5 Ward-Run Sports Facilities in Shinjuku

Staying active is key to a rich and healthy life, especially if you’re a foreign resident spending a few months or years in Tokyo. Shinjuku City offers a number of public sports facilities that are affordable, accessible, and foreigner-friendly. These ward-run gymnasiums and sports centers are open to anyone living or working in Shinjuku (and even visitors, in most cases), and they provide great opportunities to exercise, play sports, and meet people in the community. In this article, we introduce 5 recommended sports facilities in Shinjuku Ward that foreigners can easily use. From swimming pools and gyms to courts for basketball, badminton, and more – these facilities will help you maintain a healthy lifestyle and enjoy recreation during your stay in Japan.

1. Shinjuku Sports Center (新宿スポーツセンター)

Shinjuku Sports Center is the flagship public sports complex in Shinjuku Ward. It boasts a wide range of facilities, including an indoor heated swimming pool, a fully equipped training gym, large and small sports arenas (gymnasiums), martial arts halls (judo/kendo dojo), an archery range, and even a playroom for young children. The center also offers various fitness classes and sports events for all levels. Whether you want to swim laps, lift weights, play basketball, or join a yoga class, this center has something for everyone. It’s a great place for foreign residents to work out cheaply and mingle with local fitness enthusiasts.

• Location & Access: 3-5-1 Okubo, Shinjuku-ku. Located along Meiji-dori Avenue not far from Waseda University’s campus. About 5 minutes on foot from Nishi-Waseda Station (Fukutoshin Subway Line) or 10 minutes from Takadanobaba Station (JR Yamanote Line & Tozai Subway Line).
• Hours: Open daily from 9:00 am to 10:00 pm (last entry at 9:30 pm). Note that the swimming pool has a mandatory rest break for 10 minutes at every hourly interval (e.g., 10:55–11:05).
• Closed: The center is closed on the 4th Monday of each month (if it falls on a holiday, it closes the next day instead), and during New Year holidays (Dec 29–Jan 3). Occasional maintenance closure days are announced as needed.
• Fees: Very affordable – ¥400 per visit for adults, ¥100 for children (school age) for individual use of facilities (e.g., gym, pool, etc.). If you want to use both the gym and pool on the same day, a combination ticket is available for ¥600. (Residents with disabilities living in Shinjuku can use facilities for free, and one accompanying caregiver is also free.)
• How to Use: No membership required and no reservation needed for individual use. Simply show up, buy a ticket from the automated ticket machine at the entrance, and present it to the staff to enter. If it’s your first time using the training gym, a staff member will give you a brief orientation on the equipment (it’s a one-time requirement for safety). For group use (e.g., renting a court or dojo for private group sessions), you’ll need to register in advance with the ward’s online facility reservation system. After registration, you can participate in a lottery or make bookings for group slots via the website or at the reception.
• Amenities & Services: The training room is equipped with treadmills, exercise bikes, weight machines, and free weights. There are locker rooms with showers (a ¥100 coin is needed for lockers, refundable). You can borrow some sports equipment for free – basketballs, volleyballs, badminton rackets/shuttlecocks, ping-pong paddles/balls, etc., are available to borrow at the gym reception. Rental indoor shoes are also available for a small fee in case you didn’t bring your own.
• Etiquette & Tips: Remember to carry indoor athletic shoes (non-marking soles) to change into when using the gymnasium or training room, as outdoor shoes are not allowed on the sports floors. Wear appropriate workout attire and bring a towel. When using the pool, a swim cap is mandatory (this is a common rule in Japan), and if you have tattoos, cover them with a rash guard, tape, or other means (visible tattoos are generally not permitted in public pools). During busy times, please share equipment and courts – avoid monopolizing a basketball hoop or table tennis table so everyone gets a turn. The staff might not speak much English, but they are used to foreign users and generally helpful – simple Japanese or gestures work fine for basic communication.
• Official Website: Shinjuku Sports Center (Japanese, with some English pamphlets available; check the schedule for pool hours and class timetables)

