5 Olympic sports to try in Tokyo

Trampoland’s huge warehouse-like facility is decked out in wall-to-wall trampolines – don’t worry, the space is covered with cushioned walls and nets to protect you from accidental falls. It’s a great spot for families with young children since there’s a dedicated kids’ area for little ones aged three-and-up who are under 110cm tall.

You could easily spend the whole day here bouncing around on the trampolines and into the inflatable pillows, but if you’re looking to push yourself, sign up for the timed challenges such as dodgeball and trampoline basketball.

Entry starts from ¥1,650 for 60 minutes and if it’s your first time here, there is a registration fee of ¥550, which also gives you access to other Trampoland locations in Tokyo. Changing rooms and lockers are available

One of Japan’s largest trampoline facilities, Tondemi Heiwajima has a great selection of trampolines including free jumping and trampoline ball game areas as well as an 'action jump zone’ in which you complete missions and challenges to advance to the next level, like a video game. You’ll also find foam pits and giant inflatable pillows to relax on when you need a breather.

The three-floor venue also features a 40.7m inflatable obstacle course, a tightrope zone, 14 types of climbing walls, a pedal go-kart track and even a digital sports area utilising body sensor technology. Parents of younger children will be glad to know that Tondemi has a special play area set aside for kids under 110cm tall.

The facility has changing rooms and lockers as well as free shoe rental. Packages start from ¥3,000 for two hours, but first-timers will need to sign up for a ¥550 membership, which includes a pair of Tondemi grip socks.

This indoor trampoline park in Hachioji offers competition-style trampolines to practice your twisting and rotating techniques. It even offers a 2.5m-high wall for more advanced parkour-inspired stunts like backflips.

The air mattresses next to the trampolines are perfect for warm-up stretches, and also for practicing other acrobatic sports and gymnastics. While there are no lockers here, you can leave your belongings in the sports room. Take note of the one-time ¥200 membership fee.

Whether it’s for a day trip or an overnight stay, Splash Surf School & Guest House is a good place to learn about surfing while enjoying Hebara Beach off the Pacific coast in Chiba. Under the watchful eyes of the friendly instructors, you’ll practise the basics of surfing on dry land, such as paddling, bodyboarding and standing up the board, before hitting the waves. Group lessons are held from April to November, last two hours and cost ¥11,000 per person. Private lessons are also available.

You don’t have to worry about getting your own gear; the school will provide you with a surfboard and wetsuit as well as surf boots and gloves. After a day of chasing waves, you’ll want to take in the sights in the nearby town of Katsuura, with its scenic fishing port and many seafood restaurants. 

Just five minutes from Oimachi Station in Shinagawa, City Wave gives you all the thrills of surfing without having to head out to an actual beach. This artificial pool offers waves ranging from 80cm to 120cm in height, and lets you ride on constant and stable waves, which is ideal for learning and developing your own style.

The surfing centre provides lessons (¥6,300 for 50 minutes) for beginners all the way up to advanced levels; there are also special classes for kids over seven years old (¥4,000 for 50 minutes). You can even book the entire surf pool for private use. In any case, City Wave will provide you with a soft surfboard, a wet suit and a helmet for free.

Surfinesse in Shonan Chigasaki Southern Beach offers a half-day surfing programme, which if you’re lucky, could even come with a view of Mt Fuji. For your beginner lesson, the instructor will start off with pop-up and paddling practice before you head out to catch the waves. A class generally lasts for three hours – or until you run out of energy.

Surf lessons are held every day except Wednesdays and during bad weather. Each beginner session is kept small, with a maximum of four participants, priced at ¥8,000 per person. You can also request a private lesson at ¥12,000.

The idyllic Mother Farm is a great place to ride a horse for the first time. You get to feed the horses with carrots and walk with them for ¥300. With the guidance of an instructor, you can even go on a fun ride (¥700) touring the stable while admiring Chiba’s beautiful mountainscape. If you’re serious about picking up equestrian sports, book a 30-minute lesson (¥4,500) that will teach you how to ride a horse properly.

In addition to horseback riding, Mother Farm also offers a range of activities in which you’ll have the chance to interact with farm animals, such as petting and feeding an adorable herds of alpacas, goats, sheep and capybaras. Or, just take it easy and have a picnic at the sprawling flower fields.

This is Japan’s first indoor equestrian club, but instead of actual horses, you’ll be practising on mechanical simulators developed with input from professional equestrians. So rest assured these machines are no amusement park rides; they accurately replicate the sensation of horse-riding.

There’s a good range of lessons catering to novices all the way up to expert riders. The ¥3,850 beginner plan lets you try three different movements: walk, trot and canter. Experienced riders, on the other hand, can improve their skills with lessons such as show jumping and cross-country riding, dressage as well as a jockey challenge, where you’ll be racing, albeit virtually, at Dubai’s prestigious Meydan Racecourse. There are horse yoga sessions, too.

Parents should check out this pony park, where kids get to pet, brush and feed the ponies. It also offers parent-and-child (aged one to three) pony rides as well as a leisure ride guided by the stable staff. These kid-friendly activities are free; check the schedule online.

Trinity B3 Park & Shop As one of Tokyo’s largest indoor skate parks, Trinity has plenty of obstacles and slopes that are suitable for skaters of all levels. It includes stairs, mini half pipes, pyramids, manny pads and simpler ramps for you to practise your kickflips and tricks.

To get equipped for the sport, drop by Trinity’s on-site shop selling decks, wheels, helmets, bearings and apparel. The skate park also has a food truck serving up meals and drinks, if you want a treat after a good workout.

Opened in 2009 and renovated in 2014, this indoor-outdoor facility is undoubtedly one of Japan’s best skate parks, popular for its incredible range of obstacles from mini ramps, flatrails and manny pads to funboxes and open rail tracks.

The highlight is the huge 4m vertical ramp that will surely attract all aspiring pro skaters. Don’t let that fool you into thinking Murasaki Park Tokyo is not beginner-friendly, though. The park also has a flat section that’s perfect for kids and those just starting out, where you can hone your techniques at your own pace.

The sprawling SL Park in Setagaya district is free to use and hence attracts skateboarders of all levels. The skate park is divided into two areas: one includes a narrow quarter pipe, a basic fun box and a roll-in ramp while the other has a flat rail, a manny pad and assorted slopes and curbs, which are suitable for beginners to practice on.

This urban skate park is surrounded by greenery and is part of a much bigger park that hosts facilities for swimming, tennis and baseball. First-timers should register at the park’s pool building before making use of the amenities. Remember to bring your own helmet and other equipment.