Learn Japanese. Make Real Local Friends. Hike Real Mountains.
If you are living in Tokyo and feel that
- you want to practice Japanese in a natural, real-life environment
- you want to meet Japanese friends of your own generation, not only other foreigners
- you want to experience real Japan beyond the city
then Young Hiker’s Society might be the community you are looking for.
What is Young Hiker’s Society?
Young Hiker’s Society (YHS) is a Tokyo-based hiking community for people in their 20s and 30s.
We are not a language school, not a tour company, and not a casual meetup group.
We are a real local community, built and run by Japanese hikers, where members naturally spend time together through hiking, conversation, and shared experiences.
Most of our members live and work in Tokyo.
Some are beginners, some are experienced hikers.
What we all share is a love for nature and a desire for meaningful human connection.
Practice Japanese — Naturally, Without Pressure
At YHS, Japanese is not something you “study.”
It is something you use naturally, while:
- walking on mountain trails
- cooking and eating together
- planning routes and sharing stories
- relaxing after a hike
There are no textbooks and no teachers.
Just real conversations, real expressions, and real friendships.
Many international people living in Japan say:
“I learned more practical Japanese in a local community than in a classroom.”
Meet Real Japanese Friends — Not Just Acquaintances
They also say:
“It’s hard to make real Japanese friends.”
We understand that feeling.
YHS is designed as a member-based community, not a one-time event.
You see the same faces again and again.
You hike together, eat together, and talk about everyday life.
Over time, relationships grow naturally —
from strangers, to hiking buddies, to real friends.
Experience Japan Through the Mountains
Japan’s mountains are not just nature.
They are culture, history, and everyday life.
Through hiking, you will:
- visit mountains that Japanese people have loved for generations
- learn local hiking manners and safety culture
- experience seasonal beauty that most tourists never see
No buses, no flags, no tour guides.
Just people walking together at the same pace.
Who This Community Is For
Young Hiker’s Society may be a good fit for you if:
- you live in Tokyo or the surrounding area
- you are in your 20s or 30s
- you are interested in Japanese language and culture
- you enjoy hiking or want to start
- you want deeper connections, not just casual networking
You do not need perfect Japanese.
You only need curiosity, respect, and an open mind.
Fees & Membership
Young Hiker’s Society is a member-based community, not a free meetup.
- There is a one-time joining fee when you become a member
- After joining, members pay a monthly membership fee
The fees help us:
- maintain the community space (“clubroom”)
- organize events and communication
- keep the community stable and sustainable
Details about fees are clearly explained in Japanese on our website.
We encourage you to read them carefully before joining.
For Working Residents — Not a Student Community
YHS is designed primarily for working adults living in Japan.
Most of our members:
- work full-time jobs in Tokyo
- have busy weekday schedules
- value weekends and time in nature as a reset from city life
Because of this, YHS may not be the best fit for:
- short-term visitors
- exchange students
- people looking mainly for language study or casual social events
We believe shared life stages matter.
That is why many international members who work in Japan feel comfortable and at home here.
Important Things to Know
- YHS is not a guided tour or travel service
- Members are expected to take responsibility for themselves
- Hiking is done in a cooperative, respectful manner
- Safety awareness and mutual care are very important to us
This is a community for adults who enjoy independence and trust.
Join Us
If you are looking for a place where
- Japanese becomes a living language
- friendships grow naturally
- and mountains become part of your life in Japan
we would be happy to welcome you.
Take your time, read the website, and feel the atmosphere.
If it feels right, we look forward to hiking with you.
— Young Hiker’s Society —
Pyong
Founder, Young Hiker’s Society
Young Hiker's Society 