Finding a gym in Japan and having a consistent workout routine is one of the quickest ways to feel at home in a new city. Are you living in Tokyo long-term and looking for a place to exercise? Here’s a quick guide that outlines some popular gyms, how to sign up and cancel, as well as some helpful phrases in Japanese to use along the way.
Gym Memberships and Walk-In Options
Most gyms in Japan require a membership, which often includes an initial registration fee. However, if you’re a short-term visitor or prefer flexibility, some gyms offer day passes or pay-as-you-go options. Here are some common types of gyms you’ll find:
1. Major Gym Chains:
Places like Anytime Fitness, Gold’s Gym, and Joyfit have locations across Japan and offer short-term memberships or visitor passes. These tend to have more expensive membership fees than what you’ll find in other countries. However, they do have a wide range of amenities, services, and a bit more high-quality equipment than a public gym. They are also generally open 24 hours, and many offer English-language services or discounts for new members. If you have a gym you frequent back home, you may even be able to find a branch of the franchise here in Japan.
2. Municipal Sports Centers:
In Tokyo, most wards have several public sports centers that you can use for an hourly fee. These have the basic training rooms, equipment, and amenities a private gym might have, but they are not 24 hours and might not include more luxurious amenities, such as showers. Their equipment is also usually not as nice as that in private gyms, and they often don’t provide English assistance. If you’re more budget-conscious or don’t want to commit to a membership, a public gym is a way to go.
So how do you find the closest public gym to you? These facilities go by several different names, so you can try searching for any of the following.
- “sports centers” (or スポーツセンター, supoutsu senta)
- “gymnasiums,” (体育館, taiikukan)
- “sports plazas,” (スポーツプラザ, supoutsu puraza)
- “health centers” (健康センター, kenkou sentā)
These are city-run facilities that provide affordable fitness options. For example, Shinjuku Sports Center offers access to gym facilities for 400 yen per three hours, with an optional pool use for an additional 200 yen. Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium in Sendagaya offers a wide range of amenities, including two pools, sports fields, as well as over 30 different cardio machines, a free-weights area, several bench press machines, and squat racks. Access cost ¥600 for a two-and-a-half hour gym pass and ¥2,500 for a day pass.
3. Hotel and Capsule Hotel Gyms:
If you’re staying at a hotel, check if they have a gym available for guests. Some capsule hotels also offer fitness areas.
How Much Does Gym Membership Cost in Japan?
Private gyms in Japan are pretty expensive. Gyms such as Anytime Fitness, Gold’s Gym, Joyfit, and Chocozap have locations across Japan and offer short-term memberships or visitor passes. Membership fees vary, with Anytime Fitness typically ranging from 6,800 to 9,000 yen per month, Gold’s Gym from 8,000 to 15,000 yen per month, and Chocozap offering an affordable option at around 3,000 yen per month.
Many private gyms have discounts or campaigns for new members, offering the first 1-3 months of use for free. Keep an eye out for any advertisements on your local gym’s website or in person. Be prepared, though, that many of these campaigns come with fine print, and may require you to sign up for a minimum amount of months after the free period is over, or tack on some extra fees.
Public and Private Gyms in Japan
Generally, there are two different kinds of gyms in Japan: private and public.
1. Public Gyms
In Tokyo, most wards have several public sports centers that you can use for an hourly fee. These have the basic training rooms, equipment, and amenities a private gym might have, but they are not 24 hours and might not include more luxurious amenities, such as showers. Their equipment is also usually not as nice as that in private gyms, and they often don’t provide English assistance. If you’re more budget-conscious or don’t want to commit to a membership, a public gym is a way to go.
So how do you find the closest public gym to you? These facilities go by several different names, so you can try searching for any of the following.
- “sports centers” (or スポーツセンター, supoutsu senta)
- “gymnasiums,” (体育館, taiikukan)
- “sports plazas,” (スポーツプラザ, supoutsu puraza)
- “health centers” (健康センター, kenkou sentā)
Private Gyms
These tend to have more expensive membership fees than what you’ll find in other countries. However, they do have a wide range of amenities, services, and a bit more high-quality equipment than a public gym. They are also generally open 24 hours, and many offer English-language services or discounts for new members. If you have a gym you frequent back home, you may even be able to find a branch of the franchise here in Japan.
How Much Does Gym Membership Cost in Japan?
