5 Public Sports Facilities in Kashiwa City That Foreigners Can Easily Use

Kashiwa City in Chiba Prefecture offers a variety of public sports facilities that citizens can use, and they are also accessible to foreign residents. If you are staying in Japan mid- to long-term (for a few months or years), balancing work with recreation and exercise is key to a rich and healthy life. Kashiwa’s city-run gymnasiums and sports centers are affordable and open to everyone, including foreigners—once you complete a simple registration. In this article, we introduce five recommended municipal sports facilities in Kashiwa where you can enjoy activities like gym workouts, swimming, basketball, badminton, and more.

1. Kashiwa City Central Gymnasium – Comprehensive Sports Center in Central Kashiwa

Kashiwa City Central Gymnasium (Chūō Taiikukan) is a large, all-purpose sports center located near the heart of Kashiwa. Its main arena can accommodate sports such as basketball, volleyball, badminton, and table tennis, with spectator seating available for events. There’s also a fully equipped training room (gym) with weight training and fitness machines, which you can use at a very low cost. In addition, the facility houses a sub-gymnasium, judo and kendo martial arts halls, an archery range (kyūdōjō), an indoor running track, a sumo ring, a children’s gym room, meeting rooms, and more. From children to adults, anyone can find a way to be active here. For foreigners living in the city center, this gym is a convenient place to exercise and participate in sports.

• Location & Access: 73 Kashiwashita, Kashiwa City. It’s about a 25-minute walk from JR/Tobu Kashiwa Station East Exit, or you can take a bus from Kashiwa Station (East Exit) bound for Jikei Idai Kashiwa Hospital and get off at “Chūō Taiikukan/Bunka Kaikan Iriguchi” stop, which is a 1-minute walk away. It’s also a 15-minute walk from Kita-Kashiwa Station (JR Jōban Line). Parking for around 300 cars is available on site.
• Facilities & Sports: Main arena (large court for basketball, volleyball, etc., can be divided as needed), small gymnasium, training room (fitness gym with machines and weights), judo hall, kendo hall, archery range, sumo ring, indoor running track, children’s play gym (for elementary age and below), conference/meeting rooms, locker rooms, showers, and rest areas. You can enjoy a wide range of sports here, from team sports like basketball and volleyball to martial arts and individual workouts in the gym.
• Hours & Closed Days: Open daily from 9:00 to 21:00. Closed on the 1st Monday of each month (or Tuesday if Monday is a holiday) and during New Year holidays (Dec 28–Jan 3). Occasionally, the gym may close temporarily for maintenance or due to severe weather.
• Fees: Extremely affordable. For example, the training room costs just ¥270 per use (for adults, i.e. junior high school students and older) for Kashiwa residents, and around ¥130 for students under high school. Using the arena or other halls during public open gym times costs about ¥280 per person for 2 hours (high school students and younger: ¥80). Note: If you do not live or work in Kashiwa, fees are 50% higher, but still cheap. Renting an entire court or room exclusively for private group use is also possible, with fees around ¥5,300 for 2 hours for the full arena (sports use, no admission fee charged) – splitting the cost among a group makes it very economical.
• How to Use: If you want to use the training room, you must attend an orientation session on your first visit (about 1 hour, free of charge). These introductory sessions are offered multiple times a week (Tue, Thu, Sat, and holidays at 11:00, 15:00, or 19:00; limit 5 people each time). Bring indoor gym shoes (clean sneakers for indoor use) and workout clothing, and arrive at least 15 minutes early to sign in. After completing the orientation, you’ll receive a certificate or mark on your registration that allows you to use the gym freely thereafter. For other facilities, you may need to reserve in advance if you want to book a court or room (see “Registration & Reservations” below). For casual individual use during open hours (like shooting hoops or joining a free play session), you typically can just drop in and pay the small fee at reception if the space is available.
• Official Website: Kashiwa City Sports Facilities – Central Gymnasium (information and schedule available on the official site).

