language exchange

Language Exchange in Tokyo: English, Spanish, Chinese & Taiwanese

🗣️ English · Español · 中文 · 日台 · 日本語

Language exchange in Tokyo: practise a language, leave with friends

Casual café meetups where Japanese locals, expats, students and travelers practise each other’s languages in small groups. All levels, most people come alone, and RSVP on Meetup is free.

🇬🇧 English–Japanese (Wednesdays)🇪🇸 Intercambio (Saturdays)
✔ Beginners welcome✔ Small groups, table rotations✔ From ¥500✔ Since 2015
🇬🇧 English ⇄ JapaneseEvery Wednesday, 7:15 pmSakura Cafe Nippori · ¥1,000 🇪🇸 Español ⇄ JaponésSaturdays, 2:00 pmSakura Cafe Jimbocho · ¥500 🇨🇳 中文 ⇄ 日本語Weekend afternoonsKokorogoto Cafe, Shibuya · ¥1,000 🇹🇼 日台交流会Weekend afternoonsIkebukuro + special events · ¥1,000

Quick answer: TIFE (Tokyo International Friends & Events) runs regular language exchanges in Tokyo: English–Japanese every Wednesday at 7:15 pm at Sakura Cafe Nippori (¥1,000), Spanish–Japanese on Saturday afternoons at Sakura Cafe Jimbocho (¥500), plus Chinese–Japanese (日中交流会, Shibuya) and Taiwanese–Japanese (日台交流会, Ikebukuro) exchanges for ¥1,000. All levels are welcome, most people come alone, and you RSVP free on Meetup.

A language exchange is the easiest way to make friends in Tokyo: everyone is there to meet someone new, the conversation topic is built in, and you see the same faces week after week. TIFE has hosted language exchanges since 2015. Below you’ll find exactly when and where each one happens, what it costs, and what to expect the first time.

📋 Jump to: How it works · 🇬🇧 English · 🇪🇸 Español · 🇨🇳 中文 日中 · 🇹🇼 日台 · First-timer tips · More ways to meet people · FAQ

How a TIFE language exchange works

Group photos from TIFE language exchange events in Tokyo with Japanese and international participants

☕ Café, not classroom

No teacher, no textbook. You sit at a table and talk, switching between languages.

👥 Small groups

Groups of a few people, so everyone gets to speak, even if you’re shy.

🔄 Table rotations

Hosts mix the tables during the event, so you meet more people in one evening.

⚖️ Balanced mix

Japanese and international participants together. At the Wednesday exchange, about 40% are Japanese and 60% international.

🧭 Any level

Complete beginners are welcome. Mistakes are part of the fun.

🥤 One drink

Each venue asks you to order one drink, on top of the small entry fee.

🇬🇧 English & Japanese language exchange in Tokyo (every Wednesday)

English & Japanese Language Exchange @ Nippori

When: every Wednesday, meet 7:15 pm, start 7:30 pm, until 9:00 pm
Where: Sakura Cafe & Restaurant Nippori, 3-43-15 Sendagi, Bunkyo City
Fee: ¥1,000 (regulars ¥700) + one drink
Level: all levels, join or leave any time

TIFE’s longest-running weekly exchange, hosted for over five years. Expect small-group conversation, friendly table rotations and a balanced crowd of Japanese locals, expats, students and travelers. Participants have come from over 69 countries.

Note: the LINE raffle free-ticket coupon cannot be used for this event.

