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Sports & Recreation

Recreation in Tokyo may be different to home. Opportunities exist for spectator and sporting activities. Spectator sports include baseball, soccer and Japan's national sport “Sumo”. Golf is extremely popular, but costs are prohibitive and most golf courses are located one to two hours by car out of Tokyo. It is probably a good idea to find a Japanese friend to take you out initially. Public driving ranges, which open early in the morning are available.

Gyms are a booming business in Japan and there are a variety of facilities available. Health clubs are affordable and a good alternative to private clubs. Many martial arts originated in Japan and world class experts provide instructions. English instruction is occasionally available. Friends and word of mouth are good ways to find out about sports clubs and organizations in your community. For more information contact local clubs and schools.

Baseball Stadiums

There are two professional leagues in Japan: the Central League and the Pacific League, each with 6 teams. In addition to the Pros., All-Japan High School Baseball Championship Tournament is held in the summer at Koshien Stadium (Home of Hanshin Tigers, in Kobe near Osaka), which it seems like the entire country tunes in.

Jingu Stadium (Yakult Swallows)
Seibu Dome (Seibu Lions)
Tokyo Dome/Big Egg (Yomiuri Giants)
Yokohama Stadium (Yokohama Baystars)

Marine Sports

Considering Japan's long coastline, you'd think marine sports would be more popular. Sailing, surfing, wind surfing, jet skiing, diving, and fishing are possible, but you'll have much better luck 1.5 to 3 hours away from Tokyo, Kawasaki, Yokohama and Chiba city.

Beaches

Never expect that the beaches are similar to Hawaiian at all.

Tsujido Beach, JR Tokaido Line Tsujido Station (surfers′ paradise)
Ouiso Beach JR Tokaido Line Ouiso Station (large pools available)
There are some other bathing beaches in Bousou Peninsula in Chiba Prefecture

Skiing/Skating/Snowboarding

Many good skiing spots available usually with separate snowboarding area and a skating rink nearby.

Joetsu Skiing Ground
Ishiuchi-maruyama Skiing Ground
Gala Yuzawa Skiing Resort
Naeba Skiing Resort
Sayama Ski Slope (in-door)
Yoyogi National Stadium (in-door skating)

Golf Driving Ranges & Golf Courses

There are over 2,000 courses in Japan but generally you have to drive 2 to 2.5 hours to get there. Also, public courses near cities are very crowded weekends and 4 some-play is required.

Meguro Driving Range
Phone: 03-3713-5017

Meiji-Jingu Gaien Golf Driving Range
Phone: 03-3401-4359

Akabane Golf Club (public)
Phone: 03-3966-6155

Batting Center & Bowling Alley

Jingu Batting Center
Shinjuku Milano Bowl
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Tennis Club

Join a private club a bit away from Tokyo, if over crowded at:

Takanawa Tennis Center

Krissman International Tennis School
Hanegi, Setagaya-ku
Phone: 03-3325-0924

Gym & Aerobic/Swimming

Konami Olympic Sports Club
Shibuya
Phone: 03-5489-3621

Aero Sports Club
Shinjuku
Phone: 03-3352-2800

Sumo

Sumo, considered Japan's national sport, originated in ancient times as a Shinto-Ceremony, and it remains rich in ritual and tradition. The grand champions are called Yokozuna. Six tournaments, each lasting 15 days, are held every year, three in Tokyo′s Kokugikan. You can enjoy watching broadcast-live matches on NHK, but it is worth to watch from the ringside.

Kokugikan
Sumida-ku
Phone: 03-3623-5111

Soccer

Soccer is also popular in Japan. The professional J-1 leagues players have risen skill over the years and should soon be able to compete with the best in the world. You can watch the games at the National Stadium (track & field) next to Jingu Stadium (baseball) at Shinano-machi, Shinjuku-ku.

Races

The horseracing is getting quite popular among youngsters and Fuchu/_i-maci/Nakayama Racecourses are crowded weekends. (Apart from the race, there are some Riding Clubs (Baji-Koen), Setagaya-ku
You can also watch the Cycle racing, Motorcycle racing, Speedboat racing, as well as F-1 racing.

Judo, Kendo, Karate

Kodokan Judo Institute
All Japan Kendo Federation
Japan Karate Association

In addition to the above martial arts, you may also find an exercise hall (Dojo) that specializes in Aikido, Kempo, Kung-fu, Tai-Chi-Chuan, as well as Archery. Check the places at your ward office.