2. Kashiwa City Shōnan Gymnasium – Suburban Sports Center with Martial Arts & Futsal

Kashiwa City Shōnan Gymnasium (Shōnan Taiikukan) is a municipal sports center located in the Fujigaya area of south-east Kashiwa. Although it’s in the suburbs, it boasts an expansive facility with a wide range of amenities. The main arena can host indoor sports like basketball, volleyball, and badminton, similar to the central gym. It also features dedicated martial arts halls for judo and kendo, an archery range, and even an outdoor futsal court with artificial turf. Uniquely, this gymnasium has a sauna facility (though currently closed for renovation or maintenance). There is, of course, a training room for weight training as well. While a bit further from Kashiwa’s city center, Shōnan Gymnasium is accessible by car or bus and provides ample parking. It’s a great option for those living in the southern part of Kashiwa or anyone looking for a less crowded gym with both indoor and outdoor sports options.

• Location & Access: 1908-1 Fujigaya, Kashiwa City. The gym is best reached by bus or car. From Kashiwa Station East Exit, take a Tobu bus bound for “Shōnan Shako” (Shōnan Bus Depot) and get off at the “Shōnan Taiikukan-mae (Shōnan Gymnasium)” stop – the ride is roughly 25–30 minutes, and the stop is right in front of the gym. If driving, note that it’s in a semi-rural area but there is a parking lot with about 180 spaces.
• Facilities & Sports: Main arena (indoor court for basketball, volleyball, etc.), training room (gym equipment for workouts), judo dojo, kendo dojo, archery range, outdoor futsal field (artificial turf mini-soccer pitch), a large conference room (formerly a training room, usable for meetings or events), and a sauna (currently not in use). These facilities cover most indoor sports and also allow for outdoor soccer/futsal. Just like the central gym, the training room is available for strength training (after completing the initial orientation). Shōnan Gym is often used for local sports tournaments and community events, so it has a slightly different schedule and may be a bit quieter on regular days compared to the central gym.
• Hours & Closed Days: Open 9:00–21:00 daily. The outdoor futsal court has extended morning hours on weekends/holidays (from 7:00). Closed on the 1st Monday of each month (except holidays) and Dec 28–Jan 3 for New Year.
• Fees: Similar fee structure to the Central Gym. The training room is ¥270 per use for adults (and ¥130 for students). For individual use of martial arts rooms or archery range, it’s around ¥280 per 2 hours (for adults). The outdoor futsal court can be rented by groups for roughly ¥1,380 per 2 hours (half price for school students). As always, non-residents pay 1.5 times the standard rate.
• How to Use: Like at Central Gym, first-time users of the training room must attend a first-time user orientation (at Shōnan Gym, these are offered on Wed, Fri, Sun, and holidays at 9:30, 15:30, and 19:00). Bring indoor shoes and be punctual. To reserve the arena, futsal court, or other spaces for private use, you’ll use the city’s reservation system after registering (see later section). If you just want to join any open gym times, you can inquire at the front desk. Also, note that the futsal court is outdoors, so bookings may be canceled in case of bad weather.
• Official Website: Kashiwa City Sports Facilities – Shōnan Gymnasium (for details on facilities and reservation info).

3. Kashiwa City Tomise Sports Ground – Fields for Baseball, Soccer & Tennis

Tomise Sports Ground (Tomise Undōjō) is a large outdoor sports complex in the northern part of Kashiwa (Nedo area). It is a city-run facility featuring four baseball fields, twelve tennis courts (sand-filled artificial turf, with four courts equipped with night lighting), a large multi-purpose field for sports like soccer, rugby, or American football, and a gateball field (gateball is a Japanese sport similar to croquet popular among seniors). There are also meeting rooms in the management building that can be used for team briefings or events. With floodlights available for the baseball fields and some tennis courts, you can play well into the evening, which is great for people who work during the day. Tomise Sports Ground is ideal for foreigners who enjoy outdoor sports — whether you want to organize a weekend soccer match with friends, join a local baseball game, or play tennis, this complex can accommodate it.

