Almost everyone who moves to Tokyo feels a little lonely at the start. The city is huge, the language can be a barrier, and it is easy to go a whole week speaking to no one outside of work. If that is you right now, please know it is completely normal — and it gets better. Tokyo is full of welcoming places built specifically to help newcomers meet people, and you do not need fluent Japanese or a big social effort to start. A few small steps are usually all it takes.
Where to meet people
- Your ward or city international exchange association (区・市の国際交流協会): These public associations exist across most of Tokyo and are one of the best first stops. They run free or low-cost Japanese classes, conversation salons, cultural events, festivals and friendly consultation corners — all designed for foreign residents. Many activities are run by warm local volunteers who genuinely want to help you settle in.
- Community and civic centres (区民センター・公民館): Your local centre often hosts circles, classes and noticeboards advertising local groups. It is worth dropping by to see what is on.
- Language exchange: Trade your native language for Japanese over coffee. You will find language-exchange events through your international association, university noticeboards, or popular meetup-style apps and online groups.
- Hobby circles and classes (サークル・教室): Sports teams, futsal, running clubs, climbing gyms, art and pottery classes, cooking, music — shared activities are the easiest way to make friends because you already have something in common.
- Volunteering: Helping out at a local event, a children's Japanese class, a community garden or a clean-up day connects you with people fast. The Tokyo Voluntary Action Center lists opportunities across the city.
- Apps and online groups: Meetup, Facebook groups and Discord servers for your area, nationality, language or hobby are great for finding casual gatherings — many are beginner-friendly and in English.
- Your neighbourhood: Become a regular at one café, izakaya, sento (public bath) or shop. Familiar faces turn into friendly hellos, and friendly hellos turn into community.
One gentle thing to keep in mind: just occasionally, a multi-level-marketing or business scheme — or a religious group — will use a friendly "language exchange" or hobby circle as a way to recruit new people. The vast majority of groups are exactly what they say they are, so there is no need to be anxious. But do trust your instincts: if a new acquaintance starts steering things towards a business opportunity, an investment, or a religious seminar, it is completely okay to politely say no and walk away. A genuine friend will respect that without a second thought.
Start with your ward or city international exchange association — it is the friendliest, lowest-pressure door into Tokyo community life. Find yours through the Tokyo Intercultural Portal Site directory below, then check that specific association's official page for current schedules, languages supported and how to join, as programmes and times change.
Tips for low-pressure first steps
- Pick one thing and just show up once. You do not have to commit — one visit tells you a lot.
- Go to a recurring weekly event rather than a one-off. Seeing the same faces each week is how acquaintances become friends.
- You do not need fluent Japanese. Many groups welcome beginners, and a few words plus a smile go a long way.
- Say yes to the after-event coffee or meal — that casual time is where real connections form.
- Be patient and kind to yourself. Building a community takes a few months, not a few days, and that is okay.
- I don't speak much Japanese yet — can I still join these?
- Yes. Ward and city international associations exist specifically for foreign residents, and many of their events, conversation salons and beginner Japanese classes are designed for people with little or no Japanese. Plenty of meetups, language exchanges and hobby groups also operate in English.
- How do I find my own ward's international exchange association?
- Use the Tokyo Intercultural Portal Site (TIPS) directory of international associations linked below — it lists associations across Tokyo's wards and cities with the services each one offers. Then visit that association's own official website for current event schedules and how to take part.
- Are these expensive?
- Most international-association activities are free or low-cost, and many community events are too. Some classes ask for a small annual membership or material fee — always check the organiser's official page for the current details, as fees can change.
