How to Stay Fit in Japan
If you recently moved to Japan or are planning to move here, you might be wondering how you can maintain your fitness routines. Be it by going to the gym or taking part in community sporting events, there are many ways to stay active and fit in Japan. Let's take a look at Sports Day, an important day in modern Japanese culture, and then learn about some popular gyms and fall sporting events you could take part in this year.
Sports Day In Japan
Sports Day (スポーツの日 in Japanese) is a national holiday celebrated in October. Originally established to commemorate the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, it's a day when schools and communities come together to engage in a variety of sports activities, from traditional track events to tug-of-war. By having a mix of events, people of all ages are able to participate. If you are traveling in Japan, or living here and want to get involved with your local community, participating or even spectating can offer a unique glimpse into the community spirit while having fun and getting active.
Joining a Gym in Japan
If you are planning on joining a gym in Japan, there are some important manners and rules you should know first.
・Tattoos: Many gyms in Japan have strict policies against visible tattoos. If you have tattoos, you might need to cover them with clothing or special tattoo-covering tape.
・Silence and Courtesy: Japanese gyms often emphasize a quiet and respectful workout environment. This means loud grunting, dropping weights, or hogging machines for too long during busy times is often frowned upon.
・Registration Process: Registering for a gym usually involves filling out forms (sometimes available in English in larger cities), presenting ID, and possibly an initial health check or orientation session.
・Payment: Most gyms require a registration fee in addition to monthly dues. Some gyms do hold campaigns where the registration fee is waived, so you may want to wait until one of these campaigns before signing up.
4 Popular Gyms in Japan
Here are some of the most popular gyms in Japan.
・Anytime Fitness
Anytime Fitness gyms are found all over the country and are open 24/7. This gym chain is particularly foreigner-friendly, offering English support at many of its locations. Their facilities typically include a range of cardio machines, weight training equipment, free weights, and occasionally special training areas.
・Konami Sports Club
Konami Sports Club offers more than just gym facilities; it includes swimming pools, dance and martial arts studios, and spa facilities at some locations. If you are looking for more than just gym equipment, this is a good option. Members can go to any branch nationwide, so if you are traveling you'll still be able to get in your workouts. The club also provides comprehensive health and fitness programs if you want or need extra support.
・ChocoZap
Styling itself as "the convenience store of gyms," ChocoZap is an innovative gym concept developed by the personal training gym RIZAP. Open 24/7, ChocoZap locations make it easy for those with busy schedules to get in a workout at any time. This gym also provides English support across many of its locations. The facilities are equipped with a variety of cardio machines, weight training equipment, and free weights. There are also often massage chairs, and some locations even offer karaoke, workspaces, and basic beauty salon equipment you can use yourself. ChocoZap has locations everywhere, especially in major cities, where there may be a location by every station.
・Joyfit
Joyfit is known for its cost-effective membership options and frequent promotions. The gym offers 24-hour access and facilities that cater to both casual gym-goers and dedicated fitness enthusiasts. Its flexible approach and variety of equipment and classes ensure that no matter what your needs are, Joyfit will be able to cater to you.
Sports Events in Japan
Here are some sporting events in cities across Japan that you could participate in this fall.
・Japan National Stadium Sports Festival
Event Date: November 10, 2024 (Sunday)
Registration Period: August 21, 2024 (Wednesday) to October 27, 2024 (Sunday)
Venue: National Stadium, Tokyo
A sports test will be held at the National Stadium, where the Tokyo Olympics were held. This test consists of grip strength, sit-ups, sit-and-reach, side steps, standing long jump, and quick walking--with the addition of a 50m sprint. A marathon will also be held. This could be a unique chance to have your physical ability analyzed.
・Iga Ichi Gourmet Ride 2024
Event Date: November 16, 2024 (Saturday)
Registration Period: July 1, 2024 (Monday) to November 1, 2024 (Friday)
Venue: Former Nagata Elementary School, Mie Prefecture
This cycling event circles a long, wide agricultural road spanning Iga City and Nabari City in Mie Prefecture. Participants can enjoy delicious local meals as part of the experience.
・Hakone Round Trip Gourmet Ride
Event Date: November 10, 2024 (Sunday)
Registration Period: September 10, 2024 (Tuesday) to November 3, 2024 (Sunday)
Venue: Odawara Tourism Exchange Center, Kanagawa Prefecture
This event allows participants to eat local gourmet food while cycling in Hakone, one of the most popular spots in all of Japan for cyclists. All participants will receive a food and beverage ticket worth 1500 yen that can be used at local eateries.
・1st Autumn Foliage Daikokuji-Hieizan Cable Trail Run 2024
Event Date: November 10, 2024 (Sunday)
Registration Period: September 18, 2024 (Wednesday) to October 15, 2024 (Tuesday)
Venue: Bishamondo, Yamashina, Kyoto Prefecture
Participants can enjoy running in nature during the beautiful autumn foliage season, resulting in a truly memorable experience.
・3rd Shiroishi Minami Zao Ultra Excursion
Event Date: October 27, 2024 (Sunday)
Registration Period: June 11, 2024 (Tuesday) to October 6, 2024 (Sunday)
Venue: Shiroishi City and Nanakoshuku Town, Miyagi Prefecture
This event features a 75-kilometer route that starts in the historic city of Shiroishi, passes through Kosaka Pass, and tours the nature-rich Nanakoshuku. If you are looking for a more challenging outdoor event and love running, this could be a great event to participate in.
There are many ways to stay active in Japan all year round, but if you want to challenge yourself and are in the area, why not take part in one of these fall sporting events? All of them are unique experiences you are bound to enjoy.
But if these kinds of events aren't your thing, join a gym! With many 24-hour gyms all over Japan, you'll certainly be able to find one that matches your schedule and budget.
