5 Ward-Run Sports Facilities in Minato City Friendly for Foreigners

Staying in Tokyo for a while? To make your life here richer, it’s a great idea to incorporate recreation and exercise into your routine, not just work. Luckily, Minato City in Tokyo offers excellent ward-run sports facilities that residents and workers can use, and they are quite foreigner-friendly. In this article, we introduce 5 recommended public gymnasiums and sports centers in Minato Ward. These facilities accommodate a variety of activities – from training at the gym and swimming in the pool to playing basketball, table tennis, badminton, volleyball, futsal, tennis, and more. If you’re a foreign resident staying mid- to long-term in Tokyo, consider taking advantage of these spots to stay active and enjoy a balanced lifestyle.

1. Minato City Sports Center (Minato Park Shibaura)

The Minato City Sports Center is the flagship comprehensive sports facility in Minato Ward. Located within Minato Park Shibaura near Tamachi Station, this modern multi-story center (3rd–8th floors of the complex) offers a wide range of sports amenities under one roof. Here you’ll find an indoor swimming pool (25m lanes plus a kiddie pool and even a jacuzzi), a fully equipped training gym with weight machines and free weights, large arena spaces for basketball, volleyball or badminton, a dedicated table tennis hall (with many tables), multiple martial arts dojo for judo and kendo, an indoor running track (200m loop on an upper floor), and multi-purpose studios for classes. The facility is impressively well-equipped – often said to be “top-class for a public sports center” – and it’s clean and well-maintained. English signage is available for key areas, and staff are generally helpful; you’ll often see other foreigners using the gym or pool, which can make it a comfortable environment even if you don’t speak much Japanese.

• Location & Access: The Sports Center is super convenient to reach. It’s about a 5-minute walk from JR Tamachi Station (East Exit) and a 6-minute walk from Mita Station (Toei Mita/Asakusa Lines, exit A6). Being so close to major stations means you can easily drop by after work or on weekends. The facility is inside Minato Park Shibaura, a large community complex. There is no on-site parking for visitors, so public transportation is recommended.
• Hours: Open daily from 8:30 AM to 10:30 PM (last entry 9:30 PM). Closed on the 1st Monday of each month (if that’s a holiday, closed the next day instead) and over New Year’s (Dec 31–Jan 3)city.minato.tokyo.jp. So, plenty of early morning to late evening hours to fit your schedule.
• Fees: Incredibly reasonable. Adults pay ¥800 per entry, which gives you all-day access to all facilities (gym, pool, courts, etc.). If you are a Minato City resident, employee, or student, the fee is even cheaper at ¥500 per visit. Students (junior high/high school) pay just ¥100, and children below junior high (through elementary) are also ¥100. Toddlers (pre-school age), senior residents (65+ living in Minato), and registered disabled residents can use the facilities for free. One thing to note: the pool usage is technically limited to 2 hours per visit. If you swim longer, there is a small overtime charge of ¥250 per additional hour for adults (¥50 for students). However, for most users 2 hours in the pool is plenty per day. All other areas (gym, courts) have no time limit within the day. Also, special free days: on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of each month, Minato City residents can use the Sports Center for free (just show your resident ID card at reception)city.minato.tokyo.jp. Even if you’re not a resident, you can still use it on those days by paying the normal fee – but it’s a nice perk if you do live in Minato. Additionally, on 2nd and 4th Saturdays, admission is free for junior high and high school studentscity.minato.tokyo.jp.
• Facility Highlights: The Sports Center spans six floors of sports areas, which means almost any sport you can think of is available. The indoor pool (25m x 6 lanes) is heated and open year-round; it even features a glass ceiling for natural light and a shallow section for kids. Remember to bring a swim cap, as it’s required. The gym (Training Park) is equipped with a large variety of cardio machines (treadmills, bikes, etc.) and weight machines, plus a free weights section (dumbbells up to 30 kg, barbells, etc.). It’s not a hardcore bodybuilding gym (max weights are moderate), but it’s excellent for general fitness. The gym area also has stretching space and sometimes offers personal training sessions or advice (Japanese language mostly). For court sports: there’s a main arena with a basketball court (which can also be used for volleyball or indoor soccer) and a sub-arena. These are typically used for group reservations, but the center also schedules “open use” times when individuals can drop in for pickup basketball or volleyball. Additionally, there is a room with badminton courts and another with a bunch of table tennis tables, so you might find hobby clubs or casual players there. If you’re into martial arts, the Sports Center has three dojo spaces (judo mats, kendo flooring, etc.) – note that personal use of the dojo is allowed only if you have experience or are with someone experienced. A unique feature is the indoor running track on the 6th floor – you can jog laps (200 m per lap) in a climate-controlled environment, which is great on rainy days. There’s even a small outdoor running track on the rooftop for a bit of fresh air. Locker rooms with showers are available (a ¥100 coin is needed for lockers, returned after use). Overall, the facility is modern and spacious, and considering the low fee, it’s a fantastic place to work out.
• How to Use / Registration: The good news is that you do not need any membership to use the Sports Center as an individual – anyone can just show up, buy a ticket, and work outminatoku-sports.com. There is a ticket machine near the front desk; you select your category (adult, etc.), insert cash (yes, yen only, though the new machines might accept IC cards), and it will print out a QR code ticket. Then, you scan that at the entry gate and you’re in! It’s straightforward even if you don’t read Japanese – staff can help if needed. If you qualify as a Minato resident/worker/student, it’s worth registering for a user card to get the ¥500 rate. Registration is free: bring proof of address or employment (e.g., residence card or work ID with address) to the reception desk. They’ll have you fill a form (available in English) and will issue you a personal registration card on the spotcity.minato.tokyo.jp. With that card, you can simply show it or tap it when buying tickets to get the discounted rate. Also, that registration lets you use the online Minato City reservation system in case you ever want to book the arena or courts for private use with a groupcity.minato.tokyo.jp. For most casual users, though, no advance booking is needed – just walk in for the gym or pool. If you do have a large group (10+ people) and want to reserve an entire court or room, you’ll need to apply in advance at the officecity.minato.tokyo.jp (the staff can guide you through this, forms are in Japanese).
• Etiquette & Tips: Public sports centers in Japan have some rules to ensure everyone has a good experience. Key points: bring a pair of indoor athletic shoes – you must change from your street shoes into clean sneakers when using the gym or courts (lockers are provided for your shoes). Workout attire is required (T-shirt, shorts/yoga pants, or track suit, etc. – basically proper sportswear and not everyday clothing). Bring a towel to wipe off sweat and consider a second towel if you plan to shower after. In the gym, it’s polite to wipe down machines after use (there are paper towels or spray available). No tattoos visible: if you have tattoos, be sure to cover them with sleeves, a rashguard, or sports tape. Tattoos are culturally sensitive in Japan (associated with gangs), and while the Sports Center doesn’t outright ban you, the rule is they must be fully covered especially in the pool areaminatoku-sports.com. The pool has some extra rules: you must wear a swim cap (these can be purchased at the front desk if you forget), and you should rinse off in the shower before entering the pool (quickly, not a full soap shower – those who want to soap up can do so after swimming, but note that many public pools don’t allow soap/shampoo in the public shower area; in this facility, it seems shampoo use is not allowed, so a simple rinse is fine). Every hour, there might be a short mandatory rest break in the pool – lifeguards will blow a whistle and everyone must exit the pool for about 5-10 minutes. Just follow along; it’s for safety and water quality checks. No diving or rough play in the pool, and obviously no eating, drinking, or smoking in all sports areas. Also, no photography or video recording in the facility – this is strictly enforced to protect people’s privacy. If you need to use your phone, do it in the lobby, not in the gym or poolside. One more unique rule: the martial arts halls are only open to individuals who already know what they’re doing (if you’re a beginner, you’d have to join a class or go with an experienced person). And speaking of classes, the Sports Center offers various fitness classes and sports lessons (in Japanese) – check their website or bulletin board for schedules. Equipment rentals: If you don’t have your own gear, you can borrow some items at the reception. For example, basketballs, volleyballs, badminton racquets, ping-pong paddles, etc., are available to rent (usually free or a small fee, just ask). This is super handy if you decide spontaneously to play something. Lastly, be mindful of the time – you’ll hear announcements when the closing time approaches. By 10:30 PM the facility closes, and you should finish showering and exit. On your way out, there’s a machine by the gate where you insert the same ticket to exit (if you used the pool, the system will check that you didn’t overstay 2 hours; if you did, you can pay the extra fee at a kiosk or with staff before exiting). Don’t throw away your ticket until you’ve left the building.
• Official Website: Minato City Sports Center – minatoku-sports.com (Japanese, with some English pages available).

