From
NZ $1,133 per person

Environmental Conservation Volunteering, Cultural Immersion and Temple Stay on Sado Island

8 days
Start and end in Sado Island
4.3
6 traveler reviews
From
NZ $1,133 per person

Price based on Cheapest Room

Price based on Shared Room

Price based on Private Single Room

Price based on Private Double Room

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2025

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
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Sep
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2026

Jan
Feb
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Apr
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Jul
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1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0
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Plan your adventure:
Explorer
Curated to ignite your sense of adventure
Fully Guided
An experienced guide will be with you for the entire tour
Guided in English
Group Size 1 - 52
Ages 14+

Highlights

  • Stay at Koninji Temple or in a furnished tent
  • Craft bamboo toys with local school children
  • Help maintain biotopes and rice fields
  • Clean Sobama Beach and learn about pollution
  • Explore Chokokuji Temple and its history

Itinerary

Expand All
  1. Introduction
  1. Day 1 Arrival at Sado Ferry Terminal & transfer to accommodation
  2. Day 2 Orientation in the morning & bamboo handcraft training in the afternoon
  3. Day 3 Management of biotope & community farm work in Iwakubi
  4. Day 4 Community work at a Chokokuji temple
  5. Day 5 Beach Cleanup at Sobama beach
  6. Day 6 Learning about environmental conservation and exploring its local implementation
  7. Day 7 The Crested Ibis & the rice farming community of Ogura
  8. Day 8 Collecting herbs & making herbal tea blends OR Departure
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What's Included

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  • Accommodation
  • Guide
  • Meals
  • Additional Services
  • Transport
  • Free eSIM
    TourRadar offers the lead traveler (the person who booked) a free 1GB eSIM for the trip. The eSIM is redeemable only through the TourRadar app 72 hours before departure.

What's Not Included

  • Flights
  • Insurance
  • Optional
  • Additional Services

Customer Photos

4.3
(6 reviews)

Number of tours

4

Age Range

14 to 99 years old

Response time

within 1 day

Response rate

100%

World Unite Japan KK is an innovative developer and operator of volunteering...

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Cancellation Policy

A transparent overview of applicable fees.

Travel Insurance

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Customer Reviews

  • Most Recent
  • Most Popular
  • Highest First
  • Lowest First
  • CB
    · November 24th, 2024
    Pretty dreadful. Shambolic, run by children. Dreadful approach to guests with allergies. Really really poor living conditions - I knew it would be a tent but they shouldn't be full of bugs, not cleaned from the prior guests, and leaking / caving in! Any food you bring will get eaten and covered in bugs too - there's nowhere to store anything. It's all unclean. My worst experience in over two months in Japan. The volunteering is a waste of everyone's time too - you don't actually do anything remotely worthwhile for the community.
    Show more
    Trip date: July 2024
  • LW
    · August 15th, 2024
    World Unite Japan is an amazing organization! I had a truly wonderful, enriching, and meaningful experience. Our leaders, Summer and Hitoki, were outstanding. They created an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere and arranged volunteer projects that immersed us in the culture and ecosystems of Sado Island. I will always remember the friendships I made with our leaders and other volunteers. This was an life-changing experience. I highly recommend it! Lesa
    Show more
    Trip date: July 2024
  • AF
    · July 16th, 2023
    Great to mix with younger people who want to make a difference in the world and a heap of new experiences for me!
    Show more
    Environmental Conservation Volunteering, Cultural Immersion and Temple Stay on Sado Island customer review photo 1Environmental Conservation Volunteering, Cultural Immersion and Temple Stay on Sado Island customer review photo 2
    Trip date: June 2023
  • Environmental Conservation Volunteering, Cultural Immersion and Temple Stay on Sado Island reviewer 4
    · September 14th, 2022
    Definitely would recommend! I went to Sado Island in August of 2022, in the midst of Japan's reopening. Before I even arrived, the staff were very helpful in getting my visa set up and working with various hiccups during travel. Sado is gorgeous, very lush and the perfect location if you're looking for a Japan experience off the beaten path. Lots of opportunities to interact with the local population The accommodations at Koninji are more traditional, I was in one of the tatami rooms, but there other options too. The insect population in the area is thriving, so learn to coexist or bring a whole lot of bug repellent. Be prepared for steamy weather if you go in August! I'd suggest a two week stay as there are sometimes festivals and areas to see on the weekend that you won't get the time for in a standard week. The schedule can be affected by the weather as well, so if you miss an activity on week one, you'll probably get it in week two. Again, the staff are very personable and hardworking, putting sincere effort into creating an enjoyable experience. Happy Travels!
    Show more
    Trip date: August 2022
  • Environmental Conservation Volunteering, Cultural Immersion and Temple Stay on Sado Island reviewer 5
    · September 5th, 2022
    Fantastic experience!
    Trip date: August 2022
  • MR
    · September 3rd, 2022
    I have enjoyed and learned a lot in the...
    Show more
    Trip date: August 2022

Dates & Availability

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2025

Jan
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2026

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0
Upcoming departures
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Ends on 5 Aug, 2025
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More benefits

What our customers ask about this tour

The content in our FAQ section is subject to change.
All questions
  • S

    Shelley

    Asked on April 1st, 2025

    Would it be possible to do the tour April 7-14 then do my one week add on April 21-28?

