This state-of-the-art facility is a great place to get your sweat on. Recently renovated, it’s equipped with a full gym, swimming pool and running track, as well as several martial arts rooms for your fitness needs. Day passes start at ¥500 for residents and ¥800 for non-residents. While some places require you to take an orientation session before you begin training, it is entirely optional here.
By Fuad Olajuwon
Whether you’re living in Japan or just visiting, finding a place to exercise can be a taxing ordeal. Most newcomers quickly learn that physical fitness in this country is a costly endeavour: in Tokyo, gym memberships can set you back anywhere from ¥7,500 to over ¥10,000 per month.
The situation is even more of a hair-pulling experience for short-term visitors, as the language barrier, sightseeing and a multitude of other obligations can get in the way of your workout routine. But don’t despair: there are a few locations hidden in plain sight that can scratch your fitness itch.
While privately run gyms in Tokyo are quite expensive, various municipalities and districts have public facilities (known as sports centres) available to residents of that respective area. These places are less costly than your standard gym and offer an array of other amenities as well. So if you feel like switching up your workout routine with some martial arts or are longing for a dip in a pool, many of these sports centres are your best bet.
The hard part is finding these diamonds in the rough, but that’s where we come in. Read on for a list of options that can help you remain fit, active and healthy during your stay.
