Hiking Groups in Tokyo (2026): English-Friendly Hikes, Easy Day Trips and How to Make Friends on the Trail

Hiking groups in Tokyo

Tokyo is surrounded by mountains, and hiking is one of the easiest ways to meet people here. You walk side by side for hours, there's always something to talk about, and lunch at the top feels like a reward you earned together. Here's how to find English-friendly hiking groups and which easy hikes to start with.

Where to find hiking groups

Meetup and event apps

Search for hiking in Tokyo on Meetup and similar apps. Several English-speaking groups run regular weekend hikes. Meetup alternatives in Tokyo.

University and school clubs

Many universities and language schools have outdoor clubs open to international students.

Facebook groups

Tokyo hiking groups on Facebook share upcoming trips and look for people to join.

Running and outdoor communities

Running clubs often organise trail runs and hikes too. Running clubs in Tokyo.

Easy hikes near Tokyo to start with

Mt. Takao. About an hour from Shinjuku, with several trails, a cable car and great views. The classic first hike.

Okutama. Rivers, forests and quieter trails in the far west of Tokyo.

Mt. Mitake. A cable car up to a mountain shrine village and an easy walk to waterfalls.

Kamakura hiking trails. Short hikes between temples, then the beach.

Tips

Bring the basics. Water, snacks, layers, an IC card for the train and some cash for mountain huts.
Go on weekdays if you can. Mt. Takao gets very busy on autumn weekends.
Suggest a second plan. If you click with someone on the trail, suggest coffee in the city the next week.

The app

Find someone to explore with

Buy Me a Matcha helps you meet new people in Tokyo one at a time over a coffee or matcha. In English, friends only, free on iPhone.

Friends only, never dating
Everything in English
One person at a time, at a café you pick
Optional "Only women" setting
Free on iPhone

Get it on the App Store Not a dating app. Made in Tokyo.

A Matcha Plan card in a chat on Buy Me a Matcha: near Nakameguro Station, tomorrow

Questions people ask

Are there English-speaking hiking groups in Tokyo?

Yes. Several English-friendly groups organise weekend hikes through Meetup, Facebook and university clubs.

What's the best first hike near Tokyo?

Mt. Takao. It's about an hour from Shinjuku, has trails for every level, and a cable car if you want an easier day.

Is hiking a good way to make friends in Tokyo?

Yes. You spend hours walking side by side, which makes conversation easy, and groups often meet regularly.

Is there an app to meet people for activities like hiking in Tokyo?

Buy Me a Matcha helps you meet new people in Tokyo one at a time over a coffee or matcha, in English. Many people start there and plan activities like hikes together.