5 Foreign-Friendly Sports Facilities in Adachi City, Tokyo

Foreign residents living in Adachi City can enrich their lives by staying active and enjoying recreation at local sports facilities. Here are 5 sports gymnasiums in Adachi Ward that are foreigner-friendly, offering everything from gym workouts and swimming to basketball, table tennis, badminton, and more. Let’s explore these facilities where you can stay healthy and have fun outside of work.

1. Adachi City Comprehensive Sports Center (足立区総合スポーツセンター)

  • Overview: The Adachi Comprehensive Sports Center is the ward’s largest multi-sport facility. It features large and small gymnasiums that accommodate a wide range of indoor sports – you can play basketball, volleyball, badminton, table tennis, and moreshisetsu.mizuno.jp. There is also an athletics room (fitness gym) for weight trainingshisetsu.mizuno.jpshisetsu.mizuno.jp. In summer, an outdoor swimming pool is available. This center truly allows for “all kinds of sports under one roof”.
  • Location: 2-27-1 Higashi-Hokima, Adachi-ku, Tokyo 121-0063shisetsu.mizuno.jp
  • Access: About 20 minutes’ walk from Rokuchō Station (Tsukuba Express), or take the Tobu bus from Rokuchō Station bound for Takenotsuka; get off at “Adachi Sōgō Sports Center” stop (1-minute walk)shisetsu.mizuno.jpshisetsu.mizuno.jp. Also accessible by bus from Takenotsuka Station (Tobu Skytree Line). Parking is available (100 yen/30 min, max 1000 yen)shisetsu.mizuno.jpshisetsu.mizuno.jp.
  • Hours: Open 9:00–21:00 (reception until 20:00)shisetsu.mizuno.jp. Closed on the 2nd Monday of each month (or next day if holiday) and New Year holidays (Dec 29–Jan 3)shisetsu.mizuno.jp. Free admission days are offered on every 3rd Saturday, Tokyo Citizens’ Day (Oct 1), Adachi Resident’s Day, and Sports Day (second Monday of Oct)tme-adachi.com.
  • Fees: Adult ¥300 per session, children ¥100 for individual usecity.adachi.tokyo.jp. This fee covers one timeslot (e.g. morning, afternoon, or evening session). No membership is required – pay each time at reception about 10 minutes before the session startsadachi-umedacenter.tokyotme-adachi.com. (Adachi residents aged 70+, and persons with disabilities, are free with IDtme-adachi.com.) Coupon tickets (prepaid cards) are also available for convenience.
  • Booking: No reservation needed for individual use – just drop in during designated open gym hourscity.adachi.tokyo.jp. For group use (e.g. court rentals), you must book in advance. Group reservations can be made up to 8 days before the use date via the Adachi online facility reservation system or in person at the centeradachi-umedacenter.tokyo.
  • Etiquette & Tips: Wear proper indoor athletic shoes (outdoor shoes are not allowed on the courts)adachi-umedacenter.tokyo. Always exercise in appropriate sportswear. If it’s crowded, share court time courteously with othersadachi-umedacenter.tokyo. You should also help set up and put away equipment (nets, etc.) before and after use. Locker rooms with showers are available (note: soap or shampoo use is not allowed in the showers) – just rinse off as neededadachi-umedacenter.tokyo. Eating and drinking are only permitted in designated areas.

