5 City-Run Sports Facilities in Kawaguchi that Foreigners Can Easily Use

Staying long-term in Japan means it’s important to balance work with recreation and exercise. Fortunately, Kawaguchi City in Saitama Prefecture offers many public sports facilities where residents can work out, swim, or play sports at very low cost. Even if you’re not fluent in Japanese, these city-run gyms and pools are straightforward to use and welcome foreign users. In this article, we highlight five city-operated sports centers in Kawaguchi that are especially convenient for foreigners. We’ll cover their locations, access, hours, fees, how to use them, and some etiquette tips, so you can enjoy a healthy and active lifestyle in Japan!

1. Kawaguchi Nishi Sports Center (West Sports Center)

Kawaguchi Nishi Sports Center is a large sports facility located about a 15-minute walk from JR Kawaguchi Station. It features an indoor heated swimming pool, a fully equipped training gym, a main arena for basketball, badminton or volleyball, a table tennis room, and even a health bath for relaxing after workouts. This center is one of the main hubs for sports in the city, popular among locals and foreign residents alike for its convenient location and comprehensive facilities.

• Access: From JR Kawaguchi Station (East Exit), it’s about 5 minutes by bus or 15 minutes on foot. You can take a Kokusai Kogyo bus from the station and get off at the “Nishi Sports Center (西スポーツセンター)” stop, which is right in front of the facility. If you drive, there is a parking lot on-site (limited spaces), but using public transport is recommended during peak hours.
• Hours: Open Monday to Saturday 9:00–21:00, and Sunday & public holidays 9:00–17:00. Closed during New Year holidays (Dec 28–Jan 4) and on the 4th Tuesday of each month for maintenance (if that Tuesday is a holiday, closed the following weekday). Note that the pool and health bath are closed every Tuesday for weekly cleaning, and the training gym is closed on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays as well. It’s a good idea to check the schedule on the website or call ahead if you plan to visit on a Tuesday.
• Facilities: 25m indoor swimming pool (with a flowing water “current” section, kiddie pool, water slide, and warm soaking pool), a large arena (enough for 2 basketball courts or multiple badminton/volleyball courts), a secondary hall used mainly for table tennis (up to 10 tables), a training room equipped with over 40 cardio and weight machines, an aerobics studio for fitness classes, a running track (indoors, 127m loop), and a health bath (Japanese-style bath set at ~41°C for post-exercise relaxation). Outdoor facilities managed by this center include softball fields and a soccer pitch as well. Whether you want to swim laps, lift weights, play sports, or take a soak, this center has it all under one roof.
• Fees: Incredibly affordable. For Kawaguchi City residents, the typical adult fee is 160 yen for 2 hours of gymnasium (arena or table tennis room) use, 280 yen for 2 hours of pool use, and 330 yen per visit for the training room (no time limit once entered). High school and junior high students pay roughly half the adult fee (e.g. 110 yen gym, 180 yen pool), younger children even less (around 60–100 yen). Seniors 68 years or older who reside in Kawaguchi can use facilities for free (ID required). Non-residents (those living outside Kawaguchi) pay double the listed prices, but it’s still very cheap compared to private gyms.
• How to Use & Tips: Upon entering, stop by the reception counter. If it’s your first time, you might fill out a simple registration form (available in Japanese; staff can guide you). Tell the staff which facility you want to use (e.g. pool, gym, etc.), then purchase a ticket from the vending machine or at the desk. For the training room (gym), you must attend a one-time orientation session before your first use. The orientation is conducted in Japanese (about 1 hour, covering machine usage and safety), and you’ll receive a certificate or sticker that allows you to use the gym thereafter at any city sports center. If you’re not confident in Japanese, consider bringing a Japanese-speaking friend for the orientation, but many foreign residents manage with visual guidance and the staff’s help. Once cleared, you can use the gym freely and even come and go from different areas (for example, some people combine gym workout and a swim in one visit). No reservation is needed for individual use of the pool, gym, or courts during the public open hours – just walk in, pay, and enjoy. However, for certain popular activities (like badminton or table tennis during peak times), the center may issue numbered tickets or time slots to prevent overcrowding. There is also an online reservation system (in Japanese) for booking courts or tables in advance, but it’s optional for casual users.
  • Etiquette: Inside the facility, you must wear indoor shoes (bring a pair of clean sneakers only used indoors; outdoor street shoes are not allowed on the courts or gym floor). For the pool, a swim cap is mandatory for all users (this is standard in Japan – caps can be bought at the front desk if you don’t have one). Also, appropriate swimwear is required (no street clothing in the pool). No tattoos are allowed in the pool – if you have tattoos, cover them with rash guards or sleeves (small tattoos with a cover patch might be tolerated, but it’s safer to hide them to avoid issues). In the training room, bring a small towel to wipe down machines after use (gym etiquette). Eating is not allowed in any activity area; you can only drink water or sports drinks from a closed container, and only in designated rest areas (usually the lobby). The locker rooms have showers (free to use), but note that soap or shampoo usage is prohibited in the showers to keep them available for quick rinse-offs only. The health bath can be used by anyone who used the facilities (except those who only came for running track usage) – it’s gender-separated and basically like a big hot tub to soak in. Remember to rinse off before entering the bath and follow common public bath manners (no swimwear in the bath, as it’s nude bathing like an onsen). Lastly, be mindful of general behavior – exercising while intoxicated is forbidden, and taking photos or videos is strictly not allowed anywhere in the facility.
• Official Website: Kawaguchi City Nishi Sports Center (on Kawaguchi City’s official website) – Here you can find more details, event schedules, and notices (Japanese only).