• Location & Access: 507 Nedo, Kashiwa City. Accessible by bus: from Kashiwa Station West Exit, take a bus headed towards “Fuse Benten” (布施弁天) or “Mitsui Danchi” or other routes such as “Kashiwa Municipal High School” or “Kashiwa-Tanaka Station” and get off at “Fuse Iriguchi” bus stop, then walk about 3 minutes. It’s about 25 minutes by bus. If coming from Kita-Kashiwa Station, it’s roughly a 25-minute walk (or a short taxi ride). There is a parking lot with approximately 260 spaces, making it convenient if you have a car.
• Facilities & Sports:
  • Baseball fields: Four full-size fields suitable for baseball and softball (with dugouts and backstops; night games possible on lit fields).
  • Tennis courts: Twelve courts with artificial grass (sand-infill) surface; four courts have lights for evening play.
  • Multi-purpose field: A large grass field for soccer, rugby, flag football, etc. (can also be used for ground golf or other field games).
  • Gateball courts: Areas designated for gateball.
  • Meeting rooms: Indoor spaces available for team meetings or as tournament headquarters.
  The variety of facilities means you can engage in many types of sports. For example, local soccer clubs practice here, tennis enthusiasts can book courts, and there are often baseball practice games on weekends.
• Hours & Availability: Generally 9:00–21:00 for facilities with lights (like baseball fields and courts) from Tuesday to Saturday. On Sundays and Mondays (and for some fields without lights), usage is typically limited to 9:00–17:00 (daytime only). The complex is closed on the 1st Monday of each month and from Dec 28 to Jan 3. Reservations are divided into time slots (usually 2-hour blocks). During the summer, some fields may open earlier (e.g., 7:00) to avoid midday heat, and in winter months, evening use might be limited.
• Fees: Extremely low cost considering the facilities:
  • Baseball field: around ¥1,320 for 2 hours (for adult use, full field) for Kashiwa resident groups; high school students and younger only ¥290.
  • Soccer field (multi-purpose ground): ¥1,090 per 2 hours (students ¥430).
  • Tennis court: about ¥1,020 per court for 2 hours (students ¥290).
  • Gateball area: ~¥440 for 2 hours.
  Lights (when needed for night games) are extra: e.g., ¥4,120 per 30 minutes for baseball field lights, ¥550/30 min per tennis court. If you are not registered as a Kashiwa resident or your group doesn’t have majority Kashiwa members, a 50% surcharge applies. Even then, splitting the cost among players makes it very budget-friendly – often just a few hundred yen each.
• How to Reserve/Use: Advance reservation is required for all facilities at Tomise. This means you’ll need to register on the city’s reservation system as a group or individual (see the “Registration & Reservations” section below for how to register). Reservations can typically be made up to a month or two in advance. For popular time slots (like weekend mornings for baseball or evenings for tennis), there might be a lottery or first-come-first-served booking opening at a set date/time. On the day of use, go to the administration office on site to pay the fee and check in. Make sure to bring your own sports equipment (balls, rackets, etc., though bases and nets are provided by the facility). Also, be mindful of etiquette: after use, groom the baseball infield if tools are provided, pick up any trash, and leave on time so the next group can start promptly.
• Official Website: Kashiwa City Sports Facilities – Tomise Sports Ground (for detailed info on each field and the reservation process).

