L I V I N G
How to Make Friends in Tokyo
Concrete ways for foreign residents to make friends in Tokyo. International exchange associations, Meetup, language exchange, sports clubs, share houses, and more.
“Having No Friends” Is More Common Than You Think
A 2024 nationwide survey by Japan’s Cabinet Office found that 39.3% of people living in Japan experience some degree of loneliness — 4.3% “frequently or always,” 15.4% “sometimes,” and 19.6% “occasionally.” Loneliness is not exclusive to foreigners.
That said, foreign residents tend to face additional challenges. The Immigration Services Agency’s Basic Survey on Foreign Residents (FY2023) included questions on loneliness and isolation, revealing that language barriers and cultural differences often leave people without anyone to turn to.
Even when you have colleagues at work, having no close friends outside the office is a different kind of isolation. “Building deep relationships with Japanese people beyond work” is one of the most common struggles among foreigners living in Tokyo.
Here are practical ways to change that.
International Exchange Associations and Japanese Classes
Tokyo has international exchange associations in 22 wards and cities. Most offer free or nearly free Japanese classes, cultural experiences, and community events.
Japanese classes typically run once or twice a week, pairing you with Japanese volunteer instructors for one-on-one or group lessons. Beyond language practice, these classes naturally build relationships — with fellow foreign students and with the Japanese volunteers who teach there.
How to find one:
The Tokyo Multicultural Portal “TIPS” (東京都多文化共生ポータルサイト) lets you search for your ward or city’s international exchange association. It lists Japanese classes, volunteer opportunities, and upcoming events.
You can also ask at your local ward office — say “国際交流” (kokusai kōryū / “international exchange”) and they’ll point you to the nearest association. If you haven’t visited your ward office yet, our ward office moving guide walks through the process.
International Meetup Groups
Meetup is the most widely used platform for Tokyo’s international community. Search “Tokyo” and you’ll find groups for language exchange, hiking, board games, drinks, photography, coding, and more.
Here are some of the most active groups:
| Group | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Tokyo International Friends and Events (TIFE) | 50+ events per month. Language exchange, hanami (cherry blossom viewing), karaoke, and more |
| Welcome Tokyo | Large community with 30+ events per week |
| Tokyo International Social Club | Picnics, parties, hikes. Often smaller gatherings |
Most events cost free to ¥2,000. You’ll likely go alone the first time, but so does everyone else — that’s the whole point. Starting a conversation is easier than you’d expect.
Tip: Smaller activity-based events (10–20 people doing a hike, playing board games, or cooking together) tend to build stronger connections than large drinking parties. You actually get to talk to people.
Language Exchange
Language exchange pairs foreigners learning Japanese with Japanese people learning English (or another language). Since both sides benefit, these relationships tend to last.
Online:
- HelloTalk — A language exchange app with 70 million+ users. Practice through text, voice messages, and calls
- Tokyo language exchange events on Meetup — In-person sessions happening every week
In person:
Language exchange events at cafes and bars are listed on Meetup and international exchange association websites. A common format splits the hour in half — Japanese for the first 30 minutes, English for the last 30.
Language exchange works because it’s a relationship between equals, not teacher and student. One thing to be aware of: some people attend these events for dating rather than language practice. Starting with group events rather than one-on-one meetups is a safer bet.
Sports Communities
Sports communities have the lowest language barrier of any option here. When you share rules and play together, friendships form naturally — even without a common language.
| Community | What they do | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Tokyo Gaijins (Volleyball) | 6-on-6 pickup volleyball at Tokyo gyms. Mostly foreign members | Check website |
| Futsal Tokyo | 5-on-5 pickup games in Toyosu, Shibuya, Shinjuku, and more | ¥1,500–2,000/session |
| International Football Tokyo | 11-a-side football. Some basic experience required | Check Meetup |
Running clubs, yoga groups, and climbing gyms are also easy to find — search “Tokyo + [sport name]” on Meetup.
What makes sports communities effective is consistency. Seeing the same people every week builds trust faster than a monthly drinks event ever could.
Share Houses
Living alone in a one-room apartment, it’s possible to go entire days without speaking to another person. A share house changes that equation — you gain daily contact with housemates just by living there.