2. Kawaguchi Higashi Sports Center (East Sports Center)

Kawaguchi Higashi Sports Center is a city-run sports facility in the eastern part of Kawaguchi (Higashi-Ryoke area). It offers an indoor pool, gymnasium, training room, and table tennis room, making it a versatile spot for exercise. Being on the east side of the city, it’s also relatively accessible from neighboring Tokyo districts. Whether you want to swim, hit the weights, or play some badminton, this center provides a clean and convenient environment for all.

• Access: From JR Kawaguchi Station, take a bus bound for the Higashi-Ryoke area. For example, the Kawaguchi 04 bus (川04) from the East Exit, towards Yahei-cho/Toneri-danchi, will stop at “Yayoi Shinden (弥平新田)” — get off there and walk about 8 minutes to the center. The bus ride is around 15–20 minutes. Alternatively, from Nishi-Kawaguchi Station or Akabane Station, you can also find buses heading near the same stop (consult local bus guides or the city’s website). If you drive, there is a parking lot, but spaces are limited on weekends.
• Hours: Monday–Saturday 9:00–21:00; Sunday & public holidays 9:00–17:00. Closed for New Year holidays (Dec 28–Jan 4). The center’s maintenance day is the 1st Thursday of each month, when the entire facility is closed (if the 1st Thursday is a holiday, it closes the next Thursday). Also, note the pool is closed every Thursday for cleaning (even if the gym is open, you cannot swim on Thursdays). On maintenance closure days, the outdoor fields (if any activity is scheduled) might still be usable from 11:00–17:00, but generally, plan around the Thursday closures.
• Facilities: 25m indoor swimming pool (6 lanes, with a small kids’ pool and a warming tub; the pool is sanctioned by the Japan Swimming Federation for competitions), a main gymnasium arena (can accommodate one full-size basketball or volleyball court, or up to 3 badminton courts; bleacher seating available), a dedicated table tennis room (with 6 tables), a training room (equipped with treadmills, bikes, weight machines, etc.), an aerobics/dance studio, and a “kenko-yoku-shitsu” which is like a small sauna or health bathing room. On the rooftop, there is a running track (though narrower and shorter than the West center’s indoor track). Outside, this center manages a baseball field and a futsal (small soccer) court, plus the nearby Funato Sports Ground and Kawaharacho Futsal court, which are separate but administratively attached (used mostly by local clubs).
• Fees: Similar to other city sports centers in Kawaguchi. City resident adults pay around 160 yen/2 hours for gym or table tennis room use, 280 yen/2 hours for the pool, and 330 yen per gym workout session in the training room. Students pay roughly half those amounts, and children even less. Seniors (68+) living in the city are free, and non-residents pay double. In short, you can enjoy a couple of hours of exercise for just a few coins, which is fantastic.
• How to Use & Tips: The usage system is like the Nishi (West) Sports Center. Buy a ticket for the facility you want to use at the vending machine or counter, then show it to the staff at the entrance of that area (for instance, lifeguards at the pool or attendant at the gym). If you plan to use multiple areas (say gym and pool), you might need separate tickets for each. Remember that you must have completed the training room orientation if you want to use the gym equipment. The orientation schedule is posted on the city website (usually a few times a month). Higashi Sports Center is known for its badminton and table tennis availability: on weekends they often have public “open gym” times where individuals can drop in for those sports. These can be popular, so the city provides an online reservation for individual slots for some sessions via the city’s reservation system. It’s not mandatory; you can still walk in, but if the slots are full, reserved people get priority. For example, a Saturday might have open badminton from 9:00–12:00 where you rotate in on courts – you could reserve a spot online or just show up early to get in line. If you’re keen on consistent play time, it’s worth registering on the reservation website (Japanese only unfortunately). For pool use, the center no longer does timed sessions with breaks (previously they had a system of clearing the pool every 2 hours, but as of now it’s continuous with a mandatory 10-minute rest every hour at :50).
  • Etiquette: The same general rules apply: bring indoor gym shoes, wear a swim cap in the pool, no eating or drinking except water (with a lid) in designated areas, and share equipment courteously. One unique point: the outdoor baseball field and tennis court here can be used by individuals when free, but practically, these must be reserved by groups in advance. If you’re interested in using outdoor facilities, inquire at the front desk. Also, if you plan to use the health bath or sauna, note that these are for those who used the sports facilities – it’s not a public bathhouse where you can come just to bathe. As always in Japan, clean up after yourself, and follow any instructions given only in Japanese (when in doubt, politely ask a staff member or another user for clarification – many will try to help you).
• Official Website: Kawaguchi City Higashi Sports Center – see Kawaguchi City’s site for detailed info and announcements.