Overall, the Minato City Sports Center is a fantastic resource for staying fit in Tokyo. The fact that you can use a pool, gym, and various courts for one low price is nearly impossible to find elsewhere in the city. It’s often compared favorably to private gyms, especially for the value. Whether you want to lift weights, swim laps, join a pickup basketball game, or try out karate, you can do it all here. If you live or work in Minato, definitely take advantage of this facility to enrich your life in Japan with some healthy recreation!

2. Azabu Sports Field (Azabu Undōjō)

Located in the Hiroo/Azabu area, Azabu Sports Field is an outdoor sports complex run by Minato City. It features a softball/baseball field and multiple tennis courts, tucked in a quiet upscale neighborhood of Minami-Azabu. This facility is a gem because it offers sports spaces in the heart of the city at very low cost. The baseball diamond is suitable for youth baseball, softball, or recreational games (it has artificial turf outfield and dirt infield). The field’s dimensions are about 77 m to left/right field and 88 m to centerminatoku-sports.com – not full pro size, but great for local leagues. The tennis facility consists of 4 courts with sand-filled artificial grass surfaceminatoku-sports.com. All courts and the ball field have floodlights for night games. Azabu Sports Field is popular for weekend softball tournaments and for tennis enthusiasts, including foreign residents who enjoy a match after work.