4. Kashiwa City Hibarigaoka Citizen Pool – 50m Outdoor Public Pool (Summer Only)

The Hibarigaoka Citizen Pool is a seasonal outdoor swimming facility run by Kashiwa City, available only in the summer months. It is the largest public pool in the city, featuring a 50-meter pool that’s perfect for those who want to swim laps or train seriously during the summer. There’s also a 25-meter pool and a shallow kiddie pool, making it family-friendly for children’s water play as well. On a hot summer day, this pool is a popular spot for locals to cool off and exercise. While it is only open for a limited time each year, it’s a great place for foreign residents to experience the Japanese “shimin pūru” (citizen pool) culture—affordable, casual outdoor pools that many cities provide. Locker rooms and showers are available on site, and lifeguards are present during operating hours.

• Location & Access: 18-2 Hibarigaoka, Kashiwa City. The pool is located in a residential area not far from central Kashiwa. From Kashiwa Station East Exit, take a bus (Tobu bus) via Tokiwa-dai bound for “Nadogaya” (名戸ヶ谷) and get off at “Midorigaoka” stop; it’s about a 2-minute walk from there. If you prefer walking from Kashiwa Station, it’s roughly 20 minutes. No parking is available at the pool, so it’s recommended to go on foot, by bicycle, or by public transport.
• Opening Season & Hours: Only open in the summer, typically from the first Sunday of July until the first Sunday of September, and open every day during that period. (It may close on days with typhoons or very bad weather for safety.) The pool operates on a session system with set time slots to manage crowd levels. Usually, there are three sessions per day:
  1. 9:00–11:00,
  2. 12:00–14:00,
  3. 15:00–17:00.
  After each session, all swimmers must exit the pool, and a new group can enter for the next session. You can attend multiple sessions in a day, but you’ll need to re-pay admission each time.
• Facilities:
  • 50m pool: Depth ~1.15m to 1.6m. This is great for lap swimming and is often used by adults and serious swimmers.
  • 25m pool: Depth ~0.8m to 1.0m. Good for casual swimming and older children.
  • Children’s wading pool: Very shallow (around 0.4m deep) for toddlers and small kids to splash in.
  There are also changing rooms, coin lockers, and shower/rinse-off areas. Basic swim gear like kickboards may be available to borrow, but it’s best to bring your own if needed.
• Admission Fees: Incredibly cheap – a fraction of typical private pool costs. For each 2-hour session: Adults (general) ¥220, students (high school and younger) ¥110. Small children (preschool age) are often free or may require a guardian ticket (rules can vary, but often under 6 is free with an adult). If you are not a Kashiwa resident, the fee is 1.5 times (so ¥330 for adults for 2 hours, etc.). There’s no membership needed and you pay in cash at the entrance each time. Keep the receipt or ticket stub as proof of payment for that session.
• Usage & Etiquette: No reservation is needed – it’s first-come, first-served entry. On very hot days, the pool can reach capacity, so arriving early for a session is wise. Swim caps are required for all swimmers (this is a common rule in Japan, believed to help keep the water clean by catching hair). So be sure to bring a swim cap and proper swimwear. Also, note that visible tattoos might be an issue; if you have tattoos, cover them with a rash guard or waterproof bandage to avoid complaints, since some pools have no-tattoo policies. Other rules include: no running on the pool deck, no diving in shallow areas, children who are not toilet-trained must wear swim diapers specifically made for pools (and may be restricted to certain areas), and children must be supervised by an adult. Lifeguards will usually signal breaks (sometimes a 10-minute safety break each hour where everyone must exit the water). Follow all staff instructions for a safe experience.
• Official Information: Kashiwa City Sports Facilities – Hibarigaoka Pool (for detailed rules and any schedule changes; usually information is in Japanese, but you can use browser translation if needed).