As mentioned, private gyms in Japan are pretty expensive. They cost more than you’d find in many western countries. Monthly fees are usually anywhere between ¥7,500 and ¥20,000 per month, depending on the gym. Typically, expect to pay around ¥8,000.
Many private gyms have discounts or campaigns for new members, offering the first 1-3 months of use for free. Keep an eye out for any advertisements on your local gym’s website or in person. Be prepared, though, that many of these campaigns come with fine print, and may require you to sign up for a minimum amount of months after the free period is over, or tack on some extra fees.
Gym Etiquette and Rules
Japanese gyms follow strict etiquette rules that may be different from what you’re used to. Here are some important things to keep in mind:
- Indoor Shoes Only: Most gyms require you to bring a separate pair of clean indoor shoes to use inside the gym. Outdoor shoes are usually not allowed.
- Wipe Down Equipment: Always clean the machines after use with the provided sanitizing wipes or towels.
- No Tattoos?: Many gyms prohibit visible tattoos due to cultural associations with the yakuza. If you have tattoos, consider covering them with clothing or using special tattoo covers.
- No Phone Calls: Taking calls inside the workout area is generally frowned upon. Keep phone usage discreet.
- No Grunting or Dropping Weights: Excessive noise while lifting is discouraged. Many gyms enforce strict noise policies.
Where to Find English-speaking Gyms in Japan
While it is more than possible to get by and enjoy working in an all-Japanese environment, there are many Japanese-run gyms that are entirely English Speaking or offer classes and trainers who can speak with you entirely in English. You can also find many global chains like Orangetheory Fitness and Crossfit, in Tokyo.
Visit Club 360 Fitness & Rehabilitation for a wide array of group-taught or one-on-one classes from boxing to Barre. You can even get massages or book a personal trainer. English speakers teach all classes. There are locations in Roppongi and Azabujuban. Prices vary, check here for more detailed pricing.
Go to Orangetheory in Azabujuban for a 60-minute guided workout. If you are more interested in participating in group workouts, taking classes, or hiring a personal trainer, this option might be for you.
Basic Membership
- ¥13,200〜
- 4 classes/month
- Extra classes at reduced rate
See more membership option here!
24/7 Gyms and Convenient Options
Japan has seen a rise in convenience gyms, similar to 24/7 convenience stores. These small-scale fitness centers are open 24 hours a day and require membership cards for entry, allowing members to work out at any time.
Popular 24-hour gym chains include:
- Anytime Fitness (International membership often works)
- Fast Gym 24
- Joyfit 24
- ChocoZAP
How to Find a Gym in Japan
If you’re looking for a gym near your location, here are some tips:
- Use Google Maps and search for “gym” or “フィットネスジム” (fitness gym) in Japanese.
- Check municipal sports centers in your area for affordable options.
- Ask locals or expats in Japan-based Facebook groups or Reddit forums for recommendations.
Do you Need Japanese skill to Go to a Gym in Japan?
Generally, yes, but if you live in Tokyo, you will find more English-speaking gyms for foreigners. If not, we recommend you bring a translator or Japanese friend to help you fill out the forms and consult with the dentist.
If you would like to learn Japanese and speak fluently, we recommend taking part-time or intensive Japanese courses at Coto Academy. Our school focuses on practical skills and conversation training, which will help you get by daily activities in Japan confidently. Get a free lesson consultation today.
As always, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us if you have any queries.
How to Sign Up a Gym in Japan
If you decide to join a private gym, you’ll have to visit in person to sign up for a membership. (This does vary, though. Some gyms have an online sign-up procedure, as well). If you aren’t very confident in your Japanese, you can reach out via email in advance to request English language support. If you’re especially nervous and have a friend who is fluent in Japanese, we recommend that you bring them along with you, as well.
Remember before you go:
- Bring your residence card or passport with you when you visit.
- Bring a credit card or bank book. Gyms will use this information to charge your monthly membership fee.
- Since most private gyms are 24 hours, make sure to check which hours staff will be there ahead of time. Most gym websites have these hours listed.
When you arrive:
- Find a staff member and say you’d like to become a member of their gym.
- The staff will give you a tour around the gym and explain the amenities, rules, and details before you start your application.
- Fill out the application form and present your identification.
- Give the staff your credit card or bank account information. Depending on the gym, you may be asked to pay a month or two month’s membership fees upfront.
- You’re all finished!
