Tokyo
Tokyo has a growing chess scene alongside shogi. It includes bilingual pub meetups in Shibuya and Koenji, the Japan Chess Federation's drop-in Chess Center UENO, and many small clubs recognised by the federation that meet in community centres.
Koenji Chess Club
A bilingual (English/Japanese) club recognised by the Japan Chess Federation. It meets in a burger and craft-beer bar with tournament boards and clocks, for relaxed 5-15 minute games, with no registration needed.
When
- Wed 18:00–22:00 · 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month only (e.g. 7 Oct, 21 Oct, 4 Nov, 18 Nov)
Where
The Den (Koenji), 2nd/3rd floors
4-25-8 Koenjiminami, Suginami City, Tokyo 166-0003 · Koenji (Suginami)Tokyo Check Mates
A weekly community of mostly international players, recognised by the Japan Chess Federation, who meet in the back booths of a British pub in Shibuya for friendly rapid and blitz games.
When
- Wed from 19:30 · Every week
Chess Center UENO
A small drop-in chess space run by the Japan Chess Federation. Staff will play you if you come alone or pair you with a similarly rated opponent, and one soft drink is included.
When
- Thu 17:00–22:00 · Last entry 21:30
- Sat 12:00–17:00 · Last entry 16:30
- Sun 12:00–17:00 · Last entry 16:30
Capacity 16; tickets via Peatix only (no cash)
8x8 Chess Club
A club recognised by the Japan Chess Federation for beginner to intermediate players. It holds monthly Sunday meets in Azabu-Juban, mostly working adults, with students also welcome.
When
No fixed weekly time.
Monthly, usually a Sunday (occasionally a Saturday) 13:30-16:30; recent dates were 20 Sep, 30 Aug and 5 Jul 2026. Register via the Google Form on the blog.
Akabane Chess Club
A club recognised by the Japan Chess Federation that runs a steady series of FIDE-rated classical and rapid tournaments in northern Tokyo, suited to players chasing a rating.
When
No fixed weekly time.
Tournament-based: FIDE rapid events on 12 Oct and 3 Nov 2026. A third-party directory also lists regular sessions at tea shop Okumura-en (15:30-17:30, 900 yen, 400 yen first visit); check the site for these.
Checked 29-09-26 · source 1 · source 2 · confirm before going
Ikebukuro Chess Club
A small monthly Sunday-afternoon club in Ikebukuro, free for first-timers and high-school students.
When
- Sun 13:00–16:30 · 2nd Sunday of the month only
Checked 29-09-26 · source 1 · confirm before going
Machida Chess Club
A club recognised by the Japan Chess Federation that meets twice a month at a community hall in Machida, and in spring and autumn also holds a monthly outdoor session in Yoyogi Park.
When
No fixed weekly time.
Twice a month at the community hall, plus once a month in Yoyogi Park in spring and autumn. Dates are posted on the club's X account (@Machida_Chess).
Checked 29-09-26 · source 1 · source 2 · confirm before going
Nothing on for that filter. Try another day.
Schedules change and clubs move. If something's wrong, the club's own Instagram is the source of truth.