KKyoto

How to befriend local students/gain language practice?

  • September 17, 2025

Hey all,

I'm a college student studying abroad in Kyoto for the semester and am looking to meet Japanese students my age to speak to and (hopefully) make friends with since the program I'm enrolled in doesn't offer a ton of opportunities.

I've already looked into joining clubs/circles, but almost every one I've messaged have yet to respond. For context, I speak beginner-intermediate Japanese, and am especially interested in hiking, birding, cafes, or anything outdoorsy/cultural, but am open to suggestions.

Does anyone have any suggested paths I take/groups I look into? Or even just tips based on past experiences or knowledge? Thank you!

by Bleuowl12

5 comments

  1. Try Facebook groups! They’re filled with foreigners of all ages looking to meet Japanese and foreigner friends. Look up something like Kyoto International Friends or something.

  3. adding to facebook groups or clubs, frequent a few izakayas and cafes in your immediate local area. be open when approached (i.e. sit there, looking interested, and not with the head in your phone) sooner or later people will start speaking to you. they may give you hints or take you to other spots. become known in the area as “one of the good kids studying” (as contrast to “one of the foreigner kids who cant or wont talk much so lets leave them alone, they’ll leave soon anyway”)

    (edit: if its a bit unclear what I mean. My personal experience has shown me that the best resource are the locals. if you get to know them, they ll share their information with you, including knowing about clubs, places, others. and there are a lot of students also visiting those places. but, I will admit, you arent looking to find just any people, but people your age in the same interest groups. so it may not be the best or only solution. still, I think its worth a try)

    with the locals starting to talk to you, and bring you to their places, you’ll meet travelers, other students, locals or guests. and if I am wrong, you at least know where to find good food or coffee.

  5. Don’t exchange Line right away unless u have a purpose. They’ll talk nicely but will hesitate to reply on SNS. They aren’t as spontaneous as Americans (I’m assuming you’re American sorry if you’re not) when it comes to hanging out, ofc there are exceptions!

    Facebook groups are there, in my case I usually went to Osaka to chill n make friends…. Osaka has many more places for youngsters to hang out imo. I was part of a board game circle but they discontinued it shortly after I left 🙁

    If u drink alcohol u can be a regular at izakaya… Or go to your country’s restaurant…. There was a Mexican guy I knew who befriended the owner of this taco restaurant and met more people there

    Since my study program was in japanese I didn’t face any big issues making friends or acquaintances but I do understand it could be difficult if you’re in an international/,english program.

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