Japanese Phrases when Signing Up at a Gym in Japan
| I’d like to sign up for a gym membership | ジム会員に登録したいです | Jimu kaiin ni tōroku shitaidesu |
| Can I do a trial session before registering as a member? | 会員登録の前に体験セッションをすることはできますか | Kaiin tōroku no mae ni taiken sesshon o suru koto wa dekimasu ka? |
| How much does a membership cost? | 会費はいくらですか？ | Kaihi wa ikura desu ka? |
How to Cancel a Gym Membership in Japan
So you want to cancel your gym membership. We’ve all been there. Maybe your financial situation changed or you’ve found a new gym closer to your work. Luckily most gyms in Japan don’t have as many penalties for canceling as you may be used to in other countries.
Every gym has a different cancelation policy, so be sure to check your contract ahead of time. Some may have deadlines to cancel each month, charge a cancellation fee, or require a minimum number of months as a member before canceling.
Check out what to say when you want to end your gym membership in Japan below.
| How does membership cancellation work? | 退会する場合の手続きを教えてください? | Taikai suru baai no tetsuzuki o oshiete kudasai. |
| I’d like to cancel my membership, please. | ジム会員を退会したいんです。 | Jimu kaiin o taikai shitain desu. |
Japanese Gym Phrases and Vocabulary
What about talking inside a Japanese gym? Here are some of the common Japanese phrases you might want to use.
| Can I rent a towel/shoes? | タオル/靴のレンタルはできますか | Taoru/ kutsu no rentaru wa dekimasu ka |
| Are you finished? | 終りましたか | Owarimashita ka |
| Can I use this? | これ、使ってもいいですか | Kore, tsukatte mo ii desu ka |
| Is the pool open today? | 今日、プールは開いていますか | Kyō, puuru wa aite imasu ka |
For gym-related vocabularies such as the human body parts and training equipments, check out the table below.
| Weight Training / Working out | ウェイトトレーニング / 筋トレ | Weito toreeningu /Kin toree |
| Weights / Dumbells | 重り / ダンベル | Omori / Danberu |
| Treadmill | ランニングマシン | Ranningu mashiin |
| Warm-up | 準備運動 | Junbi undou |
| (to) Stretch | 伸びをする | Nobi o suru |
| (to) Sweat | 汗をかく | Ase o kaku |
| (to) Jog | ジョギングする | Jogingu suru |
| (to) Squat | しゃがむ | Shagamu |
| Muscle | 筋肉 | Kinniku |
| Chest | 胸 | Mune |
| Shoulder | 肩 | Kata |
| Back | 背中 | Senaka |
Final Tips for a Smooth Gym Experience
- Bring a Towel and Water Bottle: Some gyms don’t provide these essentials.
- Check for Locker Fees: Some places charge extra for locker use.
- Respect Personal Space: Japanese culture emphasizes mindfulness of others, so avoid unnecessary conversations or lingering in areas like stretching zones.
By following these guidelines, you’ll be able to enjoy a seamless and enjoyable gym experience in Japan while respecting local customs and fitness culture!
FAQ
Private gyms range anywhere from ~¥7,500 to nearly ~¥20,000 a month.
Make sure to bring:
- A pair of indoor shoes.
- A towel. If the gym has a public shower, bring along a bath towel, as well. Things such as soap and shampoo will be provided.
- Your own water bottle.
- Cash. Most public gym entrance fees are paid using a ticket machine, which accepts only cash. If you have trouble reading Japanese, ask a staff member for help.
- Cover any large tattoos before entering, as well.
Yes! But be aware that talking on the phone or playing music without headphones is not allowed. Additionally, no photographs or videos are allowed in most Japanese gyms.
Ask the staff at your private or public gym if they offer personal training sessions for an extra cost. They usually offer these one-on-one or group sessions at a discounted price for members, or in discounted bundles.
Yes! Japan has several women-only gyms, such as Curves and some branches of major chains like Gold’s Gym. These facilities offer a comfortable and private environment for female members.
Some international chains, like Anytime Fitness, allow members to access their gyms in Japan if they have a global membership. However, it’s best to check with your specific gym before traveling.
Want to Study Japanese in Japan?
If you want to study Japanese online or in person in Tokyo or Yokohama, get in touch with us. We offer a free level check and consultation to match you with the best course!
Check out our Guide to Your Japanese Series
- Guide to Going to The dentist in Japan
- Guide to Japanese Washing Machines
- Guide to Your Japanese Rice Cookers
- Guide to Your Japanese Toilets
- Guide to Your Japanese Food Labels
- Guide to your Japanese Bathtubs