2. Shinjuku Cosmic Sports Center (新宿コズミックスポーツセンター)

Shinjuku Cosmic Sports Center is another large-scale public sports facility in Shinjuku, located in the Okubo area. This center offers an indoor swimming pool, multiple gymnasiums, a martial arts hall, an archery range, and an infant playroom, all within an 8-floor building. Uniquely, it also houses a planetarium on the top floor – the reason for its “Cosmic” name – where periodic star shows are held. For sports lovers, the center provides space for swimming, badminton, basketball, table tennis, and more. Additionally, there are many fitness programs such as aerobics, yoga, hula dance, and aqua exercise that you can join on a one-off basis. It’s a favorite among locals for its versatility and no-frills, low-cost approach. Foreign residents who want to stay fit without committing to expensive gym memberships will find this facility extremely convenient.

• Location & Access: 3-1-2 Okubo, Shinjuku-ku. Nishi-Waseda Station (Fukutoshin Line) exit 3 is right next to the building – literally a 1-minute walk. It’s also about 10 minutes’ walk from Higashi-Shinjuku Station (Oedo Line/Fukutoshin Line) and 15 minutes from Shin-Okubo Station (JR Yamanote Line) or Takadanobaba Station. The center is adjacent to Toyama Park and the Nishi-Waseda campus area.
• Hours: 9:00 am – 10:00 pm (reception desk open from 8:45 am to 9:00 pm).
• Closed: Closed on the 2nd Monday of each month (or Tuesday if Monday is a holiday), New Year holidays (Dec 29–Jan 3), and additionally for about 5 days in May and in December for maintenance.
• Fees: ¥400 per adult and ¥100 per child for individual facility use (e.g., pool, gymnasium, etc.). These are one-time entry fees with no time limit except the pool (the pool is limited to 2 hours per session during the busy summer season). If you’re interested in the fitness lessons (like aerobics, yoga, etc.), those typically cost around ¥500 per class. You can participate in classes without monthly sign-ups – registration for each class opens one week in advance online (first-come, first-served), and if there are slots left, you can even join by signing up 20–5 minutes before the class at the front desk on the day.
• Facilities & Activities: The 25m indoor pool (6 lanes) is great for lap swimming and even has designated times for water walking exercise. The main indoor arena can accommodate one volleyball or badminton court, or several table tennis tables – on certain evenings or weekends, specific sports are scheduled for free play (e.g., “Badminton open use” or “Table tennis open use” hours). The martial arts area and archery range can be intriguing if you want to watch or try out Japanese martial arts (occasionally there are classes or open sessions). The planetarium on the 8th floor holds public star shows, which could be a relaxing after-sports activity. There is also a small fitness room with cardio machines on site, although the Shinjuku Sports Center’s gym is larger; many people come to Cosmic more for the classes and courts.
• How to Use: For individual use of the pool or open-gym time, just drop in and buy a ticket at the machine like at Shinjuku Sports Center. Schedules for open use (when you can just show up to play badminton, etc.) are posted on the official site and on flyers at the facility – it’s wise to check these to know when a particular sport is available for free play. For class participation, you can either register online in advance (create a simple account on the Regasus Shinjuku system) or inquire at the reception. And if you have a group that wants to rent a court or room exclusively, you would use the ward’s reservation system (lottery a month prior, etc., similar to other facilities).
• Etiquette & Tips: Just like other Japanese sports centers, indoor shoes are required in the gymnasiums and halls, so bring a separate pair of clean sneakers. Swimming requires a swim cap. The facility doesn’t allow visible tattoos in the pool – cover them with sleeves or a swim shirt. The staff may give announcements only in Japanese (for example, when the pool break time starts or ends), so just follow along when you see others clearing the pool. If joining a group fitness class, you typically buy a ¥500 ticket from the machine and hand it to the instructor – a simple process. Also, there’s no parking lot for this center, so it’s best to use public transport (bicycle parking is available).
• Official Information: Shinjuku Cosmic Sports Center (Multilingual info page by Shinjuku City; basic info in English is available)

3. Okubo Sports Plaza (大久保スポーツプラザ)

Okubo Sports Plaza is a community-focused sports facility located in the northern part of Shinjuku (Okubo area). It’s smaller in scale compared to the main sports centers, but it offers a nice selection of facilities: there are outdoor tennis courts, an indoor multipurpose hall, a Japanese-style tatami meeting room, and even a kids’ play room. Many local sports clubs and circles use this space for practice. For foreigners living nearby who want to play tennis or practice sports casually with friends, Okubo Sports Plaza can be a handy and low-cost option. It is especially family-friendly, with a free play area for young children when the hall isn’t booked.

