Running clubs
Groups run around the Imperial Palace, along rivers and in big parks, often with coffee or breakfast after. Easy to join and very social.
A club is one of the easiest ways to make friends in Tokyo, because you see the same people every week and there's always something to talk about. Here are the kinds of clubs English speakers in Tokyo join, and how to choose one you'll stick with.
Groups run around the Imperial Palace, along rivers and in big parks, often with coffee or breakfast after. Easy to join and very social.
Futsal, football, basketball, volleyball and ultimate frisbee leagues with international players. Great if you like a regular fixed slot.
Bouldering gyms are full of regulars who chat between problems. Many gyms have English-speaking staff.
Weekly board game cafés and pub quiz nights in English. Perfect if you prefer sitting down and talking.
Photography walks, sketching groups, pottery and writing circles. A shared project gives everyone something to talk about.
Beach cleanups, food banks, animal shelters and community events. Meaningful, and easy conversation.
Industry meetups and chambers of commerce for people who want work contacts and friends at the same time.
Weekly sessions where Japanese and English speakers practise together. How to find a good one.
Not everyone enjoys groups. Meeting one person at a time over a coffee can be easier, especially for introverts. Making friends in Tokyo as an introvert has more ideas.
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.
Running clubs, team sports leagues, bouldering gyms, board game and trivia nights, creative clubs like photography and pottery, volunteering groups, professional networks and language exchanges. Many run in English.
Search Meetup and Instagram, ask at your gym or school, and check expat community groups. Most clubs welcome newcomers; just show up and go back a few times.
Yes. Many running clubs, sports leagues, board game nights, volunteering groups and language exchanges in Tokyo run in English.
Try meeting one person at a time. Friend apps like Buy Me a Matcha let you meet one new person in Tokyo over a coffee or matcha, in English.