Full details →🗺️ Map

 Casual EventsEnglishLanguage Exchange

English & Japanese Language Exchange @Nippori / 　英語&日本語のランゲージ・エクスチェンジ＠千駄木/日暮里

October 14, 2026 07:15 pm
Sakura Cafe & Restaurant Nippori - 3-chōme-43-15 Sendagi, Bunkyo City
■FEATURECasual EventsEnglishHanamiLanguage ExchangeTrips & Expeditions

Autumn Picnic / ザ・秋のピクニック

October 17, 2026 01:00 pm
Yoyogi Park - 2-1 Yoyogikamizonochō, Shibuya, Tokyo 151-0052, Japan

🇪🇸 Intercambio de idiomas español–japonés en Tokio

Intercambio Japonés / Español @ Jimbocho

Cuándo / When: sábados 2:00–4:00 pm (Saturdays)
Dónde / Where: Sakura Hotel & Cafe Jimbocho Annex, 2 min from Jimbocho Station
Precio / Fee: ¥500 + one drink
Nivel / Level: no se requiere nivel alto

Mesas de conversación con distintos temas, juegos y dinámicas para practicar español o japonés y hacer amigos de todo el mundo en Tokio. Conversation tables with topics, plus games, for Spanish speakers and Japanese learners of Spanish.

🎉 Fiesta Latina (Tokyo Latinos): once a month on a Saturday afternoon (3:00–6:00 pm) at 300 BAR NEXT in Ginza, where every drink is ¥300. Entry from ¥500; see the Meetup event for the full price list.

Ver detalles →Latinos en Tokio: empieza aquí

 Casual EventsLanguage ExchangeSpanish

Intercambio Japonés/español@ Jimbocho / 【📕】スペイン語⇔日本語のランゲージ・エクスチェンジ@神保町

October 17, 2026 02:00 pm
Sakura Hotel Jimbocho - 2-chōme-21-4 Kanda Jinbōchō, Chiyoda City
Casual EventsLanguage ExchangeSpanish

Intercambio Japonés/español@ Jimbocho / 【📕】スペイン語⇔日本語のランゲージ・エクスチェンジ@神保町

October 24, 2026 02:00 pm
Sakura Hotel Jimbocho - 2-chōme-21-4 Kanda Jinbōchō, Chiyoda City

🇨🇳 日中交流会: Chinese & Japanese language exchange in Tokyo

日中交流会 X 在日華人｜Chinese & Japanese Exchange @ Shibuya

時間 / When: weekend afternoons, 1:30–3:30 pm (see dates below)
場所 / Where: ココロゴトカフェ Kokorogoto Cafe, Shibuya 2-9-9, SANWA Aoyama Bldg 1F
費用 / Fee: ¥1,000（ワンドリンク制 / 請點一杯飲料）
Level: 中国語初心者歓迎 · 零基礎歡迎

中国語を話す友達を作りたい日本人、日本語を練習したい中国・台湾・香港・シンガポールの方、どちらも大歓迎。一人参加の方もたくさんいます。
想認識日本朋友、想練日文，也想認識更多會說中文的人？一個人來也完全沒問題。
Mandarin learners and Chinese speakers learning Japanese, all welcome.

查看活動詳情 →🗺️ Map

 Casual EventsChineseLanguage Exchange

🇯🇵🇨🇳 日中交流会 X 在日華人｜中国語初心者歓迎！友達作り・国際交流イベント

October 17, 2026 01:30 pm
ココロゴトカフェ - Shibuya, 2 Chome−9−9 ＳＡＮＷＡ青山Ｂｌｄｇ 1F

🇹🇼 日台交流会: Taiwanese & Japanese language exchange in Tokyo

日台交流会｜Taiwanese & Japanese Exchange @ Ikebukuro

場所 / Where: 一虎牛肉ラーメン, Ikebukuro 2-61-3 Abakku Bldg 2F
費用 / Fee: ¥1,000（ワンドリンク制 / 請點一杯飲料）
特別活動 / Specials: Taiwan National Day KTV & dinners, Taiwanese food nights
Level: 零基礎歡迎 · 初心者歓迎

在日台灣人、來日旅遊的台灣朋友，以及想認識台灣人的日本人都歡迎！中文、日文、英文都可以聊。
台湾人と交流したい日本人、日本語を練習したい台湾人、どちらも大歓迎です。

日台交流会の詳細 →在日台灣人社群

There are no upcoming Events at this time.