• Location & Access: 3-7-42 Okubo, Shinjuku-ku. It’s about a 3-minute walk from Nishi-Waseda Station (Fukutoshin Line) and around 8–10 minutes’ walk from JR Shin-Okubo Station or 10 minutes from JR Takadanobaba Station. The plaza is tucked in a mostly residential area near Toyama Park and the Shinjuku Cosmic Center.
• Hours: 9:00 am – 10:00 pm daily.
• Closed: Closed on the 3rd Monday of each month (or Tuesday if it’s a holiday), and New Year holidays (Dec 29–Jan 3).
• Facilities: Two outdoor tennis courts (hard court) are available, so you can enjoy tennis under the sky. Inside, the multipurpose sports hall can accommodate activities like basketball (half-court), volleyball, badminton, table tennis, dance practice, etc. It has a stage and some audio equipment, so it’s truly multipurpose (even community events or small performances are held here). There is a tatami-floored Japanese-style room useful for martial arts like karate or judo practice, or for cultural workshops and meetings. The children’s playroom has toys like blocks and drawing boards; when not reserved for groups, it’s open for parents and kids to use freely.
• Usage Fees: For tennis courts, the rental fee is roughly ¥1,500 for 2 hours per court (for residents’ groups; evening hours cost a bit more, ¥1,800). For the indoor hall and rooms, the fees vary by time slot and usage (whether for sports, meetings, etc.), but here’s a great aspect: if the hall or room is not reserved by any group, it becomes open to the public for free individual use during that time. That means if you drop by and the hall is empty, you might be allowed to use a badminton net or a ping-pong table without charge. Always check with the front desk though. Generally, the focus is on group reservations, so individual walk-ins often don’t incur a fee unless specified.
• How to Reserve/Use: For group reservations (e.g., you want to book a tennis court or reserve the hall for a team practice), you’ll need to use the Shinjuku Ward facility reservation system. This involves registering your group (one-time process at any ward sports facility office) and then entering lotteries or first-come bookings via the web or in person. Bookings for courts/halls usually open 2 months in advance. For individual use, since it’s mostly contingent on no group booking, you simply inquire at the reception on the day. For example, you can ask “Is there table tennis available now?” and if the hall is free, they will let you use a table. The children’s play area is generally open during the day on weekdays for free – you can just walk in with your toddler (check in at reception).
• Tips & Notes: Keep in mind there is no dedicated parking lot at this facility (except one spot for disabled users), so you should come on foot, by bicycle, or public transit. If using the tennis courts, note that there are no locker/shower facilities dedicated to the courts (the plaza is relatively simple), so come dressed for play or use the simple changing room. For the kids’ room, children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Language-wise, the staff here might be less accustomed to foreigners than those at the larger sports centers, but basic English or a translation app can usually get the job done when reserving or asking about availability.
• Official Info: Okubo Sports Plaza (Shinjuku City foreign-language guide page)

4. Yotsuya Sports Square (四谷スポーツスクエア)

Yotsuya Sports Square is a modern sports facility opened in 2020 as part of the “CO·MO·RE YOTSUYA” redevelopment right by Yotsuya Station. It’s essentially brand new and boasts a clean, stylish environment. The facility includes a multipurpose sports hall (with 326 m² of space, suitable for volleyball, badminton, table tennis, dance, etc.), a soundproof music studio, and several meeting/classrooms that can double as studios for yoga or martial arts practice. The variety of spaces means you can use this center not only for sports but also for cultural activities or workshops. Many fitness classes for both adults and kids are offered here as well. Thanks to its central location and quality facilities, Yotsuya Sports Square is an excellent option for foreign residents who live or work around Shinjuku, Yotsuya, or Akasaka areas.

