What we’re about
Do you love photography, long walks, and discovering hidden corners of Tokyo? Or maybe you're looking to stay active, challenge yourself to hit those elusive 10,000 steps, or even lose a little weight—without the boredom of gym workouts?
Welcome to Tokyo Photo Walk & Step Challenge!
Each meetup, we'll pick two stations—like Kichijoji to Shimokitazawa—and take a long, scenic stroll between them, stopping to take interesting photos along the way. It's a relaxed, supportive, and fun way to trick ourselves into moving more while exploring the city together. All skill levels and fitness levels welcome!
Join us to walk, snap photos, and stay motivated.
### 📷 Group Guidelines & Etiquette
- Friendly & Respectful
Let's keep our walks welcoming for everyone! Be respectful, friendly, and considerate of fellow walkers. - Comfort First, Photography Second
This isn't a photography competition—it's about enjoying the walk and casually snapping photos. All skill levels welcome, from pro camera gear to smartphone-only. - Prepare for Walking
Expect to walk around 10,000 steps each time. Wear comfortable shoes, bring water, sunscreen, or whatever you need to stay comfortable and safe. - No Rush, No Pressure
We'll walk at a casual pace, but ensure you're comfortable walking a longer distance. Let’s stick together and not leave anyone behind. - Casual Photography
We're here to walk first and snap photos second. At random spots, we'll spend just a few minutes (around 3 minutes max) to take quick, casual photos. For special locations like temples or photo-worthy sites, we'll slow down and spend a bit longer like an hour or 2, depending on the location.
Upcoming events
4
- ¥500.00
Kokudo Station → Kawasaki Daishi → Factory Nightscape (Final Fantasy VII Vibes)
Kokudo Station, 〒230-0052 神奈川県横浜市鶴見区生麦５丁目１２−１５, 横浜市, JPLet’s mix a bit of tradition, retro rail travel, and surreal industrial night views in one evening trip.
We’ll start at Kokudo Station, stroll to Kawasaki Daishi, and end with a factory nightscape that looks like it’s straight out of Final Fantasy VII.📍 About the Places
Location map: Google My Map- Kokudo Station (国道駅) – A rare, atmospheric old station on the JR Tsurumi Line. Built in 1930 and barely changed, it has a raw, Showa-era feel with dimly lit passageways and old storefronts under the tracks.
(Estimated time: 0.5–1 hour) - Walk to Kawasaki Daishi (川崎大師) – A leisurely 1.5–2 hour walk through quiet residential streets to reach one of the Kanto area’s most famous Buddhist temples.
- Kawasaki Daishi – Known for its striking main hall, large incense burners, and an approach lined with nostalgic shops selling traditional sweets and snacks.
(Estimated time: about 1 hour) - Kawasaki Marien Observatory (川崎マリエン展望室) – Before sunset, we’ll head to this seaside observatory, which closes at 7 p.m. The 360-degree view of factories, ships, and the Tokyo Bay skyline is spectacular at dusk and early night.
View sample: Shutoko guide - Factory Nightscape (工場夜景) – Kawasaki’s waterfront factories at night are illuminated with an eerie, cyberpunk glow. Pipes, smoke stacks, and catwalks create a scene that feels like you’ve stepped into the industrial zones of FF7’s Midgar.
Details
- Meeting at Kokudo sation at 12:00
- https://maps.app.goo.gl/2z75Y4KBeNj976fT7
- 🕒 Schedule Estimate (starting at 12:00)
- Kokudo Station: 0.5–1 h
- Walk to Kawasaki Daishi: 1.5–2 h
- Kawasaki Daishi: 1 h
- Travel to Kawasaki Marien: 0.5 h
- Observatory & nightscape: up to 1.5 h before closing at 7 p.m.
Important notes
- Join our LINE group for live updates, route previews, photo sharing, and more!
- “If fewer than 10 people sign up by the day before the event, I’ll postpone it to the following week. Thanks for your understanding!”
This is a casual meetup of like-minded people. You’ll receive a friendly welcome, but this is not a guided tour or a customer-host relationship. - You are free to join or leave anytime, but please let us know if you’ll be late.
- We generally wait 10 minutes for late arrivals.
- A 500 yen fee is collected to help cover the annual Meetup.com subscription cost (over USD $200 per year).
- Check out my other upcoming events — I usually plan months ahead for perfect seasonal moments like cherry blossoms 🌸, autumn leaves 🍂, and more.
