Exercising and working out when traveling in Japan
- Published on : 27/11/2025
- by : Joshua
- Youtube
Exercising in Marunouchi
@Ed Wingate on Unsplash
A trip to Japan entails dedicating most of your time to adventure and discovery, rather than at the gym. And trust us, all the walking you’ll be doing will be plenty of exercise! However, for travelers who want to keep their workout schedules consistent or maybe want to work off the calories from all-you-can-eat yakiniku, there are a few reliable options for getting your heart rate up. Read on to find out some of your best options to stay fit when traveling in Japan!
Fitness and exercise in Japan
Fitness and gym culture in Japan have grown rapidly in recent years, fueled by a nationwide interest in health, longevity, and active lifestyles. While traditional activities like walking, cycling, and martial arts have long been part of daily routines, modern fitness trends such as weight training, group workout classes, and 24-hour gyms are increasingly popular—especially in urban centers like Tokyo and Osaka.
In general, access to quality gym facilities will be more common and easy in larger cities, while ones in more rural areas or smaller cities will require either a train, car, or a decent walk to get to.
Compared to the West, due to a number of factors such as general fitness goals and space, free weights may not be as common or not as plentiful at gyms in Japan. There are also many gyms that focus primarily on cardio and quick access that only have a few machines for weight training and no free weights at all. For those coming from countries that use the Imperial system, such as the U.S. or U.K., weights are most often written in kilograms rather than pounds.
Tokyo Marathon
@TheNickster on Wikimedia, CC BY-SA 2.0
Facilities for exercising when traveling in Japan
Public sports facilities
Public sports centers and facilities are an excellent resource for travelers in Japan, offering affordable and convenient access to fitness facilities without the need for long-term memberships. Operated by local governments, these community gyms and sports complexes typically allow visitors to pay per entry, making them ideal for short stays or flexible workout plans while on the road. Many feature well-equipped training rooms, swimming pools, courts, and sometimes running tracks or studio classes, all maintained to high standards of cleanliness and organization. With low fees compared to private gyms and easy access in most cities and towns, public sports centers are a great way for travelers to stay active, experience local culture, and enjoy Japan’s commitment to public wellness.
Shibuya Sports Center
@Kamemaru2000 on Wikimedia, CC BY-SA 3.0
These facilities are used often by local residents, with many local sports clubs or groups using them during weekends. Rates and fees differ by location, with ones located in central wards in large cities costing more than ones in more rural areas. However, often these city facilities will be better equipped and accessible. As an example, the Shibuya Sports Center in Tokyo is located in the Nishihara neighborhood and costs 400 yen a day for high school students and older and 100 yen for younger entrants.
Private gyms
Private gyms in Japan offer a polished and convenient experience for those seeking more specialized or flexible fitness options while traveling. These facilities often provide modern equipment and a range of services such as personal training, group classes, and premium amenities. Many of them even offer 24-hour access, such as Anytime Fitness. Unlike public sports centers, private gyms usually require monthly memberships, but many chains now offer short-term passes or day-use options that cater to visitors. However, these fees are often more expensive compared to the public sports facilities.
Two of the most popular options for private gyms in Japan are actually international companies: Anytime Fitness and Gold’s Gym. Anytime Fitness memberships are universal. Gold’s Gym may depend on the location, as these gyms operate as franchises; however, most Gold’s Gyms will offer a day pass.
Anytime Fitness in Japan
@Tokumeigakarinaoshima on Wikimedia, CC BY-SA 4.0
Gold's Gym, Harajuku
@GymGold on Wikimedia, CC BY-SA 4.0
Running stations
For those who want to focus on cardio, running stations offer a great, active choice where running and jogging take the main stage. In recent years, these running-centric facilities and gyms have become more and more popular in Japan. They operate either as a center for cardio activities themselves or as a supplementary location for popular running spots.
Commonly found near popular running spots such as Tokyo’s Imperial Palace or riverside paths in cities like Kyoto and Osaka, these facilities offer lockers, showers, changing rooms, and sometimes rental gear for a small fee. They are especially popular with office workers and travelers who want to run before or after exploring the city. Running stations reflect Japan’s thoughtful approach to wellness infrastructure and provide a comfortable base for experiencing the country’s vibrant running culture.
Our recommendation: ASICS Run in Marunouchi, Tokyo
The ASICS RUN TOKYO MARUNOUCHI is a flagship “run-station + running-store” facility located in the basement of the Mitsubishi Building nearby Tokyo Station. ASICS is one of the most established sportswear brands coming out of Japan, and their new facility is a celebration of this!
The facility features lockers and showers, rental running shoes, apparel, towels and gear, plus a running-equipment store offering the latest from the ASICS brand. They run regular group events and guided runs around nearby running routes.
Exercising in Marunouchi
@Ed Wingate on Unsplash
Explore Tokyo!
Outdoor workouts
For those who don’t have access to or don’t want to spend the money for a gym or exercise facility, there are many outdoor, public space options for getting exercise in! Throughout all of Japan, there are many popular running routes, such as Yoyogi Park and the aforementioned Imperial Palace in Tokyo. There is also the Kamogawa River in Kyoto and even the rural backroads of the Japanese countryside.
Running at Tokyo Imperial Garden
@alonflock on Wikimedia, CC BY 3.0
Many parks also feature calisthenics areas with pull-up bars, stretching stations, and open spaces ideal for bodyweight training, often used by morning and evening fitness enthusiasts. Public basketball courts can be found throughout urban neighborhoods as well, offering free or low-cost spaces for pickup games and casual practice. The courts in Yoyogi are particularly popular with high-quality equipment. With clean facilities, respectful etiquette, and beautiful surroundings, outdoor workouts in Japan offer a healthy and social way to experience local communities while staying fit.
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