Great groups in Tokyo

Make the most of your free time, meet new people and indulge in a new passion by joining one of Tokyo’s groups

If you’re into making things:

Stich-n-Bitch

Website: www.meetup.com/TokyoStitchandBitch

When: Every first and third Tue, 7pm

Where: Café Respekt, Shibuya

Knit, purl, have a glass of wine. Stitch-n-Bitch can be exactly what the name says, but it can also be much more. Bring your knitting needles, crochet hooks, yarn, and settle in for a night of stitching, chatting, and learning from fellow knitters and crocheters. Men are welcome too, and are growing in numbers, so gents don’t be shy!

If you want to cultivate your palate:

Tokyo Wine Tasting Meet Up Group

Website: wine.meetup.com/715/

When: Every last Sat, 7pm

Where: Locations vary

Meet new people and learn about wine at the same time at this friendly monthly gathering. This group has more than 100 members; languages spoken include English, Japanese and French. The meeting venue changes each month, but is always at a restaurant featuring gourmet food and French wine.

If you want to meet other creative design minds:

Pechakucha Night

Website: www.pecha-kucha.org/cities/tokyo

When: Dates vary, check website for times

Where: Super Deluxe, Nishi Azabu

This hybrid group/event has become a Tokyo institution. Run by Klein Dytham Architecture, people can come to see presentations on members’ current projects, present their own, and network with those interested in design, architecture, and creativity.

If you want to learn to be funny:

Tokyo Comedy Store Improv Workshop

Website: www.tokyocomedy.com/improv_workshops

When: Every Tue, 7pm - 9pm

Where: Real Dear, Azabu-juban

This long-running workshop organised by Tokyo Comedy Store aims to build comedy skills through team situations and improvisational exercises. Members can perform on stage when they feel brave enough. Those participating should have a high level of English skill.

If you want to reduce your impact on the environment:

Green Mondays

Website: greenmondays.ning.com/

When: Every fourth Mon, 7pm – 10:15pm

Where: United Nations University Media Studio, Harajuku

Get together with other environmentally inclined people to talk about such topics as clean technology, environmentally conscious business and other ecological issues.

If you enjoy getting around on two wheels:

Half-Fast Cyclists

Website: halffastcycling.com/

When: Every second Wed, 7pm

Where: The Pink Cow, Shibuya

Plan rides, share photos, trade tips and discuss the latest in bikes with other Tokyoites on two wheels.