• Location & Access: The field is at 5-6-33 Minami-Azabu, Minato-ku. The nearest station is Hiroo Station on the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line, about a 5-minute walk awaycity.minato.tokyo.jp. From Hiroo’s exit 1 or 3, head towards Arisugawa Park – the sports field is actually adjacent to the southern end of that park (a well-known green space in the area). The surrounding is a pleasant residential neighborhood with embassies and international schools, so it feels safe and quiet. Note that there is no parking lot at the facility, so if you drive you’ll need to find a coin parking nearby (or walk/taxi from Hiroo). Public transport is recommended due to limited parking in this area.
• Hours: Both the baseball field and tennis courts are generally open from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM dailycity.minato.tokyo.jp. They close over New Year’s holidays (Dec 31–Jan 3) and occasionally for maintenance. Unlike some other fields, Azabu’s hours don’t shorten in winter – however, realistically, baseball games won’t run past sunset in the colder months due to earlier darkness (lights can be used until 9 PM though).
• Fees: Minato City keeps fees low. For the baseball field, it costs ¥5,200 per 2-hour block (that’s the standard booking slot)minatoku-sports.com. If you use the lights for night games, there’s an additional ¥1,600 per hour for lightingminatoku-sports.com. For the tennis courts, it’s just ¥600 per hour per courtminatoku-sports.com (billed as ¥1,200 for the minimum 2-hour slot) – an unbelievably cheap rate for central Tokyo. The tennis court lights are ¥300 per hourminatoku-sports.com. For comparison, a private tennis court rental in Tokyo could be 2–3 times that price. These fees apply regardless of residency (though only Minato residents/workers can reserve, as we’ll mention below).
• How to Reserve/Use: Azabu Sports Field is a reserved facility; there are no drop-in uses for individuals (except possibly if a court is empty, but that’s rare). To use it, one person in your group must be a registered user with Minato City. Essentially, only Minato City residents or employees can make reservations for these facilitiescity.minato.tokyo.jp. If you qualify, you need to register (one-time) on the Minato City sports reservation system (this is the same system mentioned for the Sports Center’s group bookings). There are two types of registration: Group (団体) registration for the baseball field, and Individual registration for the tennis courts. Group registration is for a team or club; you’ll submit an application (available online in Japanese or at the ward office) listing a representative (who must be a local resident/worker). Individual registration is simpler and is used for tennis (and also gymnasiums etc.), where you just register yourself. Once registered and given a user ID, you can log into the online Minato City Facility Reservation System and apply to reserve a field or court. Reservations can typically be made up to 2 months in advance. Popular weekend slots might go to a lottery if too many people want them, otherwise it’s first-come, first-served for open slots. For example, to play tennis, you might enter a lottery a month prior for a Saturday morning slot. Don’t worry, the system has an English guidance PDF to help foreigners, or you can ask a Japanese-speaking friend for help. After you successfully book a slot, you’ll receive confirmation. On the day of your reservation, go to the field’s small administration office (there’s a building at the entrance of the field) a bit before your start time. Tell the staff your name and reservation, pay the fee (in cash), and they’ll let you in. If it’s your first time and you’re unsure, just show them a printout or email of the reservation – they deal with this often. One cool thing: the office building at Azabu Field has restrooms and a small lounge that users can access, and even an AED (defibrillator) on site for safety.
• Rules & Etiquette: As with any Japanese sports facility, there are some rules. A few important ones: No smoking or alcohol on the premises or fieldminatoku-sports.com. You can’t eat on the field/court (a water break is fine, but no picnics on the turf). Leave on time – you must vacate the field by the end of your reserved time blockminatoku-sports.com. If another group is after you, be courteous and wrap up a few minutes early to smooth the handover. There’s usually a 5-minute buffer for grooming: for baseball, they’ll expect you to rake and smooth the infield, and for tennis, brush the court if tools are provided, in the last 5 minutes of your slot. Noise: Since this is a residential area, avoid excessive loud cheering or shouting that could disturb neighbors, especially in early morning or late eveningminatoku-sports.com. No metal cleats on the baseball field – only rubber-soled shoes or molded spikes, because the outfield is artificial turf and metal spikes can damage itminatoku-sports.com. For tennis, wear proper tennis shoes (non-marking soles); playing in regular street shoes, sandals, or heels is not allowed (and dangerous)minatoku-sports.com. If a ball goes over the fence and could injure someone (e.g., a foul ball flies out), you should report it to the staff immediatelyminatoku-sports.com – and obviously, if someone were hit, it becomes a personal liability matter between you and them, so play carefully. Azabu Sports Field enforces a penalty system for last-minute cancellations: if you cancel due to just “not feeling like it” or slight rain, you might incur a usage suspension for a periodminatoku-sports.com. However, if the field is genuinely unplayable due to heavy rain or the ward closes it, you won’t be penalized. When in doubt about weather, call the office to check if the field is open. The staff are there to help, so feel free to ask questions (they may not speak fluent English, but they’ll try).
• Why Foreigners Like It: For one, tennis at ¥600/hour in central Tokyo is a steal. Many expats in Minato Ward use these courts because private tennis club memberships are expensive in Japan. Here, you can play for cheap if you can snag a reservation. Same for the baseball field – if you work for a company in Minato, perhaps your office has a softball team. This field is perfect for casual company games or neighborhood leagues. It’s also set in a nice green area near Arisugawa Park, so after playing you can relax in the park or visit the nearby National Azabu supermarket (a famous international grocery store) for refreshments. Keep in mind the reservation eligibility: if you’re a foreign resident but not living or working in Minato, you technically can’t register to book these facilities. A workaround is to have a friend or teammate who does qualify make the booking. As long as one registered person is involved, outsiders can participate. So, connections help!
• Official Info: See the Minato City Sports Center website’s Azabu Sports Field page (Japanese) or the Minato City Living Guide (English available) for details.