3. Kawaguchi City Totsuka Sports Center

The Totsuka Sports Center is a modern, recently built sports complex in the Totsuka area of eastern Kawaguchi. Opened in 2018, it boasts state-of-the-art facilities in a bright, clean environment. The center includes a swimming pool, an arena, a training gym, archery range, and more. It also offers a variety of sports classes for children and adults. The staff are known to be friendly and helpful, making it a comfortable place for foreigners to get active.

• Access: The center is conveniently reachable from two train stations. It’s about a 15-minute walk from JR Higashi-Kawaguchi Station (Musashino Line) or a 12-minute walk from Totsuka-Angyō Station (Saitama Rapid Railway line). If you prefer not to walk, the facility operates a free shuttle bus on weekdays and Saturdays (no service on Sun/holidays). The shuttle runs between Totsuka Sports Center and nearby stations: one route connects to Totsuka-Angyō Station, and another loop goes via Higashi-Kawaguchi Station and the local community center. Check the timetable on the official website; generally, buses run in the mornings and late afternoons. For drivers, a parking lot with about 153 spaces is available (free of charge), but it can fill up during major events.
• Hours: Monday–Saturday 9:00–21:00; Sunday & holidays 9:00–17:00. The pool is closed every Wednesday (the rest of the center remains open on Wednesdays except during maintenance closures). The entire facility closes annually for maintenance in mid-September and mid-February (exact dates announced in advance), as well as over New Year’s (Dec 28–Jan 4).
• Facilities: This cutting-edge center has an impressive array of facilities:
  • 25m Indoor Pool: 7 lanes, plus a shallow children’s pool and a warming tub. The pool area has modern locker rooms and even features like a viewing gallery. It’s perfect for lap swimming or family swim (children must be with an adult).
  • Main Arena: A large arena with seating, used for basketball, volleyball, badminton (several courts can be arranged). It also hosts events and tournaments given its size.
  • Sub-gymnasium: Often used as a table tennis hall with tables set up, especially during public open-use hours on weekends for ping-pong enthusiasts.
  • Training Room: A spacious workout gym filled with cardio machines (treadmills, bikes, etc.) and weight training equipment. Because it’s newer, the machines have English labeling and are well-maintained.
  • Aerobics Studio: For group fitness classes such as aerobics, dance, yoga, etc. The center offers a schedule of classes each quarter (some require registration and fee).
  • Kyūdō (Archery) Range: A dedicated space for Japanese archery practice, which is unique to this center.
  • Multi-purpose Ground: An outdoor sports ground in a nearby park area for youth baseball, soccer, etc.
  • Tennis Courts: Two outdoor tennis courts (located at “Nakadai Tennis Courts” a short walk away) managed by the center.
  • Other: There are meeting rooms and a childcare room for certain programs, and the facility is fully accessible with elevators and ramps.
• Fees: Following the standard city rates for individuals: roughly 160 yen/2h for the arena or ping-pong, 280 yen/2h for the pool, 330 yen for the gym for adults living in the city. One notable aspect of Totsuka Sports Center is that high school students and younger, as well as seniors 68+, can use the training room for free (once they have taken the orientation), which encourages youth and elderly fitness. Students still pay small fees for pool or gym use (e.g. 180 yen for pool), but it’s minimal. Non-residents pay double the fees listed.
• How to Use & Tips: Totsuka Sports Center uses a slightly different system from older centers: at check-in, you receive a wristband or locker key which tracks your usage and you may pay upon exit for any time-based facilities. However, for simplicity, you can still buy tickets for individual areas as needed. Orientation for the training room is mandatory here as well, but they offer it frequently (sometimes weekly). You can inquire by phone (some staff might understand a bit of English, or ask someone Japanese to help) to schedule your orientation. Once you have the orientation completion card, you can use the gym freely. The pool and gym operate concurrently, so some people do a gym workout then go for a swim – you would pay separately for each, but the total is still under 1000 yen for a whole day of activity.
  • Open-Use Schedules: Typically, Saturdays the main arena is open for basketball and badminton from 9:00–16:30 (half the court for each sport, rotated among users), and Sundays/holidays the sub-gym is open for table tennis 9:00–16:30 with tables out for anyone. These schedules are subject to change if events or tournaments are booked, so check the monthly calendar (on the website or posted at the center). During open-use, you might need to sign up on a sheet or grab a number and take turns, but the staff will guide the process. No reservations are needed for these sessions – just show up.
  • Other Tips: Like elsewhere, bring indoor shoes and appropriate sports attire. The center has rental services: if you don’t have rackets or goggles, you can rent or buy basic gear at the front desk (for example, rental badminton rackets, table tennis paddles, etc., might be available). Lockers require a ¥100 coin (returned after use). Photography is prohibited, so leave the GoPro at home. The Totsuka Sports Center is especially foreigner-friendly in that signage is newer and has more English, and staff are accustomed to explaining things slowly or with gestures. Don’t hesitate to approach the information counter if you have any doubts.
• Official Website: Kawaguchi City Totsuka Sports Center – dedicated official site (in Japanese). This site has the latest news, class schedules, and even virtual tours of the facility.

