What we’re about
Walking Innovators is a hiking group for entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, local professionals and innovators with a unique format: combine walking/hiking activities with brainstorming, intellectually-stimulating conversations, etc.
Meet other innovators, get advice, bounce ideas, learn something new, make friends, find help and support from your peers - professionals in the same or similar industries - all while hiking and enjoying the nature.
You won't even notice, as you get more fit, improve your posture and get some good workout in the most natural way (just as our ancestors did), while doing their daily chores.
We hope that the fresh air, beautiful nature and interesting conversations with other innovators will inspire us to come up with new ideas, find team/partners, create amazing projects, launch start-ups and maximize our potential in general.
Topics can be suggested for each meetup and we can form interest groups for every hike - anything from technology to management, education, etc.
We can also team up with other meetups and expand our horizons. Feel free to provide your suggestions, new ideas and comments - we look forward to exploring opportunities that this new format presents.
The Walking Innovators group was first started in Silicon Valley (SF Bay Area) in August of 2011 and expanded to Hawaii (Oahu), Los Angeles, Austin (Texas) and Tampa (Florida). Now we are thrilled to connect the entrepreneurs and innovators in Tokyo and surrounding areas - both locals and visitors.
Upcoming events
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Ninja Escape Inspiration Quest: Kyoto Edition
Nonomiya Shrine, 1 Sagatenryuji Tateishicho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8375, Japan, Kyoto, JP✨ In collaboration with Inspiration University, we present a new Inspiration Quest — a unique event designed to maximize your motivation, awaken your senses, and make you feel fully alive.
Step into a living legend and experience what it feels like to run, hide, and think like a ninja in the breathtaking bamboo forests of Kyoto.
This isn’t just a hike. It’s a transformational quest designed to push your body, spark your creativity, and awaken the hidden strength of your spirit.
For centuries, ninjas weren’t only warriors — they were innovators. They trained to adapt, to think outside the box, to move silently and quickly, and to stay focused under pressure. In this quest, we combine those ancient ninja traditions with modern innovation psychology to create an unforgettable adventure.
### ⚡ What to Expect:
- Immersive Ninja Training (Premium Add-On):
Start the day at the Samurai & Ninja Museum in Kyoto to learn real ninja techniques, tools, and mindset before venturing into the wild. - The Escape Quest in Arashiyama:
- Run (or walk) through the iconic bamboo groves and riverside trails.
- Face stealth, speed, and creativity challenges designed to simulate an ancient ninja escape.
- Experience mini “ambush” scenarios where you must outthink, outrun, or out-hide your pursuers.
- Rotate teams every 20–30 minutes to maximize collaboration and connection.
- Psychological Design:
Each challenge is crafted to activate emotional hooks — moments of tension, laughter, teamwork, and triumph. By combining physical action with the mythos of the ninja, the experience taps into primal survival instincts and transforms them into inspirational energy.
You’ll leave with stories that stick in your memory, a renewed sense of courage, and motivational sparks to carry into your work and life.
- Closing Circle by the River:
We’ll regroup to share insights, reflect on what we’ve learned about resilience, adaptability, and innovation — the true spirit of the ninja.
### Why Join?
Because life is not meant to be ordinary.
Because innovation doesn’t happen in meeting rooms — it’s born in moments of adrenaline, imagination, and connection.
Because once you’ve escaped the forest as a ninja, every challenge afterward will feel lighter.***
👉 Bring: Comfortable shoes, water, courage, and your sense of play.
👉 Leave with: A workout, fresh ideas, and a ninja story you’ll never forget.1 attendee- Immersive Ninja Training (Premium Add-On):