5. Kashiwa-no-ha Park Sports Ground – Multi-Purpose Field in a Lush Park Setting

The Kashiwa-no-ha Park Sports Ground (Kashiwa-no-ha Kōen Undōjō) is a city-operated athletic field located within the large Kashiwa-no-ha Park in western Kashiwa. This facility consists of one multi-purpose sports field set in the green expanse of a prefectural park. The environment is beautiful and relaxing, making it a pleasant place to play sports or do outdoor exercise. The field is primarily used for sports like soccer and rugby, as well as casual games like ground golf or frisbee. While it’s a single-field facility (not a full sports complex like Tomise), its location in a well-maintained public park gives users the added benefit of facilities like walking trails, open lawns, a Japanese garden, and even a BBQ area elsewhere in the park. This sports ground is particularly convenient for those living around the Kashiwa-no-ha Campus area (which includes a number of research institutions and universities, where many international students and researchers reside).

• Location & Access: 4-1 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa City, inside Kashiwanoha Park. From Kashiwanoha-campus Station (Tsukuba Express line), it’s about a 25-minute walk north to the park, or you can take a bus. Buses from Kashiwanoha Campus Station or from Kashiwa Station West Exit that go to “Kashiwanoha Park” or loop around the park are available – get off at “Kashiwanoha Kōen” or “Kashiwanoha High School Mae” bus stop and walk 5–15 minutes. The park has a large shared parking lot (approx 840 spaces) that is free to use, but it’s shared with general park visitors and the adjacent stadium, so on event days it may be limited. For regular use, you should have no problem finding parking.
• Facilities & Sports: The main (and only) facility is the multi-purpose grass field. It’s a level open field of decent size where you can set up for soccer, rugby, flag football, or other field sports. There are goal posts/soccer goals that can be used (often kept on the side for users to move into place). The field can be divided or used in smaller portions if needed for practices. Surrounding the field, there is no formal track, but you have plenty of space on the park paths to jog or warm up. Because it’s within a public park, there are also restrooms, water fountains, and benches nearby (maintained by the park). The atmosphere is open and family-friendly. This field is often used for community soccer matches, youth sports days, and casual weekend games.
• Hours & Closed Days: The field is available in daytime hours only, typically from 9:00 to 17:00 (as there are no floodlights for night use). Usage is usually scheduled in 2-hour blocks (9–11, 11–13, 13–15, 15–17). Closed on the first Monday of each month (unless that’s a holiday, then closed Tuesday) and New Year holidays (Dec 28–Jan 3). Also note that heavy rain or maintenance might occasionally close the field to protect the turf.
• Fees: For city residents/groups, it’s around ¥1,090 for a 2-hour block for the whole field (students/high school teams: ¥430). Considering a full soccer pitch for two hours at roughly ten bucks total, it’s an amazing deal. If you’re not a resident, the price is 50% higher (still cheap). Many local clubs or circles use the field, so demand can be high on weekends.
• How to Reserve: You must reserve the field in advance through the public reservation system or via the park’s office. Often, weekend slots might be decided by lottery if multiple groups want the same time. To make a reservation, your group should be registered in the system (see next section on registration). On the day of your booking, you might need to check in at the park’s sports office or with a park staff member and show your reservation confirmation. When using the field, follow any guidelines like not wearing long cleats if they’re not allowed (to avoid damaging the grass) – typically, multi-stud soccer cleats are fine, but metal spikes might be prohibited. Also, since parking is shared and can fill up during big events, consider carpooling or public transport for larger groups.
• Official Website: Kashiwa City Sports Facilities – Kashiwanoha Park Sports Ground (for more info on how to book, etc.).

Registration, Reservation System & Etiquette for Use

● User Registration (One-Time): To make reservations for Kashiwa’s sports facilities, you’ll need to complete a user registration with the city’s Sports Facility system. Registration is free. For individuals, you must be at least a junior high school student who is living, working, or studying in Kashiwa City. (If you’re a foreign resident, your residence card showing a Kashiwa address or a letter from your employer in Kashiwa would work as proof. The registration is open to non-Japanese as long as you meet the residency/work/student condition.) For group registrations (needed if you reserve as a club or team), at least half of the members must be Kashiwa residents, students, or workers, and a representative (over junior high age) will handle the process. To register, go in person to the Sports Division at City Hall, or to one of the major sports facilities like Central Gym or Shōnan Gym, during their office hours. Bring a photo ID (passport, residence card, driver’s license) and proof of address/employment if applicable. You’ll fill out a form (available at the desk; Japanese text, but staff can guide you—bring a Japanese-speaking friend if possible). Once registered, you’ll receive a user card or number that you can use to log in to the reservation system or reference when booking.

