A matcha or coffee café
The classic for a reason. One drink, an hour, done. Our favourite matcha spots.
The best plan depends on how well you know each other. A first meet needs something easy to leave; a good friend can handle a whole day trip. Here are ideas for every stage.
Short, public, easy to talk, easy to say goodbye. Perfect for meeting someone new.
The classic for a reason. One drink, an hour, done. Our favourite matcha spots.
Yanaka's old streets, the Meguro River, or a loop around a big park. Walking side by side takes the pressure off conversation.
Department store food halls are like a museum you can eat. Pick a few things and share them on a bench outside.
Big bookshops and record shops in Shibuya and Shimokitazawa give you endless things to point at and talk about.
Rent a small room for an hour. It's fine to sing terribly. Most places have a drink bar, so it's cheap too.
Tokyo has climbing gyms everywhere. You cheer each other on, take breaks to chat, and nobody needs experience.
Pick a game, order snacks, and the conversation takes care of itself. Great for two to six people.
teamLab and similar immersive exhibitions are fun to explore together, and you'll leave with good photos.
Small plates to share, a relaxed crowd, and no rush. Go a little early to get a seat.
A public bath and a cold drink after is a very Tokyo way to spend an evening. Check tattoo rules first.
Temples, the giant Buddha, the sea and a slow train along the coast. About an hour from central Tokyo.
Hot springs, lake views and, on a clear day, Mount Fuji. Easy to do in a long day.
Ornate shrines, waterfalls and mountain air. Best in autumn for the leaves.
A friendly hike within the city limits, with good food at the top and an easy cable car if you'd rather not walk down.
Buy Me a Matcha shows you people in Tokyo who speak English and also want new friends. You match, pick a café for the first meet, and take it from there. Free, and not a dating app.
Get it on the App Store