By How to Live in JAPAN 編集部 
Shinagawa Ward offers several easily accessible public sports venues suitable for foreign residents staying long-term. These facilities support activities like gym workouts, swimming, basketball, table tennis, badminton, and volleyball. Below are five Shinagawa Ward–operated sports facilities where foreigners can exercise and enjoy recreation. Each entry includes location/access, hours, fees (ward resident rates), reservation methods, and important usage notes or etiquette.
Shinagawa Ward General Gymnasium (Shinagawa Sogo Gymnasium)
Location & Access: 2-11-2 Higashi-Gotanda, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyossa.or.jp. An approximately 8-minute walk from JR Ōsaki Station or Gotanda Station (Yamanote Line). (Gotanda Station, serviced by the JR Yamanote, Toei Asakusa, and Tokyu Ikegami lines.)
Hours & Holidays: Open daily from 9:00 to 21:30. Closed on the 3rd Monday of each month (shifted to Tuesday if Monday is a holiday) and December 29–January 3ssa.or.jp.
Facilities & Sports: This large complex features:
- Main Arena (approx. 36×30 m) for basketball, volleyball, badminton (2 hoops, 2 nets, 6 badminton courts).
- Judo Hall and Kendo Hall (with mats).
- Training Room (with weight and cardio machines).
- Table Tennis/Recreation Room (5 tables) and Dance Space.
- Meeting Rooms and spectator seating.
- Indoor Pool (Hino Gakuen Pool) located on the first floor.
Open-to-public free-use sports include badminton, volleyball, basketball, table tennis, judo, kendo, karate, dance, folk dance, and swimming in the poolcity.shinagawa.tokyo.jp. Rental equipment (balls, rackets, etc.) is not provided.
Fees (Ward Residents): Individual “free-use” session fees (2 hours) are ¥200 for adults (high school age and up) and ¥100 for children (middle school and under)ssa.or.jp. For the indoor heated pool (2 hours), fees are ¥350 for adults, ¥170 for children. (Locker 10-yen refund-type.) Shinagawa residents aged 70+ and residents with disabilities swim for free with ID.
Reservation & Use: For individual use (“free use”), just come to the front desk, show proof of residency/work/student status, and obtain a free-use card. Then select your sport at the ticket machine and affix the issued sticker to your cardssa.or.jp. To book the arena or rooms as a group, you must register as a user group on Shinagawa’s Facility Reservation System website and make a reservationssa.or.jp. First-time group users must register (organization ID/password) and pay fees via the online system or at the facility.
Etiquette: Wear indoor sports shoes (non-marking court shoes) at all timesssa.or.jp. Take care of the equipment and mats; set up and put away everything you use. After play, mop or wipe the floor of sweat and moisturessa.or.jp. Bring your own rackets/balls as none are provided. Finish play promptly – the time you reserve includes warm-up, play, and clean-upssa.or.jp. No alcoholic beverages or intoxicated persons are allowedssa.or.jp. Pack out any trash; facilities do not provide garbage disposal. The public parking here is limited (10 spaces, reservation required) – public transit is recommended. Follow staff instructions and enjoy sports responsibly.
Togoshi Gymnasium (Togoshi Taiikukan)
Location & Access: 2-1-17 Toyo-machi, Shinagawa-kucity.shinagawa.tokyo.jp. A 5-minute walk from Togoshi-koen Station (Tokyu Ōimachi Line)city.shinagawa.tokyo.jp.
Hours & Holidays: Open 9:00–21:30 daily. Closed on the 2nd Monday of each month (if a holiday, then closed Tuesday). Also closed Dec 29–Jan 3.
Facilities & Sports: Features a main competition hall (36×30 m)ssa.or.jp with 2 basketball courts, 2 volleyball courts, 6 badminton courts, 18 table tennis tablesssa.or.jp, and 1 tennis court. There is a floor with a reception desk and spectator seats. There are dedicated Judo and Kendo halls in the basement. A first-floor meeting room and second-floor conference room are also available.
Open-schedule sports include basketball, volleyball, badminton, tennis, table tennis, judo, kendo, karate, and dance. Showers and changing rooms are provided.
Fees (Ward Residents): Same structure as above: ¥200 (adults) and ¥100 (children) for free-use sessionsssa.or.jp. 10-yen locker fee. Seniors 70+ and disabled residents are exempt.
Reservation & Use: Free-use (walk-in) works like Sogo Gym: get a free-use card at reception and pay at the machine by sport. To book the facility for your club (団体貸切), register and reserve through Shinagawa’s online reservation portalssa.or.jp. Payment is made on-site to confirm.
Etiquette: Wear appropriate indoor shoes on the court. When entering/exiting the gym, it’s customary to greet others and bow lightly as a sign of respect. Bring your own equipment and put nets/goals up or down as needed. Do not track dirt onto the courts – clean the soles of your shoes with a cloth before entering. No smoking or alcohol. Keep your belongings neat in the stands or designated area.