• Location & Access: 1-6-4 Yotsuya, Shinjuku-ku. It’s extremely convenient – about a 2-minute walk from JR Yotsuya Station (also Metro Marunouchi & Namboku Lines at Yotsuya). The facility is on basement levels 1 and 2 of the CO·MO·RE Yotsuya building. If coming from Yotsuya Station’s JR side, use the Yotsuya Exit and you’ll see the complex.
• Hours: 9:00 am – 10:00 pm (front desk open from 8:45 am to 9:00 pm).
• Closed: Closed on the 2nd Monday of each month (or Tuesday if that’s a holiday), New Year holidays (Dec 29–Jan 3), and additionally on the 3rd Saturday of July each year (when the entire CO·MO·RE building closes for maintenance).
• Facility & Equipment: The Multipurpose Hall has one wall covered in floor-to-ceiling mirrors, which is great for dance or aerobics practice. It can fit one volleyball court or one badminton court (or up to 4 table tennis tables). There are marking lines on the floor for various sports. The Music Room has 57 m² space, 21 seats, mirror walls, and even an upright piano (for an extra ¥1,000 fee per session you can use the piano) – perfect for band rehearsals, dance practice, or even small seminars. Additionally, there are conference rooms (with movable desks and chairs) that can be used for seminars or converted to open space for things like yoga or pilates classes. Showers and locker rooms are available as well, given it’s a newer facility.
• Fees: For personal use, the fee is similar to other ward gyms – ¥400 per adult, ¥100 per child for one session (typically one time slot up to a few hours). However, personal use is only during designated “open use” hours for specific sports or free practice; you should check the published schedule for when the hall or rooms are open for public use. For private/group rentals, fees depend on the time slot (morning, afternoon, night) and the type of room. As a reference, renting the entire Multipurpose Hall costs a few thousand yen per slot (e.g., around ¥4,000 for 2.5 hours in the afternoon for residents’ groups). Renting smaller rooms costs less. Payment for rentals is usually done at the desk or via bank transfer after booking.
• How to Use: If you want to drop in for individual use, look up the schedule on the official website – for example, there might be “Table Tennis free time: 6–8 pm on Wednesdays” or similar. During those times, you can go and pay the individual fee to play or practice. For classes and events, Yotsuya Sports Square offers many: Pilates, yoga, dance classes, even kids’ futsal or ballet classes. These typically require advance booking because they are popular (you can reserve online on the site, or sometimes by phone/in-person). For group use (rentals), you must do a group registration and booking through the Shinjuku ward system (Regasus). Since this facility is new, demand can be high, so lotteries are common for peak slots. The facility’s website (with English option via machine translation) guides through the process, or you can ask the staff at the desk to help with a reservation if language allows.
• Etiquette & Useful Info: No outdoor shoes are allowed on the wooden floors of the hall and studios – bring indoor shoes or use the slippers provided for moving through those areas. The building in which the Sports Square is located has paid parking (and bicycle parking) in the basement, which is handy if you drive – though it’s not free for facility users, regular parking fees apply. Because this is a multi-use facility, sometimes there might be a music class next door to a sports activity; users are expected to keep noise at a reasonable level (for instance, playing loud music is only allowed if you have a full private rental of the hall, not during open shared use). The staff here tend to be quite professional and some may speak a bit of English given the international community in Yotsuya, so don’t hesitate to ask for help.
• Official Website: Yotsuya Sports Square (Japanese, but with detailed facility info and schedule; use a translator if needed)

5. Genkikan (元気館)

Genkikan (literally “Energy Building”) is a unique ward-run sports and health facility in the Toyama area of Shinjuku. It is designed to support health and fitness for all ages – from babies and toddlers with parent-child classes, to seniors with low-impact exercise programs. Genkikan features a training gym with various exercise machines, a health studio for group fitness classes, and a gymnasium (indoor court) that can be used for basketball, volleyball, badminton, table tennis, etc. There are also consultation services; a “fitness advice counter” is available where you can casually ask instructors about workout tips or health concerns. If you’re a foreign resident looking for a community wellness center where you can join exercise classes or use gym equipment in a friendly atmosphere, Genkikan is ideal. Many who may be new to exercise or looking for gentle fitness options find this place welcoming.