4. Kawaguchi Angyō Sports Center

Angyō Sports Center is a sports facility located in the southeastern part of Kawaguchi, in the Angyō area known for its traditional flower nurseries and greenery. It’s adjacent to the “Michi-no-Eki (Roadside Station) Kawaguchi Angyō” and the Kawaguchi Green Center (a large garden park), making it a great area for families to spend a day. The sports center features both indoor and outdoor facilities, including a baseball field, gymnasium, 25-meter pool, and more. It serves as a hub for community sports and also as a local disaster evacuation site.

• Access: From JR Kawaguchi Station (East Exit), take the Kawaguchi 22 (川22) bus bound for “Angyō Deba (安行出羽)”. Ride about 25 minutes and get off at “Kawaguchi Ryokka Center (川口緑化センター)” bus stop. The sports center is a 5-minute walk from there (you’ll see signage, as it’s next to the Green Center). If coming from SKIP City area or Akabane, you may also find buses heading to the Ryokka Center. Driving is an option via Route 298; parking is available and includes some spots for disabled parking. On weekends, the entire area (Green Center, etc.) gets busy, so plan accordingly.
• Hours: Monday–Saturday 9:00–21:00; Sundays & holidays 9:00–17:00. Closed New Year’s holidays (Dec 28–Jan 4). There is no fixed weekly closure day listed for the whole center, but specific facilities may have cleaning schedules—e.g., the pool and gym might occasionally close for an afternoon if maintenance is needed (check notices).
• Facilities:
  • Gymnasium: An indoor arena with a standard basketball court (also used for volleyball, badminton, etc.). This is used by local schools and clubs, but also open to the public at designated times.
  • 25m Indoor Pool: 5 or 6 lanes, plus a shallow kiddie pool. In summertime it’s a popular spot for families, and in winter it remains open (heated).
  • Training Room: Contains a selection of weight machines and cardio equipment, not as extensive as the Nishi or Totsuka centers but enough for a solid workout.
  • Aerobics Studio: Hosts exercise classes (aerobics, Pilates, etc.) and doubles as a community meeting room or dance practice space.
  • Multipurpose rooms: Actually, Angyō Sports Center is attached to a community center (kominkan), so there are meeting rooms, a Japanese tatami room, etc., for cultural classes and community events.
  • Outdoor facilities: A full-size baseball field (for softball and rubber-ball baseball; has night lighting), a soccer/futsal field, outdoor tennis courts (4 courts), and a 400m outdoor jogging track that loops around the field area. There is also a playground area and open space used for events like disaster drills.
• Fees: On par with other centers – adult residents pay around 160 yen for gym use, 280 yen for the pool, 330 yen for the gym room, etc., with student and child discounts. Because Angyō is a bit further from the city center, it often runs special promotions like free entry for seniors during certain hours or community days where the facilities are open at no charge (especially around Health-Sports Day in October). But ordinarily, expect the same cheap prices. Non-residents double the cost.