Tips for your first language exchange

  1. Arrive at the start. Groups form in the first 15 minutes, so it’s the easiest time to join a table.
  2. Tell the host it’s your first time. They’ll seat you with a friendly group.
  3. Bring two or three easy topics. Where you’re from, your favourite Tokyo food, a trip you want to take.
  4. Split your time fairly. Spend roughly half the conversation in each language so everyone gets practice.
  5. Swap LINE with one person. That’s how a one-off event turns into a friend you meet again.
  6. Come back next week. Seeing the same faces is what turns acquaintances into friends.

More ways to make friends in Tokyo

🌏 All casual events

Foodie nights, board games and parties: the full guide to making friends in Tokyo.

See events →

🎉 Monthly Gathering

TIFE’s big international party in Ginza, once a month.

See dates →

💪 Outdoor Bootcamp

Beginner workout in Hibiya Park every other Monday, ¥500.

See class →

🥊 Kickboxing

Beginner class in Shibuya every Tuesday with ex-MMA pro Minoru Kato.

See class →

💃 Social Dance

Beginner ballroom-style class in Shinjuku every Thursday, taught in English and Japanese.

See class →

🧭 New to TIFE?

How to join TIFE and settle into life in Tokyo.

Start here →

🎁 Win a free event ticket

Add the TIFE LINE Official Account to enter the monthly raffle for a free admission coupon. Not valid for the Wednesday English–Japanese exchange at Sakura Cafe Nippori.

🎁 Add LINE & enter💬 Join the TIFE LINE group

Language exchange FAQ

What is a language exchange?
A language exchange is a casual meetup where people with different native languages practise with each other. At TIFE you sit in small groups at a café, switch between languages, and rotate tables so you meet several people. It is a social event, not a class.
Where is the English and Japanese language exchange in Tokyo?
Every Wednesday at Sakura Cafe & Restaurant Nippori (3-43-15 Sendagi, Bunkyo City), near Nippori and Sendagi stations. Meeting time is 7:15 pm, conversation starts at 7:30 pm and runs until 9:00 pm.
How much does the language exchange cost?
It depends on the language: the English–Japanese exchange in Nippori is ¥1,000 (¥700 for regulars), the Spanish–Japanese intercambio in Jimbocho is ¥500, and the Chinese–Japanese and Taiwanese–Japanese exchanges are ¥1,000. Each venue also asks you to order one drink. RSVP on Meetup is free.
Do I need to be good at the language?
No. Every TIFE language exchange welcomes complete beginners. Mistakes are expected, and you can always switch to a language you are comfortable in.
Can I come alone?
Yes. Most people come alone, especially the first time. Tell the host it is your first visit and they will seat you with a group.
Is there a Spanish language exchange in Tokyo?
Yes. TIFE’s Intercambio Japonés–Español runs on Saturday afternoons (2:00–4:00 pm) at Sakura Hotel & Cafe Jimbocho Annex for ¥500, and Tokyo Latinos holds a monthly Fiesta Latina at 300 BAR NEXT in Ginza.
Is there a Chinese or Taiwanese language exchange in Tokyo?
Yes. The 日中交流会 (Chinese–Japanese exchange) meets at Kokorogoto Cafe in Shibuya and the 日台交流会 (Taiwanese–Japanese exchange) meets in Ikebukuro, plus special events around Taiwanese holidays. Mandarin learners of every level and Chinese speakers learning Japanese are welcome.
Can I join late or leave early?
At the Wednesday English–Japanese exchange, yes: you can join or leave at any time. Arriving at the start is still the easiest way to get into a group.
Who comes to TIFE language exchanges?
A mix of Japanese locals, expats, international students and travelers. At the Wednesday Nippori exchange, roughly 40% of participants are Japanese and 60% are international residents or visitors.
Can I use the free ticket from the TIFE LINE raffle?
The LINE Official Account raffle coupon can be used for many TIFE events, but not for the Wednesday English–Japanese Language Exchange at Sakura Cafe Nippori.

Your next friend is at the next table

Pick a language, RSVP free on Meetup, and come as you are. Most people come alone the first time.

📅 RSVP on MeetupSee this week’s exchanges