Let’s make Japanese friends and have the best study abroad experience!
2023.08.30
Many international students who are coming to Kyoto for the first time would like to make many Japanese friends while exploring and enjoying their time in the ancient capital, Kyoto, which is both historically and culturally rich. However, some of you may be wondering where you can meet Japanese people or how you will be able to communicate with them. If you feel the same way, don’t worry! In this article, I am going to share some advice with you on how you can easily make Japanese friends in Kyoto. Let's make many friends and have a wonderful study abroad experience in Kyoto together!
So, where can you meet Japanese people? Here are four ways.
1. Participating in social exchanges with people from your age group
• University club activities
Clubs and circle activities are part of the student culture at Japanese universities. For us international students, joining a university club is one of the best ways to make friends with Japanese students. There are a wide variety of sports activities (basketball, judo, soccer, cycling, etc.), cultural activities (dance, movies, music, tea ceremony, etc.), language exchanges, etc. Here you can find many like-minded Japanese people who have the same interests as you.
• Dormitories and share houses
Living in the school dormitory, you will meet many seniors and juniors from your university. Not only can you discuss your study problems with them, but you can also ask them for advice on daily life in Kyoto. What’s more, if you live in a share house, you can get to know roommates from different backgrounds, such as working adults and students from other schools. You can have drinks together in the common space, share delicious food, and organize fun events such as Christmas parties. On weekends, you can also go hiking together, experience a tea ceremony, or visit historical spots in Kyoto.
Through these methods, you will be able to make Japanese friends who are in the same age group as you but come from different backgrounds and learn about diverse ideas and values, which will make your study abroad experience even more meaningful.
2. Making friends through social activities
• Part-time jobs
Doing a part-time job in Japan is a great opportunity to interact with Japanese people and gain a deeper understanding of the Japanese society and culture. By working part-time at a local convenience store, café, or restaurant, you can practice and improve your Japanese language skills. What’s more, making friends with the Japanese colleagues you work with can also help you get used to the local lifestyle.
• Volunteer Activities
For many international students, volunteering is a great opportunity to learn more about Japanese society. There are many different types of volunteer activities in Japan, such as environmental protection, supporting the elderly, and community activities. Through these activities, you can meet Japanese people from various ages who are enthusiastic about volunteering, and you can gain experience while positively contributing to the Japanese society together.
For more information, please visit the Kyoto City Welfare Volunteer Center website: http://v.hitomachi-kyoto.jp/(Japanese only)
