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
1
🍁 Autumn Foliage Day Trip to Ashigara, Daiyuzan
伊豆箱根鉄道大雄山線 大雄山駅, 神奈川県, JPLooking for a peaceful autumn escape? Daiyuzan Saijō-ji is one of Kanagawa’s hidden gems—towering cedar forests, mossy stone paths, and brilliant fall colors that feel almost otherworldly.
During peak foliage season, the temple grounds glow even more beautifully thanks to the special nighttime light-up, illuminating the ancient stairs, lanterns, and autumn leaves in warm, magical tones.
Whether you’re wandering through the crisp mountain air, photographing the fiery maple leaves, or simply enjoying the quiet atmosphere, Daiyuzan is the perfect autumn day trip—especially when you stay a little later to enjoy the evening lights.
What’s more, Daiyuzan is a secretly famous spot for cosplay and character-inspired photoshoots—its long stone steps, cedar tunnels, and Tengu legends make it a dream setting.
Since this is also a casual photo-friendly meetup, photographers and models are very welcome. Feel free to treat this as a mutually free practice session—great for building portfolios, shooting autumn portraits, or experimenting with new ideas.
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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.
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2 attendees
Past events
18
