Make friends in Tokyo, even if you come alone
Language exchanges, foodie nights, board games and international parties. Show up on your own and leave with new friends from all over the world, plus Japanese locals.
Which event fits you?
Your first event in 3 steps
- 1
Pick an event
Browse the calendar below and choose one that sounds fun.
- 2
RSVP on Meetup
Create a free Meetup account and tap “Attend”. The event page shows the fee, venue and what’s included.
- 3
Show up and say hi
Tell the host it’s your first time. They’ll help you join a group so you’re never standing alone.
Please read the event terms before joining.
📅 Upcoming casual events
Tap any event for details and RSVP. Full list on the TIFE event calendar.
Oct 17, 2026
Oct 17, 2026
🗣️ Language Exchange
The easiest way to start. You sit in small groups and switch between languages, so everyone gets to talk.
📌 English ↔ Japanese: Sakura Cafe Nippori (Wednesdays) · Spanish ↔ Japanese: Jimbocho (Saturdays)- All levels, including total beginners
- English, Japanese, Spanish, Chinese and more
- Casual café setting, no lessons or homework
Oct 17, 2026Oct 17, 2026🍜 Foodie Nights
Sharing a meal is the best icebreaker there is. Izakaya nights, pizza nights and international dinners around Tokyo.
- Discover places you wouldn’t find alone
- Seats are arranged so you meet new people
- Menu and price shown on each event page
Oct 18, 2026
🎲 Board Games
Perfect if small talk isn’t your thing. The game gives everyone something to laugh about from minute one.
- Party games, strategy games and classics
- Rules explained at the table
- Relaxed venue with drinks
Board game nights don’t run every week. If no date is listed below, join the LINE group to hear about the next one first.
Board Games Club →🎉 International Parties
The big nights: our Monthly Gathering in Ginza plus themed parties like Halloween and Fiesta Latina.
📌 Monthly Gathering: Ginza 300 Bar Next, once a month- Large, mixed international crowd
- Music, drinks and plenty of people to meet
- Popular dates fill up, so RSVP early
Make friends through a weekly hobby
Some people find it easier to make friends while doing something. These beginner classes meet at the same time every week (or every other week), so you see the same faces and friendships build naturally.
🎁 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 Language Exchange at Sakura Cafe Nippori.
Add LINE & enter →What members say
“The organisation was perfect and the atmosphere in the group great. Absolute recommendation!”michael_goesswein · TIFE rafting trip, TripAdvisor
“It was my first time to do rafting and was awesome! They organized the event very well.”Andreas P · TIFE rafting trip, TripAdvisor
「私はあまり英語が得意じゃなくても海外の人と楽しめました。」あや · TIFE rafting trip, TripAdvisor
Read all reviews on TripAdvisor → · Joined an event? Leave a review
😅 Nervous about going alone?
- Start with a language exchange. You sit in small groups, so conversation starts automatically.
- Arrive on time. The first 15 minutes are when groups form and everyone is meeting someone new.
- Tell the host it’s your first time. They’ll introduce you.
- Swap LINE with one person. That’s how a one-off event turns into a friend you see again.
- Go back to the same event. Seeing the same faces two or three times is what turns acquaintances into friends.
Who joins TIFE events?
Expats and long-term residents, international students, Japanese locals who want international friends, working professionals, and travelers who want to meet people instead of only sightseeing. New to Japan? Read our moving-to-Japan guide. Just visiting? See events for travelers.
Making friends in Tokyo: common questions
How can I make friends in Tokyo as a foreigner?
Go to small, recurring events where you see the same faces again. A weekly language exchange is the easiest start, then add foodie nights, board games or the Monthly Gathering. Join the LINE group so you hear about new events first.
Can I come alone?
Yes. Most people come alone, especially to their first event. Tell the host it’s your first time and they’ll help you join a group.
Do I need to speak Japanese?
No. Events are English-friendly and welcome every level of Japanese. Language exchanges are a great place to practice.
How much do events cost?
Joining the TIFE community, the LINE group and Meetup is free. Each event has its own fee, which is shown on the Meetup event page before you RSVP. Language exchanges start from ¥500.
I’m shy. Which event is easiest?
A language exchange or a board game night. At a language exchange you sit in a small group with a built-in topic, and at board games the game does the talking. If you prefer doing something active, a weekly beginner class like the Hibiya Park bootcamp or social dance works too.
How do I sign up?
Create a free account on Meetup, join the TIFE group and RSVP to an event. New here? Start with the Start Here page.
How can I get a free ticket?
Add the TIFE LINE Official Account and enter the monthly raffle for a free admission coupon. It doesn’t apply to the Wednesday Language Exchange at Sakura Cafe Nippori.
Your next friends are one RSVP away
Pick an event this week, come as you are, and say hi.