3. Aoyama Sports Field (Aoyama Undōjō)

The Aoyama Sports Field is another ward-run outdoor sports facility, located in the Minami-Aoyama area of Minato. Tucked behind Aoyama Elementary School and bordering the Aoyama Cemetery, it’s a somewhat hidden spot known to locals. This facility includes one softball/baseball field and two tennis courts. The environment is pleasant – there’s a small public playground next door for kids and plenty of trees around, providing shade in summe. It feels almost park-like, making it a nice place to play sports without the city stress.

• Location & Access: The official address is 2-21-12 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku. The easiest way to get there is via the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line’s Gaienmae Station, which is only about a 3-minute walk away. Take exit 3 from Gaienmae (near Honda Ice Cream), walk towards Aoyama Cemetery, and you’ll find the sports field just behind the school. Alternatively, from Aoyama-itchōme Station (Metro Ginza/Toei Oedo line) it’s about a 9-minute walk. The area is famous for the Meiji Jingu Gaien (where the rugby stadium and ginkgo tree avenue are), which is just across the main road. No parking on site here either, so use transit or park in nearby lots if necessary.
• Hours: Aoyama Sports Field has seasonally adjusted hours. In the longer-day months (April–October), it’s open 8:00–21:00 like other fieldsminatoku-sports.com. However, in late autumn and winter, closing times are earlier: In November, the baseball field closes at 7:00 PM (and even earlier at 5:00 PM in late Nov), and from December through March it’s 9:00 AM–5:00 PM onlyminatoku-sports.com. The tennis courts similarly close earlier in winter (7 PM or 6 PM depending on month)minatoku-sports.com. Essentially, during winter you can only play during daylight hours. Be sure to check the exact schedule when you reserve (the system will show available times). The field is closed over New Year’s (Dec 31–Jan 3) like other facilities.
• Fees: Baseball/softball field – ¥5,200 per 2-hour slot, with lighting ¥1,400/hourminatoku-sports.com. Tennis – ¥600 per hour per court, with lighting only ¥100/hourminatoku-sports.com. Yes, you read that right: 100 yen for lights! This is because the lights are smaller scale for tennis. These rates are unbelievably cheap for the Aoyama area (an upscale district) – truly a benefit of public facilities. Note: if you use the field in winter evenings and the facility closes at, say, 5 PM, there’s obviously no lighting fee because you can’t play in the dark anyway.
• Reservations: Just like Azabu, advance reservation is required and only Minato-registered users can book. Use the same Minato City reservation system. For the baseball field, a representative of your group must have a Minato address or job and do a group registrationminatoku-sports.com. For tennis courts, an individual registration for the person booking is neededminatoku-sports.com. Many foreign residents in Minato (especially those working at nearby offices or embassies) use these courts, so don’t be deterred – as long as you or someone in your circle is registered, you can enjoy them. Once reserved, the procedure is the same: go to the office at the entrance (1st floor has restrooms and a small rest area; 2nd floor is the staff office) to pay and check in before using. They have an AED and basic first aid on site, which is reassuring. Aoyama Sports Field often has staff who might speak a tiny bit of English given the area’s international community, but not guaranteed.
• Facilities & Highlights: The baseball field here is slightly smaller than Azabu’s: about 65 m to left, 75 m to right, 80 m to centerminatoku-sports.com – perfect for junior high teams or company softball games. It’s fully artificial turf (so ground balls roll fast!). The tennis courts (two of them) are artificial turf with sand, which is a common surface in Japan (a bit slower than hardcourt and easier on the knees). Next to the tennis courts is a cute little park with swings and a sandbox, so sometimes families come – one parent plays tennis while the other watches kids in the park. The environment around is green; being next to Aoyama Cemetery means lots of trees, and it’s quiet (no busy roads right by the courts). People comment that in summer the shade from trees makes it comfortable to play here.
• Rules & Etiquette: Much of the same points as Azabu Field. One unique rule here (and at all Minato fields): because the outfield is artificial turf, metal cleats are prohibited for baseballminatoku-sports.com. Use rubber or molded cleats. For tennis, wear proper shoes (no black soles that leave marks, etc.). Keep noise reasonable; although this facility is a bit more isolated (bordering a cemetery and park), there are still residences not far away. So, late-night cheering or yelling should be minimalminatoku-sports.com. As with other places, you must end your session on time and perform any required grooming (there are usually brushes for the tennis courts – you might be expected to drag a brush to smooth the surface). The staff will sometimes ring a bell or come remind you 5 minutes before your time is up. Also, unlike Azabu which is flat ground, Aoyama’s baseball field is partly enclosed by netting but can still have balls fly out due to its smaller size. Be cautious of hitting towards the school or street. No smoking or drinking alcohol here eitherminatoku-sports.com. One more thing: since Aoyama closes earlier in winter (as early as 5 PM in Dec/Jan), keep track of sunset times and plan accordingly – you might only have time for a quick game after work in those months. The facility is well-lit for night use until 9 PM in summer/early fall – playing under the lights with the Tokyo skyline in the background is pretty cool (Tokyo Tower’s top is visible from certain angles).
• Why Foreigners Use It: Minami-Aoyama is an area with many foreign offices (UN University, tech companies, etc.) and international residents. The Aoyama Sports Field is a great option for those who live/work nearby to get some exercise without a costly club membership. It’s often easier to book than Azabu because it has fewer courts (so less competitive in the lottery? though that’s not always true). People love the soft artificial turf – players have said the “turf is soft and nice to play on”. Another plus: being in such a central location yet so cheap feels like a life hack – “it’s amazingly cheap for being in Aoyama” is a common sentiment. Foreign families especially appreciate the adjacent playground – you can turn a tennis outing into a family outing.
• Official Info: Refer to the Minato City Sports Center website’s Aoyama Sports Field page or the Minato City Living Guide for details (the city might have an English leaflet too).

