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City guide

How to make friends in Tokyo

Tokyo is huge, busy and can feel lonely at first, especially if you are new to Japan. People are friendly, but friendships here tend to grow slowly and through shared activities rather than chance meetings. These are the ways newcomers usually build a circle, and how iS Gather, a map-based social app that works in English and Japanese, can help you find people nearby.

iS GatherPublished by Transcend Technologies, Inc.
2 min
iS Gather live map in Shibuya, Tokyo, in 2D and 3D views with people nearby as avatars
On this page
  1. 1. Language exchanges
  2. 2. Hobby circles and classes
  3. 3. Your neighbourhood
  4. 4. Use a live map to find people nearby
  5. 5. Learn a little Japanese and follow up
  6. Stay safe
  7. See who is on iS Gather in your city
  8. Questions

1. Language exchanges

Language exchange meetups are one of the easiest starts: Japanese speakers who want to practise English (or another language) and newcomers who want to practise Japanese, in a relaxed setting. Going to the same one every week helps you meet the regulars.

2. Hobby circles and classes

Clubs built around one activity are very common in Japan: running, futsal, photography, board games, cooking and many more. A class or circle that meets on a schedule gives you a reason to see the same people often, which is how most friendships here form.

3. Your neighbourhood

Tokyo is a city of neighbourhoods. Regular visits to the same cafe, bar, gym or sento make you a familiar face. To see who is around a neighbourhood on iS Gather, browse public pages such as Shibuya, Setagaya or nearby Kawasaki.

4. Use a live map to find people nearby

On iS Gather, people around you appear as 3D avatars on a live map. Tap an avatar to see a profile, posts and short videos, then send a one-tap ice breaker. The app is available in English and Japanese, among other languages, which helps when your Japanese is still basic.

It is for friendship and local connection, not dating. For the basics, see how to find friends nearby and how to make friends in a new city.

5. Learn a little Japanese and follow up

Even a few phrases go a long way, and people appreciate the effort. When you meet someone you get along with, suggest a specific next plan, such as lunch or the next meetup. Messaging apps are the usual way to keep in touch, and on iS Gather you can move from an ice breaker to messages.

Stay safe

Meet in public places first and keep your home address private. On iS Gather you can switch to Friends Only, so only your connections see you, or Ghost Mode, which hides your location from everyone. You can block or report anyone.

See who is on iS Gather in your city

Questions

Is it hard to make friends in Tokyo?
It can take time, because friendships in Japan often grow through shared activities. Language exchanges, hobby circles and visiting the same places regularly are the usual ways newcomers build a circle.
Is there an app to meet people nearby in Tokyo?
Yes. iS Gather shows people near you on a live map as 3D avatars, with a one-tap ice breaker to say hi. It is free on iPhone, Android and the web, and available in English and Japanese.
Is iS Gather a dating app?
No. iS Gather is a social app for making friends and meeting people nearby, for ages 16 and older.