Ebara Cultural Center Indoor Heated Pool (Ebara Bunkacenter Pool)
Location & Access: 1-9-15 Nakanobu, Shinagawa-kucity.shinagawa.tokyo.jp. About 5 minutes on foot from Nakanobu Station (Tokyu Ikegami/Toei Asakusa lines).
Hours & Holidays: Generally open daily with morning and afternoon sessions, roughly 9:00–21:30. (Confirm seasonal schedule or inquire by phone.) Closed on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of the month (holidays push closures to the following day) and Dec 29–Jan 3.
Facilities & Sports: This is an indoor heating pool facility. It has a 25-meter heated swimming pool (swim-only; no wave pool or slides). Water temp is kept around 30℃, suitable year-round. Lockers and showers are available. Swim classes and aqua exercise programs are offered on set days. Children and adults of all levels can practice lap swimming or take lessons.
Fees (Ward Residents): Same as other pools: ¥350 for 2 hours (adult), ¥170 for 2 hours (child)city.shinagawa.tokyo.jp. 30-minute overtime is ¥80/¥40. 70+ seniors and disabled residents swim free.
Use & Etiquette: No reservation needed – come during open hours. Pay at the automatic ticket machine at the entrance before entering the pool. Shower thoroughly before entering the poolcity.shinagawa.tokyo.jp. Do not wear shoes or outside clothes into pool areas. Strictly no drinks or food except water. Children under 6 or non-swimmers must be with an adult. Follow lifeguard instructions.
Shinagawa Kumin Park Outdoor Pool (Shinagawa Outdoor Pool)
Location & Access: Shinagawa Kumin Park, 3-2-2 Katsushima, Shinagawa-ku. (In “Shinagawa Civic Park” near Shinagawa Aquarium.) A summer-only outdoor pool. About an 8-minute walk from JR Tachiaigawa Station (Keikyū Main Line). (Alternatively: Keikyū Ōmori-Kaigan Station 8 min walk via park path.)
Season & Hours: Open July to early September. Morning session: 9:30–12:30 (last swim 12:15). Afternoon: 13:15–16:15 (last swim 16:00). Evening session (mid-July to Aug 31, Wed/Sat/Sun only): 17:00–20:00 (last swim 19:45)city.shinagawa.tokyo.jp. (Changing rooms are open earlier; all entry includes time for changing/showeringcity.shinagawa.tokyo.jp.)
Facilities & Attractions: A 25m competition pool with 9 lanes, a large wading pool with water slides, and a shallow kids’ pool with fountains. Features include a mushroom-shower fountain, bucket splash fountain, and slides, making it family-friendly. Depth ranges from near 0 at the kids’ end to 1.4m in the 25m pool. Sun shelters and seating are provided.
Fees: On-site tickets only. ¥400 for adults (high school+), ¥200 for middle school, ¥100 for elementary school, free for preschool (3 and under). (Children under 120cm must be accompanied by an adult.) 70+ Shinagawa residents & disabled residents get in free with ID. No monthly pass; pay per entry.
Use & Etiquette: No advance reservation – first-come, first-served entry each session. Purchase a ticket from the vending machine and show it at the gatecity.shinagawa.tokyo.jp. Mandatory rules: Shower and rinse thoroughly (remove makeup, lotions) before entering. Water shoes (white/clean sandos) only in marked areascity.shinagawa.tokyo.jp. No diving. Small children must be watched closely; diapers are not allowed in the water. Run or horseplay on the pool deck is prohibited. Respect posted rules for floats/toys (only small, approved floaties under 100cm allowed in the wading area). No glass or valuables – use provided lockers.
Reservations & Common Etiquette
Reservations: To reserve courts or rooms at any Shinagawa public gym, you must register as a group on the Shinagawa Facility Reservation System website. Group (団体) users need an ID/password. First-time users register at the facility’s reception or the Ward Sports Promotion Office. Individual “free use” (walking in for one person) is immediate: just register at reception and use the vending machines for tickets. Payment is by cash only; bring exact change if possible.
Common Manners: In all facilities, wear clean indoor gym shoes—never outdoor shoes on courts. Bring and use your own equipment (ball, racket, etc.). After play, put away gear and clean up: sweep or mop your area. The scheduled time includes setup and cleanup. Keep noise to a considerate level. No smoking (except designated areas, if any) and no alcoholic beverages. Greet others (staff and fellow users) with a nod or hello—Japanese gyms encourage polite greetings. Lockers often require a 10-yen coin; remove valuables when possible. Follow all posted rules (no food on courts, no graffiti, etc.). With these simple courtesies, you can enjoy a pleasant experience at Shinagawa’s sports facilities.