4. Shiba Park Multipurpose Sports Field (Aqua Field Shiba Park)

The Shiba Park Multipurpose Sports Field, also branded as “Aqua Field Shiba Park”, is a unique seasonal sports venue in Minato Ward. It is located next to Shiba Park and literally at the foot of Tokyo Tower. What makes it special is that it serves as an outdoor swimming pool in the summer and transforms into futsal (small soccer) courts in the cooler months. This ingenious convertible design uses a movable floor system – in summer, the floor lowers and it becomes a pool; after the pool season, the floor raises and it’s a turf futsal ground. So, it’s like having two facilities in one, right in central Tokyo!

• Location & Access: It’s hard to beat the location. The sports field is right by Shibakōen Station on the Toei Mita Line – only a 1-minute walk from the station’s A4 exit. It’s essentially in Shiba Park, which is famous for Zojoji Temple and Tokyo Tower. From the JR Hamamatsuchō Station (Yamanote Line), it’s about a 9-10 minute walk through the park. Akabanebashi Station (Toei Oedo Line) is about 8 minutes on foot. Tokyo Tower is a 5-minute walk away. When you’re at the pool or futsal court, you can actually enjoy views of Tokyo Tower right above you – especially beautiful at night when the tower is lit up. Note: no parking on site, since it’s in a park – use public transport or nearby paid parking lots if needed.
• Hours: This facility’s hours depend on the season:
  • Pool season (summer): Open from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, typically from July 1 to August 31minatoku-sports.com. In early September (usually September 1–15), they keep the pool open but with shorter hours, usually 9:00 AM to 5:00 PMminatoku-sports.com. After mid-September, the pool closes for the year.
  • Futsal season: Roughly late September through early June of the next year. During this period, the futsal courts are available 8:00 AM to 9:00 PMminatoku-sports.com. There’s usually a maintenance switchover period in mid-late June (to set up pool) and mid-September (to revert to futsal) when neither is available.
  In other words, you swim in the summer, and you play soccer the rest of the time. Always check Minato’s announcements for exact dates each year.
• Fees:
  • Outdoor Pool: For a city-run pool in such a prime area, the price is amazingly low. Adults pay ¥600 for a session (up to 2 hours), and children (up to high school) pay just ¥100. If you exceed 2 hours, the overtime charge is ¥300 per extra hour for adults, ¥50 for kids. Preschool children and Minato senior/disabled residents are freeminatoku-sports.com. This fee is per entry, not per activity, and it gives you access to the main pool and kiddie pool.
  • Futsal Courts: There are 3 futsal courts and they are rented by the hour. The cost is ¥2,600 for 2 hours per court (which is effectively ¥1,300/hour). If you use the lights at night, it’s an extra ¥200 per hour. Considering each court can host a 5v5 game (futsal standard), if 10 people split ¥1,300, that’s only ¥130 each per hour – super cheap fun!
  These rates reflect Minato City’s effort to provide affordable recreation. Many users indeed say “the prices are very reasonable”, “as expected of a public facility”.
• Facilities: In pool mode, Aqua Field Shiba Park features a large 50m outdoor pool with 8 lanes (2 lanes often designated for lap swimming and the rest for free play). The pool depth can be adjusted but generally there are shallow and deep sections (sometimes one end is shallower in mornings, etc., they manage it for different uses). There’s also a children’s pool with a slide, partitioned into areas of 30cm, 50cm, 70cm depth for different kid ages. It’s great for families – kids absolutely love it. Locker rooms and showers are on-site (basic but functional). Lifeguards are always present, and they even play background music (fun fact: around Christmas in December when it’s futsal, they’ve been known to play carols during games – as one anecdote from a user mentioned in a blog). In futsal mode, the facility provides three artificial turf futsal courts (each roughly 25m x 15m, a bit smaller than a standard futsal 40×20 but still fine)minatoku-sports.com. The turf is good quality with cushioning. Courts are numbered and separated by nets. They have bench areas on the side, and night lighting is sufficient for evening play. Being outdoors under Tokyo Tower’s gaze is quite the experience for a casual soccer match. You can book 1, 2, or all 3 courts depending on your needs. It’s noteworthy that from the pool or courts, you have a direct view of Tokyo Tower, which many users cite as a highlight – “you can see Tokyo Tower beautifully from the pool and futsal courts”. It’s definitely an Instagrammable backdrop (just remember, no photos where people are obviously in them without permission).
• How to Use:
  • Pool: No reservation needed – it’s first-come, first-served during open hours. In summer weekends, it can reach capacity, so sometimes there’s a wait or timed entry system if too crowded. Go early if you can (mornings are quieter). You just pay the fee at the entrance (there’s a ticket counter or vending machine). The pool is a 2-hour session system – they will note your entry time or give you a wristband. You can swim, lounge, whatever within that time. They typically have mandatory rest breaks each hour where everyone must get out of the water for 5-10 minutes (lifeguards use this to check water quality). The rules board will list all do’s and don’ts (in Japanese with some icons).
