What we’re about
Do you have an interest in Japan, its culture, language, or food? Are you Japanese and looking for a safe and friendly environment to make Canadian and international friends and practice your English? Or are you an avid traveler looking for exotic new places to visit? The Japan Victoria Friends Meetup Group is a social group that promotes intercultural exchange while having fun.
Our members are from all over the world, and many have some kind of connection to Japan. We have regular conversation meetups weekly, where we chat and practice our language fluency, and we also do a few social gatherings each month too. All are welcome! Come hang out with us and learn about a different culture!
We ask that all new members use their real name (or the name they wish to be known as in the group) and also use a picture that shows who they are. This is to make sure that Group Leaders can know who will be participating in the events and make sure that everyone has a good time. All of our events are staged locally in Victoria and the surrounding area, so at this time we only accept new members who live in the vicinity, or can regularly access the area.
Please note that we don't allow aggressive or predatory behaviour in our group. This is a place to make friends and new connections, and not to try to find a date (there are other social groups for that). If you feel like you are the target of any unwanted behaviour, please tell one of the Group Leaders immediately. We are here to keep the group safe and fun for everyone.
Lastly, the group stays successful and active thanks to the generous support of its members through donations. If you're planning to attend our events, please bring $1-2 to help the group pay its administration costs. Thank you. :-)
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- A Christmas Walk Around Downtown VictoriaNeeds location
*START TIME HAS CHANGED TO 3:00 PM*
Join us on a Christmas walk around downtown Victoria. We'll explore a market outside the museum and some showcases that only happen during the winter season. There will be five stops and I expect we'll be at each for 20-30 minutes. It's a 5-10 minute walk between each stop. The forecast says it should be sunny, but dress for the weather and make sure to keep yourself warm! If you plan to stay for the parade, please make sure to bring an extra layer.
Meeting Point - corner of Government and Belleville Streets, on the Empress Hotel side.
We'll meet across the street from the Royal BC Museum. At the corner of Government and Belleville, next to the status of Emily Carr. When everyone has arrived, we'll start.Stop #1 - WinterFest, at the museum. WinterFest is a small market celebrating arts, culture and community. Food and drinks will be available. This would be a good opportunity to get something warm to drink, for the rest of the walk! Bathrooms are available inside the museum. This stop is indoor and outdoor.
https://www.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/winterfestStop #2 - Gingerbread Showcase at the Parkside Hotel. The showcase displays all sorts of cool gingerbread creations from local bakers, both professional and amateur. The 2024 theme is "Through a Child's Eyes". Bathrooms should be available at this location. This stop is indoors.
https://www.habitatvictoria.com/gingerbreadStop #3 - Festival of Trees at The Bay Centre. The Festival of Trees invites participating sponsors to decorate trees and the public can vote (via donation) on their favourite(s). Proceeds go to the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation. Bathrooms, as well as food and drinks, are available inside the mall.
https://www.thebaycentre.ca/events/festival-of-trees/Stop #4 - Lights of Wonder at Victoria City Hall. The Lights of Wonder is an annual event bringing Christmas sparkle into downtown. This stop is outdoors.
https://downtownvictoria.ca/lights-of-wonder/Stop #5 - Santa Claus Parade. If you still have energy, we'll find somewhere to watch the Santa Claus Parade as it moves along Douglas Street. This will also be outdoors.
https://gvfs.ca/event/42nd-peninsula-co-op-santa-claus-parade/Meetup.com has raised their fees in 2024. Please consider contributing $1/$2 to the event coordinator. This money is used to keep the group running. We want to continue organizing events!