    Price / Availability
    Tour Details
    • World Unite Japan KKOperatorWritten April 2025

      You can book it in this way: Participation from April 7-14, then one week of break and then joining again from April 21-28. The extra week would then be 330 EUR/360 USD. This is for staying at a 4-share tent. Single tent is +100 EUR/110 USD for one week and twin sharing +60 EUR/65 USD.

    • S

      Shelley

      TravelerWritten April 2025

      What is the best way to get to Sado? I am currently in Kawasaki. Would it be possible to catch a flight out on the 14th? If so, what time frame should I book it?

    • World Unite Japan KKOperatorWritten April 2025

      You would travel by train to Niigata City and from there take the ferry (from Sado Kisen Terminal in Niigata) to Ryotsu Port on Sado Island. There is no active airport on Sado. The next airport is in Niigata City, but I think it doesn't make sense to fly from Tokyo to Niigata, as going to the airport, checking in and etc. will take much more time than the shinkansen from Tokyo to Niigata.

    • S
      2 more answers
  • P

    Paul

    Asked on February 20th, 2025

    Can accommodation be extended and how are the prices affected?

    Accommodation
    Price / Availability
    • World Unite Japan KKOperatorWritten February 2025

      You can book for one week and extend during your stay. The extension fee is consistent regardless of when you decide to extend.

  • G

    Gustavo

    Asked on January 4th, 2025

    How can I reach customer support for more detailed inquiries?

    Travel Support
    • World Unite Japan KKOperatorWritten January 2025

      You can reach out to us via the Ask a Question button for any specific queries or support needs you might have.

  • L

    Lee

    Asked on January 1st, 2025

    How early should I arrive to catch the ferry to the island?

    Transport
    • World Unite Japan KKOperatorWritten January 2025

      To make it to the scheduled ferry, you should aim to arrive at the departing port at least by early afternoon.

  • C

    Clare

    Asked on December 26th, 2024

    Are there any activities scheduled during the tour?

    Tour Details
    • World Unite Japan KKOperatorWritten December 2024

      Activities are generally scheduled 5 days a week, with two days left free for personal exploration or rest.

  • L

    Line

    Asked on November 28th, 2024

    Can I have a room by myself?

    Accommodation
    Single supplement
    • World Unite Japan KKOperatorWritten November 2024

      Single occupancy is possible and involves an additional charge. Availability of single rooms is limited and subject to prior booking conditions.

  • L

    Liliana

    Asked on October 29th, 2024

    Is the price of the tour adjustable based on shortened stays?

    Price / Availability
    • World Unite Japan KKOperatorWritten October 2024

      The cost of the tour is calculated based on the number of weeks of active participation; incomplete or shortened weeks may be priced differently from full weeks.

  • A

    Assia

    Asked on September 3rd, 2024

    Are there facilities to prepare my own meals if needed?

    Meals
    • World Unite Japan KKOperatorWritten September 2024

      Facilities for basic food preparation are available, and participants can manage their own meals using these facilities if they choose to opt out of the provided meal plan.

  • S

    Saumya

    Asked on August 30th, 2024

    What is the group size for the tour?

    Group size
    • World Unite Japan KKOperatorWritten September 2024

      The tour typically operates with small group sizes, often ranging from 5 to 10 participants, ensuring a more personal and engaging experience.

  • R

    Rick

    Asked on July 29th, 2024

    Can you please advise if the traveller can extend the stay for another week after October 14th? If yes, can you please advise the quote for it? Can you please advise for how long you run this specific trip?

    Price / Availability
    Tour Details
    • World Unite Japan KKOperatorWritten July 2024

      The 2024 season in Sado will end on October 14, so it is unfortunately not possible to extend after October 14. The 2025 season will be from April 7 to October 23, 2025. We will make it bookable within the next few days.

Can’t find the answer to your question?
Reach out to the experts at World Unite Japan KK with your enquiry, they usually respond within 1 day.
From
NZ $1,133 per person

Price based on Cheapest Room

Price based on Shared Room

Price based on Private Single Room

Price based on Private Double Room

Select Date

Select departure month

2025

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2026

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0
Save and compare this adventure

Best price guarantee Learn More

Plan your adventure:

Good to Know

Tour ID: 209455

  • Currency
    ¥
    Yen
    Japan
  • Plugs & Adapters

  • Vaccines
    • These are only indications, so please visit your doctor before you travel to be 100% sure.
    • Hepatitis A - Recommended for Japan. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
    • Hepatitis B - Recommended for Japan. Ideally 2 months before travel.
    • Japanese B encephalitis - Recommended for Japan. Ideally 1 month before travel.
  • Visa
    • Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
    • Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
  • Payment information
    • For any tour departing before November 8th, 2025 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after November 8th, 2025, a minimum payment of 40% is required to confirm your booking with World Unite Japan KK. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 100 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
    • Some departure dates and prices may vary and World Unite Japan KK will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
    • The following cards are accepted for "World Unite Japan KK" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
  • Cancellation Policy
  • Accessibility
    Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveler, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team, who are ready and waiting to help you.

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0

Select departure month

2025

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2026

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec