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- Making friends and building community in Japan (September 2026)
Each month, our dedicated teachers share insights, advice, and practical guides for navigating everyday life in Japan. Find more resources for living in Japan.
Tips from Teachers: Making friends and building community in Japan
Moving to Japan can feel like a dream. Seeing that welcome sign at the airport is like walking on air, and while the first few weeks pass in a blur of paperwork and deciphering train schedules, reality eventually sets in.
We often hear about the "honeymoon phase" and the rose-colored glasses that inevitably slip off. However, in our teachers' experience, what can be a challenge is that we simply miss our inner circle – the friends and community we left back home.
Today, our seasoned teachers are sharing their top tips on how to make friends and create community in Japan. Whether you’re a total extrovert or feel a bit hesitant about meeting strangers, here are a few ideas to help you get connected!
From language cafes to international hubs, there are plenty of opportunities if you know where to look. Here are some of the top recommendations from our team.
Of course, safety is our top priority, so please be cautious and do thorough research when looking into social opportunities – just like you would back in your home country.
- Sports and outdoor clubs: Your school days may be over, but that doesn’t mean sports clubs are! If you enjoy running, hiking, yoga, soccer, or padel, many local groups maintain active websites or social media profiles. Try searching online for "Padel groups in [Area]" to find options near you.
- Hobbies and workshops: Keep an eye out for "ワークショップ" (workshop) signs! Many cafes and workspaces across Japan offer one-day experiences – ranging from crochet and knitting to pottery and painting. Some require advance booking, while others accept walk-ins.
- Book clubs: Many expats in Tokyo and surrounding areas host monthly book clubs. Whether you prefer analyzing a shared title or joining a silent reading group where you bring your own book, it’s a great way to enjoy quiet, meaningful conversation with like-minded people.
- Food and drink events: Keep an eye on Instagram for local bars and restaurants hosting specialty nights, such as tapas evenings or wine tastings.
- Low-pressure & online groups: If meeting in person feels overwhelming, many expat groups host online chats where cameras are optional.
- Activity mashups: Follow local event pages for rotating monthly meetups – everything from sunset walks and park board game days to evening craft sessions.
- Culture centers and ward offices: Visiting city halls can feel intimidating if you aren't fluent in Japanese, but don't overlook them! Many ward websites feature "Culture" sections detailing local festivals, workshops, and foreigner-friendly community initiatives (like free or low-cost language exchanges).
Search cheat sheet
To save you some time, here are the key search terms our teachers recommend using on platforms like Google, Reddit, Instagram, and Facebook:
- Meetups in [Area]
- Book club in [Area]
- Board game nights in [Area]
- [Craft] workshops in [Area]
- [Interest] circles (サークル, sa-kuru)
- [City Name] + サークル
- [Sport] clubs in my area
- [Hobby/Language] classes in [Ward Name] (Note: Searching by your specific ward is a great way to find resident discounts!)
Whether you’re taking a small step with an online group or diving into a new weekend hobby, remember that building a community takes time and every expat around you is probably looking for that same sense of connection. Give yourself grace, step out at your own pace, and enjoy the adventure of building your new home away from home.
See you next month, and happy connecting!