Fighting loneliness in Kyoto

I have been living in Kyoto for around 7 months now and recently the feelings of loneliness have been overwhelming. I work as an ALT in elementary school and there are some teachers i get on well with but everyone is far too busy with work or their families to meet up outside of school hours. There are other ALTs in my town and we do get on but ... but it's not the kind of friendship that you can always rely on and become great friends with. There's still many nights i wish for someone to talk to.
I have heard joining a club can help with finding people to socialise with but I don't really know how to go about finding a club to join. My Japanese is okay conversation wise but I can't really read ... Anyone know what I should do?
I have friends outside of my town but they're all too far to travel to in the evening after school.

I think many Japanese of no family are alone in night.

Its always hard to face loneliness and homesickness miles away from your family and friends, and everyone always seems so busy. I remember when I first went to Tokyo with my husband, after he had gone to work, I just felt so alone. I did eventually meet several people, and we had a lot of fun and companionship, who are still my friends today, despite us living half a world away.

I don't know Kyoto, but I've just done a little research, and I suggest you head to the Kyoto International Community House, in East Kyoto, near Nanzenji Temple.
They have a popular noticeboard for all manner of things, and if you couldn't find some club that may interest you, you could post a notice asking about clubs suitable for a westerner. Things that come to mind are sports groups, like tennis, badminton, cycling, or whatever your interest is. As well you might like to join a cooking group. I learned Japanese cooking whilst I was in Tokyo, we meet once a week, a Japanese lady taught us, and both the teacher and the group of ladies learned so much culturally. You may be even able to initiate a small group who meet at your apartment regularly.
The Community House also provides trained professional counsellors, you may benefit from having a chat about the lonely feelings you are having. You can contact them on 075 752 1166 9-5pm Tuesday and Thursday.
The Info counter also has information on different programmes available in Kyoto.
Other places that might be able to help you are Christian churches, even if you are not religious, they sometimes hold group meetings for different interests,
English speaking book clubs, and I thought there was an online chat website for ALTS.
Good Luck, I hope the future brightens.

This doesn't work for you?
https://www.meetup.com/cities/jp/kyoto/

I think many Japanese of no family are alone in night.
by ken

Thanks Ken, for yet another of your incredibly insightful and helpful responses. What would this forum do without you?

Although he (Ken) is somewhat correct. Many 20 somethings live in 1 bed apartments and spend the non work hours alone. Or still living with their parents not socializing with people their ages. It seems to become the normal routine these days.

Now if you are one of those people. It is just a matter of finding a way to connecting with others.

Actually Ken is correct - around 35% of people in Japan live alone:
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2018/01/13/national/social-issues/go...

However, different people react to living alone differently - I'm quite happy living solo and I know very few people in Japan, but that's not unusual for me. I can certainly appreciate that for a lot of people not having a social circle of friends to interact with would be quite difficult. Meetup groups might provide one avenue for building some friendships https://www.meetup.com/cities/jp/

Sorry but OP is asking for advise and not about statistics regarding Japanese being alone in their room.

Loneliness is a part of living in an other country.
I move to several countries and always met interesting people.

But I think Japan is different. most relationships, friendship in Japan are created during high school/university.
Being an outsider it is difficult to find Japanese as friends. I am not saying it is always the case but often it is like this.

As you mentioned you can join clubs, go out on Friday (Pubs, Hubs) where other foreigners come.

Their are many people with the same problem.

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/community/2019/03/15/voices/japanese-expe...