  • Futsal: Must reserve in advance. The futsal courts are popular with local clubs and companies. To book, a group representative needs to have a Minato user registration (similar to Azabu/Aoyama). Then use the online reservation system to secure a date and time. Because there are 3 courts, getting a slot is a bit easier than, say, tennis which has fewer courts. However, weekday evenings can be in high demand by corporate leagues. If you don’t have 10 friends to form a team, Minato City also organizes some futsal clinics and mix-and-play sessions (for example, “beginner futsal class” or “pickup futsal” events) – keep an eye on the Sports Center’s event info for those. On your reserved day, show up at the designated time, go to the little office by the entrance of the facility (there’s usually a window or desk), give your name and pay the fee. They might give you a pinnie or something to indicate your reservation. Then head to your assigned court number.
• Rules & Etiquette:
  • Pool: It’s a public pool, so standard Japanese pool rules apply: You must wear a swimsuit and swim cap (no T-shirts in the water, except rashguards for sun protection are okay). Shower or at least rinse off before entering the pool (there are outdoor showers). No sunscreen or oil allowed – this is actually enforced to keep the water clean, so if you applied sunscreen, they may ask you to rinse it off thoroughly. No diving, no running on deck, no rough play or games that disturb others (like no playing catch in crowded areas). If you have small kids, there are restrictions: children under 3 years old and anyone who isn’t potty-trained (in diapers) cannot enter the pools. Also, if you have any large tattoos that cannot be covered, they won’t let you use the poolminatoku-sports.com. If you can cover your tattoo with a rashguard, swim tights, or waterproof patches, then it’s okay. Just note that many Japanese pools have a strict no visible tattoo policy. No very revealing swimwear – for instance, thong bikinis or the like are technically not allowed (the rules mention “no excessively exposed swimwear”). In practice, normal bikinis are fine, just keep it family-friendly. No food or drinks by the poolside (there might be a designated rest area to drink water or have a snack, but check). Also, no smoking anywhere in the facility. They usually also ban “dangerous acts” like breath-holding contests (yes, that’s on the rules list) or anything that might cause accidents. If you have long hair, tie it up or wear a swim cap that tucks it in. Lifeguards will blow a whistle if you do something against the rules – don’t be offended, they do it to everyone to keep order.
  • Futsal: Many rules overlap with the other sports fields. Key ones: Wear proper footwear – no metal cleats or spikes on the turfminatoku-sports.com. Only use futsal balls (slightly smaller, lower bounce than a regular soccer ball) – they actually forbid full-size soccer balls on the futsal courtsminatoku-sports.com, presumably to protect the nets and because the space is small. No smoking, no alcohol on the courts (celebrate after the game elsewhere!). Don’t bring food onto the turf; keep any drinks to the benches and make sure to clean up. During play, avoid excessively aggressive behavior that could injure others – futsal can get competitive, but since many users are casual groups, keep it friendly. Also, due to being outdoors and near some residences, keep noise reasonable in the evenings – excited shouts are part of sports, but constant yelling or use of whistles (except the ones provided for games) might bother neighborsminatoku-sports.com. After your session, exit promptly so the next group can start on timeminatoku-sports.com. They may ask you to do a quick sweep of the court (some places have brooms to brush any debris off) 5 minutes before end. Another important note: if it starts raining heavily or there’s lightning, the facility might suspend play for safety. Use common sense – the turf can get slippery when very wet. For cancellations due to weather, refer to their policy (generally, if the staff deems the court unplayable, you won’t be penalized for canceling).
  • Both pool and futsal require you to follow staff instructions. The staff might not speak fluent English, but they will use gestures – just be attentive. They’re generally friendly, especially with foreigners, as long as you respect the rules.
• Highlights for Foreigners:
  • In summer, this place is an oasis in the city. For just 600 yen, you can take a dip in a pool with Tokyo Tower looming above – pretty awesome experience. It’s great for families (kids are super cheap to enter, and the kiddie pool is very safe). Also, since it’s public, you’ll see local Japanese families and groups of teenagers, etc., which can be a nice cultural experience.
  • In cooler seasons, if you love soccer, getting a futsal crew together here is easy on the wallet. Many expats form teams or join Japanese teams for casual games. The lights and city backdrop make night games fun. Users have said things like “the facility is well-maintained” and “night futsal with Tower view is fantastic”. Also, Shiba Park is right there, so sometimes groups picnic or do hanami (cherry blossom viewing) in the park after a game or swim (though not inside the facility).
  • Another plus: at the entrance of the facility, they even have a blood pressure monitor machine installed – an odd but thoughtful touch for those who want to check their heart rate or blood pressure before/after exercise (maybe mainly for the pool elderly users).
  • As a foreigner, the only slightly tricky thing is understanding the Japanese announcements (like rest breaks or closing time notices), but if you watch what others do, you’ll be fine. And the staff will help if you look confused.
• Official Info: See the Minato Sports Center site’s Aqua Field Shiba Park page (Japanese). Also, Minato City’s English guide might have a section on the “Shiba Park Outdoor Pool”.

5. Shibaura Chuo Park Sports Field

Last but not least, the Shibaura Chuo Park Sports Field is a lesser-known but excellent facility located in the Shibaura/Kōnan area, near the waterfront south of Tamachi. This facility offers tennis courts and a futsal/soccer field, serving the growing residential community in the bayside area of Minato. It’s in Shibaura Chuo Park, surrounded by modern high-rise apartments and canals – a bit off the typical tourist path, but very convenient if you live around Shinagawa or Shibaura.