2. Adachi “Ukiuki” Swim Sports Center (スイムスポーツセンター うきうき館)

  • Overview: The “Ukiuki” Swim Sports Center in Takenotsuka is a community gymnasium focused on swimming, with a year-round 25m indoor heated pool (9 lanes) plus a kiddie poolcity.adachi.tokyo.jp. In addition, it has a full-size gym hall (880 m²) that can accommodate one basketball court, two volleyball courts, four badminton courts, up to 20 table tennis tables, etc.city.adachi.tokyo.jp. A small gymnasium, meeting rooms, and a fitness training room are also on sitecity.adachi.tokyo.jp. This facility is family-friendly and welcoming, making it easy for foreign residents to use.
  • Location: 4-10-1 Nishi-Hokima, Adachi-ku, Tokyo 121-0812city.adachi.tokyo.jp
  • Access: From Kitasenju Station or Nishiarai Station, take a bus to “Adachi Seisō Kōjō (Adachi Incineration Plant)” stop – the center is a 1-minute walk from therecity.adachi.tokyo.jp. (For example, bus 北47 from Kitasenju.) It’s about 10 minutes by bus from Nishiarai. Limited parking (33 spots, ¥100/30min, max ¥800) is availablecity.adachi.tokyo.jp.
  • Hours: Gym facility open 9:00–21:00 (reception until 20:00)city.adachi.tokyo.jp. Pool hours 9:30–20:30city.adachi.tokyo.jp. Closed on 3rd Monday each month (or next day if holiday) and New Year holidayscity.adachi.tokyo.jp.
  • Fees: Gym usage fees are the same standard ¥300 per adult, ¥100 per child per sessiontme-adachi.com. Pool usage is ¥550 per adult per entry (children ¥100)tme-adachi.com – once you pay, you can swim as long as you like until closing that day. The training room costs ¥300 per use (for high school age and above) and requires a one-time orientation registrationtme-adachi.com. (Residents over 70 and those with disabilities are free with proper IDtme-adachi.com.)
  • Booking: No booking needed for individual swimming or gym use – just show up during open hours. For private group use (e.g. booking lanes or the hall), reservations start 2 months in advance. You can inquire at the reception or via the facility’s official website. The facility is managed by a designated company, which provides schedules and event info on their website.
  • Etiquette & Tips: When using the pool, a swimsuit and swim cap are required for everyonecity.adachi.tokyo.jp (even guardians in the water). If you have any tattoos, you are required to wear a rash guard (swim shirt) to cover them while in the poolcity.adachi.tokyo.jp – this is a common rule in Japan. Always shower and rinse off well before entering the poolcity.adachi.tokyo.jp (note: do not use soap or shampoo in these showers). No running on the pool deck and no diving in shallow areas. In the gymnasium, wear indoor shoes and follow staff instructions. The front desk provides free loaner equipment like basketballs, shuttlecocks, etc., so feel free to ask.

3. Tokyo Budōkan (東京武道館)

  • Overview: The Tokyo Budokan is a striking martial arts hall near Ayase Station. Primarily a venue for judo, kendo, karate, and other martial arts, it features a grand main dojo, sub-dojos, a kyūdō (archery) range, and seminar rooms. Importantly, it also houses a public training gym (fitness room) that anyone can use for workouts. This well-equipped gym is popular among serious fitness enthusiasts, including foreigners, for its extended hours and quality machines. (Note: The Budokan is operated by the Tokyo metropolitan government, but Adachi residents can use it just like any other public gym.)
  • Location: 3-20-1 Ayase, Adachi-ku, Tokyo 120-0005city.adachi.tokyo.jp
  • Access: 5 minutes walk from Ayase Station (JR Jōban Line / Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line)city.adachi.tokyo.jp. Simply take the East Exit of Ayase Station and walk a few blocks to the Budokan. There is on-site parking and bicycle parking (paid) for visitors.
  • Hours: Open Monday–Saturday 9:00–22:00, Sundays & holidays 9:00–21:00. Last gym entry is 45 minutes before closing. Closed on designated maintenance days (usually 2nd Mon of the month) and during New Year’s holidays, as well as occasional closures for big events. Always check the latest schedule on the official websitecity.adachi.tokyo.jpcity.adachi.tokyo.jp.
  • Fees: The Training Room costs ¥500 per session (up to 2.5 hours). If you exceed 2.5 hours, an additional ¥250 per hour is charged. (High school students and older can use the gym.) The Budokan offers an IC prepaid card system for convenience, which can also be used at other Tokyo sports facilities. Martial arts open practice sessions (when available) have separate fees or may be free; for example, there are open mat times for judo, etc., which you can join if you have experience.
  • Booking: No reservation is required for individual use of the training gym – it’s first-come, first-served. However, first-time users must complete a brief orientation and registration. For martial arts classes or events, registration may be required; information is typically provided on the Tokyo Budokan’s website, which has an English version available.
  • Etiquette & Tips: In the gym, wear proper workout attire and indoor sneakers (no jeans, sandals, or street shoes). There are locker rooms with showers; towels and even workout clothes can be rented for a small fee if you forget yours. In martial arts areas, if you observe or participate, follow the etiquette (reigi-sahō) for that discipline – for example, bow when entering the dojo. The facility is quite foreigner-friendly: signage includes English, and the staff can often assist with basic English. It’s a unique experience to train in a famous martial arts hall, even if you’re just using the fitness gym!

