Blog– category –

Leyla, from Basel, Switzerland, looks back on her month-long volunteer experience at Hostel Knot in the summer of 2026. From everyday life in Shuzenji and short trips to Tokyo, Shizuoka, and Kawaguchiko to the memories she made with people she met at Hostel Knot, her story explores the charm of experiencing Japan by living there rather than simply traveling through it.

Yuki looks back on a summer spent in Shuzenji at Hostel Knot. She explored nearby towns such as Atami, Mishima, and Ito, enjoyed local festivals and fireworks, and made countless memories with the hostel staff and fellow volunteers.

Sofia introduces the people and local businesses she came to know through her volunteer experience at Hostel Knot. From the hostel staff to café and restaurant owners and other local residents, she reflects on the warm connections that made everyday life in Shuzenji so special.

Greta, from Germany, looks back on her month-long volunteer experience at Hostel Knot in the summer of 2024. From trips to Atami, Ito, and Hakone to conversations with local people in Japanese and memorable moments with fellow volunteers, she shares a month of discovering Japanese culture and everyday life in Shuzenji.

Anna, from Austria, looks back on her six-week volunteer experience at Hostel Knot. From Shuzenji’s quiet streets and beautiful nature to trips around the Izu Peninsula, the Kobo Daishi Dedication Fireworks Festival, and the warm connections she made along the way, she shares the highlights of her time living in Shuzenji.