• Location & Access: Address is 1-4-1 Kōnan, Minato-ku. The closest major station is JR Shinagawa Station (Konan Exit, east side). It’s about a 12-minute walk from Shinagawa Station through the redevelopment area (head towards the Tokyo Port entrance area)city.minato.tokyo.jp. It’s also accessible by Tokyo Monorail or Yurikamome (from Tennozu Isle or Shibaura-futō stations, about 15 minutes walk). If coming from Tamachi Station, it’s roughly 20 minutes on foot (or a short bus ride). This area doesn’t have a subway station super close, so you might find it a bit of a walk. However, once you’re there, the park is spacious and open. As with others, no dedicated parking lot – though since it’s a newer area, there are pay parking lots around in the commercial complexes.
• Hours: Open daily 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM for both the futsal field and tennis courtsminatoku-sports.com. Closed Dec 31–Jan 3 for New Year’s. There isn’t seasonal hour variation listed, likely because there’s no pool and they have good lighting. So even in winter, you can use it until 9 PM (though note it might officially start at 9 AM in winter, as one city doc suggests, but their posted hours say 8 AM year-round).
• Facilities: The sports field consists of:
  • 1 futsal (soccer) court – size ~20m x 13mminatoku-sports.com, which is a bit small even for futsal (maybe 4v4 games). It has a rubber-infill artificial turf and is fenced with nets. It’s suitable for mini-games or kids’ soccer practice.
  • 4 tennis courts – sand-filled artificial grass courts, all with lightsminatoku-sports.com. The courts are side by side, and there’s also…
  • 2 practice walls for tennis (hitting walls)minatoku-sports.com. These are a fantastic feature: you can practice by yourself by hitting a ball against the wall. These “wall courts” are free to use (no reservation, just walk in), though if someone has reserved an adjacent court, they get priority if the ball from your wall practice interferesminatoku-sports.com. Few public facilities have a dedicated wall practice area, so this is a big draw for tennis players looking to warm up or drill solo.
  The park’s office building nearby has restrooms and likely a small changing space, but I’m not sure if full locker rooms are available – probably just toilets and maybe an outdoor bench area.
• Fees:
  • Tennis: ¥600 per hour, per courtminatoku-sports.com. Lights are ¥100 per hourminatoku-sports.com (basically token cost). One booking slot might be 1 or 2 hours depending on system settings, but you can essentially get 2 hours of tennis for ¥1,200 – unbelievably cheap fun.
  • Futsal: ¥800 per hour for the mini soccer fieldminatoku-sports.com. And interestingly, no lighting fee for futsal – lights are free hereminatoku-sports.com. Possibly because the field is small and in a location where lighting cost is minimal or included. Regardless, ¥800/hour is dirt cheap. Even if it’s a smaller field, you can still have a casual game or training session.
  • The practice wall is free (as mentioned) – so if courts are full or you’re alone, you can just come and use the wall with no charge, provided space is available.
• Reservations: For the main facilities (tennis courts and futsal), you’ll need to reserve via the Minato system. Individual registration for tennis, Group registration for futsal (teams) as usual. This facility is in high demand among local residents, especially those in the new apartment towers. But sometimes because it’s a bit farther from train stations, it might have slots open when others are full – worth checking. If you live in one of the nearby buildings, it’s your “backyard” court, which is great. For the wall practice, no reservation is needed. It’s first-come, first-serve. The wall area might have an informal time limit if others are waiting (common courtesy: don’t hog it for hours). Also, if someone has a reserved court next to the wall, they technically get priority if, say, they want to warm up on the wall. On the day of your reservation, go to the park management office (likely a small building in the park labeled for Shibaura Chuo Park). There, like other facilities, you’ll pay your fee and they’ll direct you to your court or field. The office also handles if there’s any rain cancellations, etc.
• Rules & Etiquette:
  • For futsal, since the court is small, they likely allow only 5v5 max. All the rules from Aqua Field futsal apply here too: no metal cleats, no outdoor shoes on the turf (wear sneakers or turf shoes)minatoku-sports.com. No full-size soccer balls (use a futsal or smaller ball to avoid bothering the tennis folks next door)minatoku-sports.com. Smoking, alcohol, food are prohibited on the field as alwaysminatoku-sports.com. Given the field’s small size and close proximity to buildings, it’s extra important to keep the noise reasonable and not kick balls too hard that they fly out of the cage. If a ball does escape and hits something/someone, you need to handle that (the staff won’t cover it)minatoku-sports.com.
  • For tennis, standard etiquette: wear proper tennis shoes (no heels or boots obviously). If your ball flies over the fence, go retrieve it promptly or inform the staff if it’s inaccessibleminatoku-sports.com. At the end, lower the net if required and brush the court if tools are provided (some places ask this to redistribute sand evenly). If you’re on court 1 next to the wall and people are practicing on the wall, communicate so you’re not hitting each other’s balls. Usually wall users yield to those with reserved courts.
  • A special caution: The futsal and tennis are adjacent, separated by nets. The rules explicitly mention not using soccer balls (only futsal balls) because a heavy soccer ball could easily sail into a tennis court and cause injuryminatoku-sports.com. So definitely abide by that.
  • Like other facilities, time management is crucial: you get out on time, and if no one is after you, you still should not overshoot your slot without permission. If you finish early, you can invite waiting players to start early, etc., but coordinate with staff.
  • Rain policy: Because this is outdoors, if it’s raining the day of, check with the office. They might allow play in light rain, but heavy rain or puddles = closed for safety. If you decide to cancel just because you worry it might rain, that can count as a bad cancellation and you could get a penalty (suspension of booking privileges)minatoku-sports.com. However, if the staff deems the court unplayable (like after downpour), you won’t be penalized.
  • Noise: Shibaura Chuo Park is in a semi-commercial area, but with many residences around. Avoid late-night shouting or loud music. There’s a note in rules about refraining from loud noise like shouting or cheering that could bother neighborsminatoku-sports.com.
• Why It’s Great for Foreigners: If you live in the Shinagawa/Shibaura area (which many expats do, because there are large apartment complexes like “Shibaura Island” and hotels), this facility is super convenient and cheap. Even if you don’t live super close, the lure of inexpensive tennis courts might be worth the trek. The free wall practice area is a rarity – for a tennis lover, being able to just drop by and hit balls for 30 minutes at no cost is fantastic. Also, since this is a new area, the facilities are relatively new and in good condition. Many international companies around Shinagawa have employees who use these courts after work. The view isn’t as iconic as Shiba Park (no Tokyo Tower here), but you do get a cool cityscape of modern buildings around, and occasionally the passing of trains in the distance. The vibe is very local – you’ll see Japanese residents of all ages. You might strike up a conversation or find a partner to play with, given the community feel. For futsal, it’s a perfect practice space or a friendly match spot. Because it’s only one court, you often have it to yourselves without other groups right next to you (unlike Aqua Field which has 3 side by side). The fact that lights are free means evening play is effectively half the cost of some other places.
• Official Info: Check the Sports Center site’s Shibaura Chuo Park Sports Field page (Japanese). Minato’s English Living Guide might not detail this specific site, so using the Japanese site or asking someone to translate the key points is recommended.

