very welcome without registration.
We’ll do our best to arrange a shared room for you, but just keep in mind that rooms are limited, so on some occasions, you might be in separate rooms.
Please let us know in advance so we can plan accordingly.
About Daily Life
We can accommodate vegan and vegetarian diets.
For other allergies or restrictions, please let us know—we’re happy to discuss and work something out.
At Harappa Cafe, most of our work is cooking and kitchen tasks.
Occasionally, we help out at nearby organic farms, but even then, only those who are able and comfortable do the heavier tasks.
Everyone helps in their own way.
If we go to help at a farm, we provide everything—gloves, boots, and any tools you might need.
You may smoke at the chairs in front of the cafe, but please be mindful—check that the door isn’t open, and keep an eye on your surroundings to respect others.
However, please refrain from drinking before or during the activity.
Oh, do we have a pet?
Yes—We do have a pet.
We serve the self-proclaimed overlord of our premises: a delusional house cat who believes this world was built for his appetite and amusement. He’s got a network of stray hench-cats patrolling the grounds like it’s their criminal empire.
Any open door? An open invitation.
Leftovers? Gone.
That sandwich you forgot on the table? Already processed.
Your secret snack stash? Erased from existence.
And as a special gift, he leaves behind tiny, itchy hitchhikers—fleas—like some kind of furry, four-legged bio-terrorist.
So no, We don’t own a cat.
We serve the cat.
And the cat tolerates me… between raids and flea-droppings.
Internet & Communication
We have WiFi in both the cafe and the WWOOFer house.
Most carriers have strong reception in the area.
Nearby Facilities & Local Info
Yes, there are several within walking distance:
Supermarkets:
- A-coop – 5 min walk (10:00–19:00)
- Marumiya – 6 min walk (10:00–20:00)
- AEON (largest store) – 15 min walk (9:00–22:00). Daiso is on the 2nd floor.
Drugstore:
- Cosmos – 3 min walk (10:00–21:00)
There’s a Seven-Eleven just 2 minutes away, and a Lawson about 10 minutes on foot.
Parcel services are available from 9:00 to 17:00, but the post office is closed on weekends and holidays.
We recommend carrying some cash just in case.
Yufuin has large temperature differences between day and night. Summers are relatively cool, while winters can be quite cold.
- Spring (March–May):
Beautiful cherry blossoms and fresh greenery. Pleasant days, but still chilly in the mornings and evenings. - Summer (June–August):
Very hot and humid during the day, but the heat subsides in the evening. - Autumn (September–November):
A perfect season for sightseeing, with stunning autumn leaves. Days are mild, but nights get colder. - Winter (December–February):
Cold and crisp. Roads and water pipes can freeze. Average temperature is around 3°C (37°F).
Yes, Yufuin is known for several lovely spots:
- Mount Yufu:
A beautiful mountain that changes with the seasons—popular for hiking and views. - Hot Springs (Onsen):
Many ryokan and hotels offer day-trip bathing. - Kinrin Lake:
A scenic pond fed by natural hot springs. In winter, steam rises from the surface. - Yunotsubo Kaido:
The main street from Yufuin Station to Kinrin Lake, lined with souvenir shops, cafes, and dessert places—mostly chain stores.
Other Questions
Yes, absolutely!
Knowing a few simple phrases—like “hello” (Konnichiwa) or “thank you” (Arigatou)—is always appreciated.
The owner can communicate in English, and most of our volunteers and staff either speak English or can understand basic communication.
You’ll fit right in.
Yes, no problem!
Knowing a few simple phrases—like “hello” or “thank you”—is always appreciated.
And if you’re learning English, we warmly encourage you to give it a try!
Everyone here is kind and patient, and we love hearing people express themselves, no matter the language.
Wait, if you’re reading this without a translator, you’re doing just fine! 😉
✅👍😊
👥 🤝 ❤️ 🗣️ 🌈 ✨ 🥰
Please ship it to the cafe’s address, with your name as the recipient.
Just let us know beforehand so we can expect it.
Harappa Cafe doesn’t have many fixed rules.
Instead, we ask everyone to act with common sense, kindness, and responsibility.
When something needs clarification, we prefer to discuss it together and decide as a team.
Because of this, the cafe is very free—and sometimes may feel like a lawless zone.
You might find things done differently than you’re used to.
But that is the result of past staff doing their best based on their own values.
If you have an idea—“Maybe we could try this?”—please share it!
Good ideas that feel sustainable will be continued.