• Location & Access: 3-18-1 Toyama, Shinjuku-ku. It’s about a 5-minute walk from Nishi-Waseda Station (Fukutoshin Line) and also reachable in about 15 minutes on foot from the Shin-Okubo or Takadanobaba areas. It’s adjacent to Toyama Park (south of the park).
• Hours: Monday to Saturday: 9:00 am – 8:45 pm (last entry 8:00 pm). Sundays & Holidays: 9:00 am – 5:45 pm (last entry 5:00 pm).
• Closed: New Year holidays (Dec 29–Jan 3). Note: As of now, Genkikan is temporarily closed for major renovations from April 2024 until March 2026 (planned). Be sure to check the official updates on when it will reopen and if any changes have been made to the system.
• Fees: For individual use of the gym or gymnasium, the fee is ¥400 per adult per session (children ¥100). This generally covers use of the training room or participation in an open gym slot. The various exercise classes in the health studio come in two types: drop-in classes (called “free program,” which anyone can join by buying a ticket, typically ¥400 or ¥500 each time), and course classes (which run for a term and require pre-registration and a set fee). The drop-in classes are convenient if you want to try out things like yoga or aerobics without long-term commitment.
• Facilities & Programs: The training room at Genkikan has treadmills, stationary bikes, strength machines, and more. It’s not as large as a commercial gym, but it’s sufficient for a full workout. Importantly, the staff are proactive in offering guidance – if you’re unsure how to use a machine, they will help (even with limited English, they use gestures and simple terms). Adjacent to the gym is the fitness consultation desk where you can measure your body composition or get fitness advice (some staff might use translation apps if you don’t speak Japanese). The health studio hosts a wide array of classes: various styles of Yoga (relaxation yoga, refresh yoga, etc.), pilates, bodyweight exercise classes, aerobics, hula dance, senior-friendly stretching and balance classes, and even kids’ classes (karate for kids, cheer dance for little ones, baby massage workshops, etc.). The gymnasium can be used for sports like basketball, badminton, and table tennis during scheduled open gym times or by booking for group use.
• How to Use: When using the training room, wear comfortable exercise clothing and indoor sneakers (carry a separate pair to change into). Buy a ticket at reception (if you have a 10-use pass or something, show it) and give it to the gym staff. If it’s your first time, they might ask if you want an orientation – say yes, and they will show you how to use each machine properly (this is great even if you have experience, as they’ll orient you on Japanese labels on machines, etc.). For joining a drop-in class in the studio, purchase the class ticket (usually ¥400) from the machine on the day, and hand it to the instructor in the studio before class starts – no reservation needed for these free programs, but arrive early because some popular classes have a participant limit. For the course-style programs (which typically run for 3 months, like a weekly class series), you need to apply in advance, often by lottery. Information for these is posted seasonally; if you’re interested, ask the staff or check the ward’s website. For open sports in the gymnasium, check the monthly schedule (for example, “Table tennis free play: Thursdays 1–3 pm” etc.), then just show up during that time, pay the fee, and play. Equipment like rackets and balls can be borrowed.
• Etiquette & Notes: As a community health facility, Genkikan places an emphasis on a friendly, non-intimidating atmosphere. You’ll often find many senior citizens exercising alongside younger people, so be mindful and share space kindly. There is no on-site parking lot, so use public transit or bike (there is a small bike rack). Lockers and showers are available; bring a ¥100 coin for locker use (it’s returned after use). The center is a smoke-free environment. If you have any health concerns, it’s a good idea to communicate (or have it written in Japanese) to the staff, as they do ask you to fill a simple form on your first visit about your health and goals (with help available).
• Official Info: Shinjuku City Genkikan page (basic info in English via Shinjuku City website)

In conclusion, these five public sports facilities in Shinjuku Ward are excellent resources for staying active and healthy during your time in Japan. They offer a chance not only to exercise at a low cost but also to engage with the local community. Don’t worry if your Japanese isn’t perfect – the staff are generally accommodating, and many signs have simple icons or English. By taking advantage of these ward-run gyms and sports centers, you can balance the pressures of work or study with fun recreation, leading to a more fulfilling life in Tokyo. So grab your workout gear, and head to the nearest sports center – a healthier, more enjoyable routine awaits you in Shinjuku!