Intern with us in Wazuka, Kyoto

d:matcha Kyoto is a tea farm-to-table enterprise. We envision to grow into the first truly sustainable farms in the country and to be an example of premium Japanese tea farming globally.

 

We renovated Aikiya House for tourism, empower local artists, and create a comfortable working space for local elderly. It shows that we want to bring the community in the area to grow together with us. What we are doing is more than just a business. We have a bigger vision to revitalise Yubune village, including empowering the people in it. Therefore, we're happy to partner up with those who value our vision.

• We typically host interns as volunteers for 4-week sessions (Mar - Nov).
• The spots for 2024 are fully booked.
• Currently, we have more than 439 applicants, and we only have 20 spots for interns in 2025.
• We have closed the application for 2025.  Only candidates who passed the first selection process and continue to the interview phase will be notified via email at the end of December.

(d:matcha's staff and interns from Singapore)

 

Responsibilities: What will we expect of you?

 

1. 1. Assist with full range of tasks: Farming, products packing, assisting our cafe guests, etc.
      • Note: Our work is seasonal. For example, harvest season in the Spring / Summer requires more farm work, while peak tourism season in the Fall requires more cafe & hospitality work.
   2. Be willing to help with anything! In a small-knit, collaborative team, we all pitch in as needed

 

 

1. 1. Learn the day-to-day operations of a tea business
      • From producing tea, to managing a nimble team, to selling direct-to-consumer.
   2. Experience life in Japan’s countryside!
      • We're located in Yubune, Wazuka, a small town with limited public transportation and no supermarkets, so you'll be welcomed like a member of our family.
      • As a house family, we provide housing & meals (work day lunches & biweekly dinners included).
      • More info about logistics & accomodations will be shared once accepted.
   3. Explore the Kansai region of Japan
      • Most interns enjoy visiting Kyoto city, Osaka & Nara on days off (2x per week)
      • Public transport: 80 min to Kyoto, 90 min to Osaka, 40 min to Nara

 

What we’re looking for: You would make a great fit for d:matcha if you are...

1. 1. Passionate about tea / tea entrepreneurship. You’ll learn all aspects of our family business
   2. A team player - open to helping on all fronts & willing to roll up your sleeves
   3. A self starter - proactive and comfortable working independently!
   4. Equipped with skills that would strengthen our organization

Since this internship is a voluntary work, we don't charge you anything and you won't be paid either. Therefore, you need to cover your own...

• • Flight tickets and transportation
  • Travel insurance
  • Breakfast and some dinners
  • Personal medicine
  • Personal expenses