Skipping events due to costs?

I saw an article when I was scrolling Facebook this week, and although it focused on Americans I still thought it was interesting from an expat in Japan point of view. It was talking about the financial strain of staying social, and that half of the young Americans surveyed found themselves skipping social activities due to the cost.

It got me wondering if that's something that many of you are finding yourselves doing here in Japan. I know that for me, getting together with a friend(s) for coffee or a meal is one of my favorite pastimes, and I will sacrifice in other areas to make room for that -- e.g. I definitely don't keep up with fashion trends and still have clothes I wear from years ago. 

Another thing I like doing with friends is just walking! I have a few friends that also enjoy this pastime, and it has several big positives -- it's free (yay!), it keeps me active and moving, and it's a chance to chat without other distractions. 

Are you finding that the cost of social activities/events is prohibiting you from attending? Are you shifting to different activities to connect with friends in efforts to save some cash?