4. Chūō-Honchō Community Sports Center (中央本町地域体育館)

  • Overview: The Chūō-Honchō Community Sports Center is a newly renovated public gym (reopened in March 2025) in central Adachicity.adachi.tokyo.jp. It features a bright, modern main arena (~889 m²) with one basketball court, two 6-player volleyball courts (or one 9-player court), four badminton courts, and up to 19 tables for table tenniscity.adachi.tokyo.jp. Spectator seating is available. A training room (gym) has been added in the renovation, so users can do weight training as wellcity.adachi.tokyo.jp. The center is connected to a library and community learning center in the same building, fostering a community atmosphere.
  • Location: 3-15-1 Chūō-Honchō, Adachi-ku, Tokyo 121-0011city.adachi.tokyo.jp
  • Access: 15 minutes’ walk from Gotanno Station (Tobu Skytree Line) or Aoi Station (Tsukuba Express)city.adachi.tokyo.jp. It’s also accessible by bus: from Kitasenju or Ayase, take a bus to “Chūō Honchō 3-chōme” stop. There is a small paid parking lot (19 spaces) on sitecity.adachi.tokyo.jp.
  • Hours: Open 9:00–21:00 (reception until 20:00). Closed on 2nd Monday of each month for maintenance (plus New Year holidays Dec 29–Jan 3)city.adachi.tokyo.jp. The library and study rooms in the facility may have slightly different hours (typically until 21:30).
  • Fees: ¥300 for adults, ¥100 for children per session (same standard fees across Adachi gyms)tme-adachi.com. The training room is also ¥300/visit (high school age and up, requires prior registration via a training course). Adachi residents over 70 or with disabilities can use the gym for free (ID required)tme-adachi.com. Discount coupon tickets are available for frequent users.
  • Booking: No booking is needed for personal exercise or joining the open gym sessionsadachi-umedacenter.tokyo. Just arrive slightly before the start of a session and sign in. For group reservations (e.g., booking the whole gym court for a club), you can reserve up to 8 days in advance at the reception or onlineadachi-umedacenter.tokyo. The community center also offers sports classes and events (announced on their website or ward newsletter) that may require sign-up.
  • Etiquette & Tips: No outdoor shoes are allowed on the gym floor, so bring clean indoor shoes to change into. Help to set up and take down nets or equipment – everyone usually pitches in to prepare the court and clean up afteradachi-umedacenter.tokyo. There are locker rooms with hot showers available. Avoid loud behavior that might disturb others studying in adjacent areas. This center often hosts multi-cultural events, so it’s a great place to meet locals and other foreign residents!

5. Umeda Community Gymnasium (梅田地域体育館 “L-Sophia”)

  • Overview: The Umeda Community Gym is part of the L-Sophia Umeda Cultural Center, a multi-purpose complex in the Nishiarai areaadachi-umedacenter.tokyo. The gymnasium (approx. 25m × 34m) can be configured for two volleyball courts, one basketball court, four badminton courts, or about 18 table tennis tablesadachi-umedacenter.tokyo. It shares the building with a library, meeting rooms, and a cooking studio, serving as a local hub for both sports and community events. Occasionally, they host Japanese language classes or cultural programs for foreigners, so the atmosphere is welcoming.
  • Location: 7-33-1 Umeda, Adachi-ku, Tokyo 123-0851city.adachi.tokyo.jp
  • Access: Only 3 minutes’ walk from Umejima Station (Tobu Skytree Line)city.adachi.tokyo.jp. You’ll see the L-Sophia building near the station. From JR Ōji Station, you can also reach it by taking bus #王49 and getting off at “L-Sophia Mae” (2-min walk)city.adachi.tokyo.jp. Bicycle and car parking are available (free for a limited time).
  • Hours: Open 9:00–21:00 (last admission 20:00). Closed on 3rd Monday each month for cleaning/maintenance and during New Year holidayscity.adachi.tokyo.jpcity.adachi.tokyo.jp. Check the posted schedule for any additional closure days.
  • Fees: Adults ¥300, children ¥100 per session (same pricing as other ward gyms)tme-adachi.com. Sessions are typically divided into morning, afternoon, and evening (e.g., 9–12, 12:30–15, etc.), but if there’s no reservation after you, you might continue to use beyond one session without extra charge (ask staff). Every 3rd Saturday and Ward/City sports holidays are free admission days for individual usetme-adachi.com. Sports equipment like nets, rackets, and balls can be borrowed at no cost – just ask at the desk.
  • Booking: Just walk in for individual use during open hours; no pre-registration is needed. For group use or private rentals, contact the center. Group bookings are accepted from the 1st of the month for up to two months in advancecity.adachi.tokyo.jpcity.adachi.tokyo.jp, either at the reception or by phone. The center’s website provides the gym schedule and any available reservation slots.
  • Etiquette & Tips: Bring your indoor sports shoes and a change of clothes – there are changing rooms on siteadachi-umedacenter.tokyo. All users are expected to help set up and put away shared equipment (such as badminton nets) togetheradachi-umedacenter.tokyo. Store your valuables in the lockers (a refundable coin may be needed). The facility is non-smoking and no food/drink on the gym floor (hydration is okay). If it’s crowded, be mindful to rotate play and include others. This gym’s nickname “L-Sophia” stands for “Learning Sophia” – as a foreigner, you might find not only a place to exercise but also opportunities to join community activities!

Each of these facilities provides information and assistance in multiple languages. The Adachi City website can be viewed in English, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, etc., via the “Language” menucity.adachi.tokyo.jp, and on-site signage often includes basic English. By using these local sports centers, foreign residents can stay healthy, meet new people, and enjoy life in Japan beyond just work.