How to Register, Book, and Mind the Manners

To wrap up, here’s a quick guide on using Minato Ward’s sports facilities as a foreign resident:

User Registration: For one-off visits to the Sports Center, you don’t need to register – just pay and play. But for reservable facilities (tennis courts, fields, pools like Aqua Field’s futsal), Minato City requires that users be registered as either individuals or groups in their system. Registration is free and can be done at the Sports Center or ward office; you’ll need some ID (residence card, etc.) to prove you live, work, or study in Minato. Once registered, you get a user number that lets you use the Minato City Online Reservation System (Japanese-only interface, but relatively intuitive and there’s a user guide). If Japanese isn’t your strong suit, don’t worry – Minato City offers a multilingual phone interpretation service to assist with inquiriescity.minato.tokyo.jp. You can call the Sports Center or ward office and request an interpreter (in English, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, etc.) to be conferenced in with the staff, so communication becomes a three-way call. This is extremely helpful for things like registration questions or facility rules.

Booking: Reservations for courts/fields usually open 2 months in advance and have a lottery about 1.5 months out for peak times. If you miss the lottery, you can still book any open slots on a first-come basis. Payment for reservations is done in person on the day (no online payment). If you can’t use a reservation, be sure to cancel it in the system promptly to avoid penalties (Minato tracks no-shows and last-minute cancellations and can suspend your account if you accumulate too many). Plan around the weather and have a backup day in mind if possible.

Manners & Etiquette Recap: Japanese sports facilities might have stricter rules than what you’re used to back home, but they ensure fairness and safety. Here’s a quick list to keep in mind:

• Indoor shoes only (for gyms/indoor courts). Change shoes when required.
• Proper attire: sportswear, swimwear with caps in pools, etc. No jeans or casual street clothes on courts, typically.
• No tattoos visible: Cover them with clothing or wraps, especially in pools and gyms.
• No smoking, no alcohol on premises. These are family environments.
• Clean up after yourself: throw away trash, wipe sweat off machines, groom the court if needed.
• Be mindful of time: Start and end your sessions on schedule.
• Noise: Cheering is fun, but keep it within reason so as not to disturb others (or neighbors for outdoors).
• Follow staff instructions: If a staff blows a whistle or approaches you, likely it’s about a rule – listen and apologize (sumimasen) if you unknowingly did something. They’ll appreciate the effort.
• Bring essentials: towel, water bottle, indoor shoes, swim cap, lock (if needed for locker), and ¥100 coins for lockers.
• Emergency: Facilities have first aid and AEDs. In case of injury, notify staff immediately – many are trained in basic aid.

Enjoying a Richer Life in Tokyo: By using these ward facilities, you not only stay healthy but also connect with the local community. You might meet neighbors or fellow expats on the basketball court or strike up a conversation in the gym. It’s a great way to balance the work-focused lifestyle that many foreign professionals in Tokyo fall into. Minato Ward, in particular, is very international, so you won’t feel out of place. Plus, you save money – public gyms and courts are far cheaper than private ones, and sometimes even better maintained!

Whether you’re in Tokyo for a year or ten, taking advantage of places like the Minato Sports Center or these parks can greatly enhance your experience. It gives you routine, recreation, and relaxation – all key to a fulfilling life abroad. So grab your gym shoes or racket, and check out these facilities. Your body and mind will thank you, and you’ll see a side of Tokyo life that’s beyond the office and izakaya. Enjoy your active life in Minato City!