Tokyo has plenty of share houses that welcome foreign residents, and many have an international mix of tenants. Shared kitchens and living rooms create organic opportunities to cook together, hang out on weekends, and develop genuine friendships.
Where to look:
- OAKHOUSE — Share house operator with an English website and foreigner-friendly properties
- BORDERLESS HOUSE — Share houses designed for international exchange, with a 50/50 mix of Japanese and foreign residents
Share houses aren’t for everyone. If you value privacy and quiet time, the constant social contact can feel draining. Visit in person before signing — check the common areas and ask about house rules.
→ For a broader look at housing options, see How to Find an Apartment in Tokyo.
Hobby and Culture Communities
Beyond sports, shared hobbies are another reliable way to meet people.
Music and DJs: Tokyo’s club and live music scenes attract a diverse crowd. DJ events and open mic nights create natural meeting points for music lovers. → See Tokyo’s Subculture and DJ Events for details.
Photography and art: Meetup photo walk groups and gallery opening events are low-pressure ways to connect. Having a camera in hand gives you an automatic conversation starter.
Board games: Tokyo has many board game cafes, and Meetup hosts regular game nights. Teaching and learning rules together breaks the ice quickly.
Volunteering: Neighborhood cleanups, English classes for kids, and other volunteer activities connect you with locals. Check your international exchange association’s website for open positions.
Why You Need Relationships Outside Work
When you’re working in Tokyo, weekdays can easily become an endless loop between the office and your apartment. Work relationships are tied to your job — when you change companies or departments, those connections often fade.
Having a community outside work gives you people to talk to about stress, changes how you spend weekends, and shifts the overall quality of your life in Tokyo.
The first few months after arriving in Japan are especially tricky. Between finding an apartment, setting up utilities, and navigating Japan’s etiquette, everything is new and busy, but you don’t have anyone close yet. “I’ll make friends once I settle in” is a common thought — but waiting too long can let isolation become your default.
When Things Don’t Work Out
| Situation | What to try |
|---|---|
| Went to an event but didn’t talk to anyone | Switch to smaller activity-based events (hiking, board games). They’re easier to join than large drinking parties |
| Exchanged contact info but the conversation died | Commit to the next event together — “Are you coming next week?” LINE-only friendships fade fast |
| Struggling to make Japanese friends | Try Japanese classes or volunteering through international exchange associations. People there already want to connect with foreigners |
| Can barely speak Japanese | Many Meetup events run in English. Sports communities also work well with minimal language |
| Feeling too low to meet anyone | TELL Japan offers English-language phone and chat counseling (03-5774-0992 / 0800-300-8355). If symptoms are serious, consider seeing a medical professional |
Other Options
Beyond what’s covered above, there are more ways to build connections.
- Cooking classes: Places like ABC Cooking Studio let you participate hands-on even with limited Japanese
- Religious communities: Tokyo has churches with English services, mosques, and temples — shared faith creates strong bonds
- Coworking spaces: Freelancers and remote workers can meet peers through coworking community events
- Online: Facebook Groups (“Foreigners in Tokyo,” “Tokyo Expats”) and Reddit (r/japanlife) are useful for both information and community
Related Guides
- How to Find an Apartment in Tokyo — The full picture on housing, including share houses
- Tokyo’s Subculture and DJ Events — Where music lovers gather
- Tokyo Etiquette Guide — Understanding Japan’s social norms
- Finding an English-Speaking Doctor in Tokyo — Medical care when you need it
References:
- Tokyo Metropolitan Government Bureau of General Affairs, Statistics Division. “Foreign Population, 2025.” https://www.toukei.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/gaikoku/2025/ga25010000.htm (Accessed: 2026-03-17)
- Cabinet Office, Government of Japan. “Nationwide Survey on Loneliness and Isolation (FY2024).” https://www.cao.go.jp/kodoku_koritsu/torikumi/zenkokuchousa/r6.html (Accessed: 2026-03-17)
- Immigration Services Agency of Japan. “Basic Survey on Foreign Residents.” https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/support/coexistence/04_00017.html (Accessed: 2026-03-17)
- Tokyo Multicultural Portal (TIPS). “International Exchange Associations in Tokyo.” https://tabunka.tokyo-tsunagari.or.jp/organization/tonai/ (Accessed: 2026-03-17)
* This article was translated from the original Japanese with the help of machine translation. Some expressions may not read naturally.
