Barefoot Walking Experience:

Slow-paced barefoot walk from Hikarie walking in a loop near Shibuya Station

We’ll see some history of Toyoko Line, have lunch in a small cafe (with vegan options), visit the foot bath cafe, Mominoki House https://goo.gl/maps/DSwt4wd3MmTrtfyHA

Meeting Point

Sunday 22 January 2023, 12:45

2F of Hikarie, facing Shibuya Scramble Square (https://goo.gl/maps/XNvqTUJuBiV4inhS6)

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Details

Walking surfaces:

Starting in the smooth new pedestrian walkways near Hikarie, we’ll walk along Shibuya River which is relatively smooth we’ll graduate to rough concrete before selecting a cafe for lunch. City streets are generally clean, but can be rough at times.

Please stay alert about where you’re walking to avoid injury.

Course

• Start at Hikarie 2F, facing Shibuya Scramble Square
• Walk along Shibuya River, along old Toyoko Line path
• Lunch in Sarugaku area, price not included
• Walk past Cerulian Tower and across highway 246
• Explore some back streets of Shibuya near Dogenzaka
• Visit Mominoki foot bath cafe, included in price
• Walk down Dogenzaka to world famous Shibuya Crossing
• Barefoot photo near Hachiko Statue
• Say goodbye near Hachiko and disperse to various train lines

To receive the latest updates, join our LINE group!

Costs:

• 3000 yen (includes footbath cafe)
• ~2000 yen for lunch

What to bring

• Optional water/soft drink
• Layered clothes to stay comfortable
• Easy-to-wear sandals for hard-to-walk surfaces
• Whatever you may need to take care of yourself
• ~5000 yen

In 2003, after being in Japan for 3 months, I was crying for a hug. I felt incredibly isolated. As far as I could tell, the only social life was drinking, which doesn’t appeal to me.

Over time, I slowly found my way to meet people who I could talk to; got a girlfriend and satisfied my need for physical touch through sex.

Can’t we get physical touch in Japan without sex?

A decade ago, I married Lin and started to build up a men’s group where I could get weekly hugs; suddenly a pandemic was announced and the men’s group moved online.

Three years later, instead of starting a new men’s group in person, I decided to focus on a format where I can offer more space for hugs so I enrolled in Cuddle Party’s training program.

Cuddle Party is an organization in the US, facilitating events where people come together to connect in non-sexual touch and connection.

Cuddle Party events emphasize consent and participants are encouraged to communicate their boundaries clearly.

The practice of consensual touch can be beneficial in reducing stress, increasing oxytocin levels, and promoting feelings of safety and trust.

Cuddle Party offers a way to explore intimacy and connection in a safe and consensual way. It is also seen as a way to combat loneliness and social isolation, and to promote a sense of community and belonging.

Adults of all ages and backgrounds are welcome to attend Cuddle Party events, and no previous experience is necessary.

Cuddle Party? say What???

Though it’s named for cuddles, one doesn’t have to cuddle at a cuddle party.

We start with an hour long Welcome Circle.

From the Cuddle Party website:

The Welcome Circle creates a structure and safe space for
socializing, and helps break the ice so that a group of strangers
can feel more comfortable with each other. At the Welcome Circle,
you and other Cuddle Party participants will:

- Introduce yourselves
- Learn about the Cuddle Party philosophy
- Get oriented to the Cuddle Party rules
- Practice the Cuddle Party communication skills
- Be led through a few ice-breaker exercises

By the end of the Welcome Circle, most participants find
themselves surprised by how comfortable they feel.

When

Saturday 11 March 2023, early afternoon, for 3-4 hours

Where

Shibuya-ish area, details upon registration

Donation

5000 yen

Apply to attend:

If you’re interested in attending, DM me.

If this will be the first time for us to meet, please register at https://forms.gle/5tR3TxTG7U5TiD87A