• How to Use & Tips: The Angyō Sports Center’s entrance is inside the same building as the Angyō Community Center. Go to the reception, which handles both community center and sports center services. If it’s your first time, you might want to tell them “Sports center user” and they’ll direct you to the right counter (some staff here might not speak much English, but showing up in sports attire usually makes it obvious!). Once again, gym orientation is needed to use the training room. If you haven’t done it yet, ask for “training room orientation (トレーニングルーム講習)” – it might be scheduled on specific days. Angyō’s gym orientation might not be as frequent as Totsuka’s, but you could attend at any other center and then use Angyō’s gym. For the pool and gymnasium, no reservations are required for individual use. However, to use the outdoor baseball or tennis facilities, you generally need to register as a group and reserve via the city’s online system in advance. These outdoor facilities are mostly for club activities and require booking.
  • If you’re just an individual who wants to, say, hit some balls on the tennis court and it’s empty, you can inquire at reception for “shared use” availability – sometimes if no one has booked it, they might allow individuals to use it for the standard fee. But it’s not guaranteed, so if you’re keen, go through the formal reservation process (which unfortunately is in Japanese and requires a local address).
  • Classes & Events: Angyō Sports Center runs a variety of sports classes (often listed in the city’s monthly bulletin). If you’re staying long-term and have some Japanese ability, joining a class (like swimming, yoga, or tai chi) can be a great way to meet locals and stay fit. Sign-up usually happens a month before the class start, and it might be lottery-based if oversubscribed.
  • Etiquette: Because this center is integrated with a community center, you’ll see not only gym-goers but also elderly folks coming for tea ceremonies or kids for study groups. It’s a community space, so be respectful in common areas. Keep voices down in the lobby and be sure to wipe your feet or remove shoes where indicated (e.g., martial arts rooms or tatami rooms require removing shoes). In the sports areas, the usual rules: indoor shoes, swim caps, etc., apply. Note that the area is somewhat isolated – there’s a vending machine for drinks inside, but not much in the way of nearby shops. It’s best to bring water and any snacks you need. After a workout, you could stroll over to the adjacent Green Center park to relax (entry fee required for Green Center) or the Michi-no-Eki for some local food and produce shopping.
• Official Website: Kawaguchi City Angyō Sports Center – available via the city’s website (Japanese).

5. Kawaguchi Shingō Sports Center

Shingō Sports Center is a smaller sports facility located in the Shingō area of northeast Kawaguchi. It is near the border with Tokyo’s Adachi Ward and convenient for those living along the Nippori-Toneri Liner train line. This center primarily consists of a gymnasium and an indoor pool, with a few outdoor sports amenities. While not as large as other centers, it’s a friendly neighborhood facility with ultra-low fees. It’s especially good for casual swimming or a bit of sports practice without the crowds.

