How to Meet Locals & Make Friends in Sagamihara, Kanagawa, Japan

1. Sagamihara International Exchange Center

A place to meet locals and participate in various cultural events and workshops.

Cultural Events: Regular events showcasing traditional Japanese art, music, and dance.
Workshops: Hands-on workshops teaching origami, calligraphy, and other traditional crafts.
Language Exchange: Regular language exchange meetings with locals.

A modern library offering Japanese language classes and cultural activities.

Language Classes: Japanese language classes for beginners and intermediates.
Culture Clubs: Cultural clubs focusing on manga, anime, and traditional Japanese arts.
Community Spaces: Spacious community rooms for meetings and gatherings.

A popular tourist spot where you can rent boats and meet locals.

Boat Rentals: Rent a boat or join a guided tour to explore the scenic lake.
Food Stalls: Food stalls offering local specialties like Houtou, a traditional Sagamihara noodle dish.
Hama-rikyu Gardens: Adjacent gardens offer tranquil settings for conversation with locals.

A large park with sports facilities where you can join local teams or clubs.

Sports Facilities: Facilities for soccer, baseball, basketball, and other sports.
Club Activities: Join local sports clubs for regular games and practices.
Fitness Classes: Group fitness classes like yoga and tai chi.

A museum showcasing contemporary Japanese art and regular workshops.

A bustling marketplace to interact with local farmers and vendors.

Fresh Produce: Seasonal fruits, vegetables, and other farm-fresh products.
Local Foods: Taste traditional Japanese dishes and local specialties.
Cooking Classes: Learn to cook traditional Japanese dishes with local chefs.

Cycling routes connecting you with the local countryside and villages.

Participate in local festivals to immerse in Japanese culture and meet locals.

Cultural Immersion: Experience traditional Japanese festivals, such as Tanabata.
Local Foods: Taste local specialties during the festivals.
Dancing and Music: Join in traditional Japanese dancing and music performances.

Community centers offering a variety of activities for locals and visitors.

Activities: Activities ranging from sports to crafts, catering to various interests.
Language Classes: Japanese language classes for beginners and intermediates.
Meeting Spaces: Community rooms available for meetings and gatherings.

Volunteering opportunities to interact with locals and contribute to the community.

Community Projects: Projects focused on environmental conservation, disaster relief, and education.
Meeting Locals: Work alongside locals and make new friends.
Cultural Exchange: Learn about Japanese culture from the locals you work with.

Night markets offering food, shopping, and entertainment.

Parks and playgrounds for leisure activities and meeting locals.

Leisure Activities: Activities like picnicking, sports, and barbecuing.
Playgrounds: Playgrounds for children, attracting families and providing opportunities to interact with locals.
Nature Trails: Nature trails for walking or hiking, allowing interactions with passersby.

Music venues hosting live performances and open mic nights.

Live Performances: Enjoy live music performances from local artists.
Open Mic Nights: Participate in open mic nights to showcase your talents.
Community Spaces: Spacious community areas for meeting fellow music enthusiasts.

Cooking classes teaching traditional Japanese recipes.

Traditional Recipes: Learn to cook authentic Japanese dishes.
Local Chefs: Classes led by local chefs who share their culinary knowledge.
Cultural Exchange: Opportunities for cultural exchange and friendships with locals.

Cafes and coffee shops serving as social hubs for locals and visitors.

Relaxing Atmosphere: Comfortable spaces to relax, work, or socialize.
Local Flavors: Coffee and food offerings unique to Sagamihara.
Community Interaction: Regular events, such as open mic nights and art exhibits, fostering community interaction.