25 attendees - Kokudo Station (国道駅) – A rare, atmospheric old station on the JR Tsurumi Line. Built in 1930 and barely changed, it has a raw, Showa-era feel with dimly lit passageways and old storefronts under the tracks.
🍁 Autumn Foliage Day Trip to Ōyama & Afuri Shrine (大山 阿夫利神社)
伊勢原駅 Isehara station, 神奈川県伊勢原市桜台一丁目1-7, Isehara, JPLooking for a breathtaking autumn escape close to Tokyo?
We’ll start from Afuri Shrine (Lower Shrine), hike the scenic Omotesandō route via Fujimidai, and make our way to Mt. Ōyama’s summit.
Thanks to the cable car, we’ll start at around 700m elevation, making this a beginner-friendly yet rewarding mountain hike.
🗓️ Plan for the Day
- 10:00 AM – Meet at Isehara Station (Odakyu Line)
- Some of us may meet at Shibuya or Shinjuku.
- Take the bus to Ōyama Cable Car Station
- Ride the cable car to Afuri Shrine (Lower)
- Hike: Afuri Shrine (Lower) → Fujimidai → Ōyama Summit → Miharashidai → Afuri Shrine (Lower)
- Return to Isehara Station
🥾 Hiking Details
- Total time: ~5 hours (including rest breaks)
- Distance: ~5.5 km
- Highest point: 1,252m (Ōyama Summit)
- Starting point: Afuri Shrine (Lower)
- Route type: Loop (different ascent/descent paths)
📌 Important Notes
- Join our LINE group for live updates, route previews, and photo sharing.
- If fewer than 10 people sign up by the day before the event, I’ll postpone it to the following week. Thanks for your understanding!
- This is a casual meetup of like-minded people — friendly atmosphere, not a guided tour.
- You’re free to join or leave anytime, but please let us know if you’ll be late.
- We generally wait 10 minutes for late arrivals.
- A 500 yen fee is collected to help cover the annual Meetup.com subscription (over USD $200/year).
- Check out my other upcoming events — I usually plan months ahead for perfect seasonal moments like cherry blossoms 🌸, autumn leaves 🍂, and more.
10 attendees
Photo hiking at Daiyuzan Saijo-ji and abandoned wooden school
伊豆箱根鉄道大雄山線 大雄山駅, 神奈川県, JPJoin us for a day trip to Daiyuzan Saijo-ji Temple (大雄山 最乗寺) — a magical mountain temple in the cedar forests of Kanagawa, now glowing with the reds, oranges, and golds of fall. It’s the perfect way to slow down, breathe crisp autumn air, and experience nature and tradition in harmony.
Plan for the day
- 9:00 AM at Yoyogi-Uehara Station (In front of Gold Gym)
- OR 11:00 AM at Daiyuzan Station (for those coming directly)
- Seasonal soba lunch – Warm up with a comforting bowl of soba at a local spot near the temple, possibly paired with seasonal mountain vegetables or mushrooms.
- Explore Daiyuzan Saijo-ji Temple
- This hidden gem becomes even more breathtaking in autumn:
- Towering cedar trees and colorful maple leaves 🍂
- Mysterious Tengu legends 🦶
- Over 30 temple buildings and long stone staircases carpeted in fallen leaves
- Quiet forest trails and sacred spots, like stepping into a Ghibli film scene
- Cool, refreshing mountain air perfect for a long, gentle walk
- Optional side trip – If time allows, we’ll visit the nostalgic Old Fukuzawa Elementary School (旧福澤小学校校舎), surrounded by seasonal scenery.
- Optional: Odawara Castle & Dinner – Afterward, some of us may head to Odawara for a short castle stroll framed by autumn colors, followed by dinner before returning to Tokyo.
Important notes
- Join our LINE group for live updates, route previews, photo sharing, and more!
- If fewer than 10 people sign up by the day before the event, I’ll postpone it to the following week. Thanks for your understanding!
- This is a casual meetup of like-minded people. You’ll receive a friendly welcome, but this is not a guided tour or a customer-host relationship.
- You are free to join or leave anytime, but please let us know if you’ll be late.
- We generally wait 10 minutes for late arrivals.
- A 500 yen fee is collected to help cover the annual Meetup.com subscription cost (over USD $200 per year).
- Check out my other upcoming events — I usually plan months ahead for perfect seasonal moments like cherry blossoms 🌸, autumn leaves 🍂, and more.
6 attendees
Past events
15