• Access: Take the Nippori-Toneri Liner (monorail) to its terminal Minumadai-shinsui-kōen Station. From there it’s about a 10–12 minute walk east. You’ll walk through a residential area and see the sports center (a white building) just past the Arakawa River levy. Alternatively, from JR Kawaguchi Station, take a Kokusai Kogyo bus (Kawaguchi 12) headed toward Sōka Station West Exit via Niibori (新堀経由草加駅西口行き) and get off at “Hongōbashi (本郷橋)” stop; the center is 3 minutes on foot from the stop. If driving, note that the street approach is narrow. A small parking area is available but fills up quickly on weekends.
• Hours: Monday–Saturday 9:00–21:00; Sunday & holidays 9:00–17:00. Closed during New Year’s holidays (Dec 28–Jan 4). No regular weekly closed day for the whole facility, but occasionally a maintenance day might be scheduled (check notices).
• Facilities: The indoor facilities include a standard sports hall (gymnasium) that can accommodate one basketball court (or several badminton courts, etc.), and an indoor 25m pool with about 4 lanes. There is also a small meeting room. There is no dedicated training gym at this center (no weight machines or treadmills here). However, Shingō Sports Center manages some outdoor facilities: one outdoor tennis court (artificial turf) adjacent to the building, and a softball field a short distance away. There’s also access to the Menagawa (毛長川) riverside tennis courts (4 hard courts) which are administered from here. Basically, think of Shingō as a place to swim, play some indoor sports, or use a tennis court.
• Fees: Unbelievably cheap. For Kawaguchi residents, it costs just 100 yen for 2 hours to use the gym (adults), and around 320 yen for 2 hours of pool use in summer (430 yen in winter due to heating costs). Students pay around 70 yen (gym) and 160–270 yen (pool). Children (elementary) pay 40 yen (gym) and 100–160 yen (pool). And of course, city seniors 68+ are free. Even non-residents paying double means an adult from outside Kawaguchi might pay 200 yen for gym or 640 yen for a swim – still extremely low compared to any private facility.
• How to Use & Tips: At the reception, buy your ticket for either the gym or pool. If you plan to use both, you’ll need separate tickets. Since there’s no fitness gym, you don’t need to worry about orientation here – you can’t do weight training, but you can focus on sports. The pool sometimes operates on a 2-hour session system during busy periods (like they might issue a colored wristband good for a 2-hour slot, then ask everyone to exit when time’s up). Currently, they have a system of a 10-minute rest every hour (common in many public pools), but if it gets crowded, they might enforce time limits. Just pay attention to any announcements (likely only in Japanese, but staff might hold up a sign or whistle to indicate it’s break time).
  • The gymnasium is often used by local clubs (like martial arts or school teams), so individual open-use hours might be limited. Typically, on weekends or certain evenings, they allow public use for table tennis, badminton, or mini-tennis. If you visit during those times, you can join in for a casual game. There may be a rotation if many people are waiting.
  • No Gym Equipment: If you need a weight workout or cardio machines, you’ll have to go to another center (like the West or Totsuka). Shingō is really aimed at simple activities (swim, play sports). On the plus side, it’s rarely as crowded as the bigger centers.
  • Closure Notice: Important – As of late 2023, Shingō Sports Center closed for a major renovation/reconstruction. The plan is that the facility will be rebuilt and reopened around 2027 (Reiwa 9). If you are reading this before that reopening, please be aware that the pool and gym are not available during the construction period. The city is rebuilding it to update the aging facilities. So in the interim, you might need to use nearby centers (Higashi Sports Center or others) instead. Check the official site for updates on the reopening schedule.
  • Etiquette: Standard rules apply. One notable difference: because Shingō’s building is older (pre-renovation) it doesn’t have air conditioning in the gym hall – on very hot days, they might shorten hours for safety, and on cold days, keep moving to stay warm! Always bring your indoor shoes and a towel. In the pool, the water slide or children’s area might be closed if not enough lifeguards are on duty, so adhere to posted signs. And as with all pools in Japan, no swimming without proper swimwear and caps, and no diving.
• Official Website: Kawaguchi City Shingō Sports Center – see city homepage for the latest news, especially regarding the closure and future reopening.

Conclusion: Stay Active and Enjoy Life in Kawaguchi

We’ve introduced five excellent public sports facilities in Kawaguchi City that are welcoming and easy for foreigners to use. All of them are run by the city, which means they are very affordable and accessible without needing any membership — you can just pay a small fee each time you go. This makes it easy to integrate regular exercise and recreation into your routine while living in Japan. Beyond the physical benefits, using these local gyms and pools is a great way to connect with the community. You might meet neighbors or make new friends through sports, transcending language barriers with a shared activity. Don’t worry too much if you’re not fluent in Japanese; the processes are mostly straightforward, and staff or fellow users will usually help if you look a bit lost.

Instead of just working and going home, take advantage of Kawaguchi’s sports centers to enrich your lifestyle — go for a swim in the morning, join a weekend badminton game, or unwind in a sauna after work. Staying active will not only improve your health but also make your stay in Japan more enjoyable and rewarding. So grab your gym shoes or swimsuit, and head to one of these facilities. Here’s to a fun and healthy life in Kawaguchi!