● Reservation System: Kashiwa City uses an online system for booking facilities: the Kashiwa Public Facility Reservation System. After you have a user registration, you can search for facility availability and submit reservation requests through this website. The interface is in Japanese, but it’s fairly standard – you choose the facility, date, time slot, and purpose (sport), and if it’s free you can book it or enter a lottery if required. Reservations can usually be made a month or two in advance, depending on the facility and whether a lottery system is in place for popular slots. If you’re not comfortable with the Japanese system, you can also call the facility directly or visit in person to make a reservation. For example, you can call the Central Gym reception and ask (in simple English or Japanese) if a court is available at a certain time, and the staff may help you reserve it. Keep in mind that for any reserved facility use, you must have completed the user registration first.

For drop-in usage (like using the training room or joining an open gym day), you typically do not need an advance reservation – just show up, pay the fee, and use it. Pools likewise do not require reservation; they operate on a first-come basis during the season.

● Etiquette and Tips: Japanese public sports facilities have a few etiquette points to remember:

• Indoor shoes: Always bring a clean pair of athletic shoes to use indoors. Outside street shoes are not allowed on gym floors or the training room mats. Carry your indoor shoes in a bag and change in the locker room or benches before you play.
• Dress and Gear: Wear appropriate sportswear. For gyms, usually a T-shirt, athletic shorts or pants, and indoor sneakers are fine. At pools, wear a proper swimsuit (not street clothes) and a swim cap. In martial arts areas, if you’re participating, follow the attire rules (e.g., judogi for judo, etc., or at least comfortable sportswear if you’re just trying it out).
• Respect Staff Instructions: Even if there’s a language barrier, staff or instructors will often demonstrate rules through gestures. Common ones include rinsing off before entering the pool, not bringing food/drink (except water) into the play areas, etc. If a staff blows a whistle or gives a verbal reminder, pause and see what’s needed – it could be a general safety break at the pool or a note that your reserved time is ending soon.
• Cleanliness: Use the trash bins if available, or better yet carry your trash out with you (many Japanese public facilities require you to take your garbage home). Wipe down equipment after use in the gym (some facilities provide spray and paper towels or ask you to bring a small towel for sweat).
• Time Management: Stick to your reserved time slot. If you reserved a court from 3–5 pm, for example, you should include your setup and takedown within that time. Be considerate and exit the area promptly so the next users can start on time.
• Communication: Don’t be afraid to try simple Japanese phrases like “よろしくお願いします” (yoroshiku onegaishimasu – roughly “let’s have a good session together”) when joining others, or “ありがとうございました” (arigatō gozaimashita – “thank you very much”) after using a space or when staff assist you. A smile and a bow/nod go a long way. Most locals will be patient and helpful if you show courtesy.
• Other Cautions: Smoking is not allowed except in designated areas (if any). Alcohol is also not permitted on site, for obvious reasons. If you have tattoos, as mentioned, cover them to avoid any issues especially at pools or saunas. Also, for safety, you might be asked to remove accessories or jewelry during sports. Lockers are usually available (often requiring a ¥100 coin that is returned when you unlock). It’s wise to lock away your valuables.

By following these guidelines, you can enjoy Kashiwa’s sports facilities without worry. The public gyms and fields offer a fantastic opportunity to stay active, meet local people, and integrate into the community. With minimal cost, you can make exercise a regular part of your routine while in Japan. So go ahead and sign up, and have fun staying fit and healthy during your time in Kashiwa City!