Top 5 Public Sports Facilities in Nakano Ward for Foreign Residents

Staying active is a great way to enrich your life in Japan beyond just work. If you’re a foreign resident living in Tokyo’s Nakano Ward (or nearby) for a few months or years, you’ll be happy to know that Nakano offers excellent public sports facilities that are affordable and easy to use. These ward-run gymnasiums and sports centers have amenities for gym workouts, swimming, and various indoor sports like basketball, badminton, table tennis, volleyball, and more. Below, we introduce five of the best public sports facilities in Nakano Ward that are friendly for foreign users, with details on location, access, hours, fees, how to use them, and important tips for a smooth experience. Let’s get active and enjoy a healthier, fun lifestyle in Nakano!

1. Nakano City General Gymnasium (Nakano Sōgō Taiikukan)

Overview: Opened in 2020 and located in Heiwa-no-Mori Park, this is Nakano Ward’s flagship sports complex. The Nakano City General Gymnasium is a large, modern indoor sports facility with a main arena (804 seats) that can accommodate two basketball courts (or volleyball courts) or up to 8 badminton courts, among other sports. There is also a sub-arena (smaller gym), two martial arts dojo rooms, and a well-equipped training gym on the 3rd floor with weight machines and cardio equipment (including a climbing wall!). The facility even features a 190m indoor running track around the arena’s 2nd floor, a kids’ space, and a café where you can relax after your workout. One note: this gymnasium does not have a swimming pool – for swimming, see other facilities below.

Location & Access: The gym is inside Heiwa-no-Mori Park at 3-37-78 Arai, Nakano Ward. It’s about a 5-minute walk from Numabukuro Station (Seibu Shinjuku Line), or around a 15–17 minute walk from JR Nakano Station north exit. You can also reach it by bus from Nakano Station (get off at the “Nakano City General Gymnasium” stop on weekends, route 中91). There is a parking lot, but it can fill up; it’s easiest to go by train or bus.

Hours: Open 6:45–22:30 (entry allowed from 7:00 until 22:15) on all days. Closed on the 2nd Monday of each month (if that’s a holiday, closed the next weekday) and during New Year holidays (Dec 29–Jan 3). Early morning and late evening hours make it convenient to visit before or after work.

Fees: Extremely affordable. You do not need a membership – anyone can pay per use. For example, use of the arena or exercise rooms during a 2-hour individual session costs ¥200 per adult (¥100 for students/juniors). The training gym costs ¥200 for a 2-hour session as well (you can extend an extra hour for ¥100). The indoor running track is just ¥100. Even specialized facilities like the climbing wall are ¥200 per 2 hours (plus a one-time safety class fee). Payment is done at the ticket vending machines at reception (which support cash, IC transit cards, and credit cards). If you plan to use the gym frequently, you can also buy convenient multiple-use passes (for example, a book of 12 tickets at a discount). For group reservations of courts or rooms, different fees apply per hour (but still cheap) – and you would book through the ward’s online reservation system or at the counter.

How to Use & Booking: For individual use, you can generally just walk in on the day. The gymnasium has a schedule of “open use” times for different sports – for instance, certain hours are designated for badminton or basketball, etc. Check the monthly individual use schedule (available on the official website or at the facility) to see when your sport is available for drop-in play. No advance booking is needed for those sessions; just arrive, buy a ticket for the session (each session is usually 2 hours), and join in. For the training room (gym area), first-time users need to register at the front desk – you’ll fill a form and get a brief orientation on using the machines safely. After that, you can use the training room anytime during open hours (last entry around 21:15) by purchasing a ticket. The climbing wall also requires attending a short safety lesson (available by reservation) before you can use it; once you’ve done that, you can use the wall during designated times. For group use (for example, you and friends want to rent a basketball court or you are organizing a practice), you’ll need to make a reservation. Nakano Ward uses an online Facility Reservation System (in Japanese) where you register and apply to book courts/rooms, or you can inquire at the gym’s office. Note that group use might be limited to registered residents or groups, and there may be a lottery system for popular slots – so plan ahead if you want to book a space.

Tips & Etiquette: This is a public facility used by people of all ages, so be mindful of Japanese gym etiquette. Bring indoor athletic shoes – outdoor shoes are not allowed on the courts or in the training room, so carry a clean pair of sneakers to change into. Wearing comfortable sportswear is a must (if you forget, the gym’s shop actually rents T-shirts, shorts, and shoes for a small fee, but it’s best to have your own). Lockers are available in the changing rooms; bring a ¥100 coin (it will be returned when you unlock). There are showers you can use after exercising (bring your own towel and toiletries). In the arenas, when it’s open-play time, people typically rotate and share courts – be friendly and take turns if it’s crowded. Staff may give advice or instructions if needed; even if your Japanese isn’t perfect, just be courteous and follow along as best you can. Important: no eating or drinking (except water) inside the sports areas, and absolutely no smoking on the premises. Also, since this gym can get quite busy on weekends, try to go early for popular sports. By following the rules (posted in Japanese and with some pictograms) and respecting others, you’ll fit right in. Official Website: Nakano City General Gymnasium – Heiwa-no-Mori Park Gym (Japanese) – heiwanomori-park.com/gymnasium/

2. Chūbu Sports Community Plaza (Central Sports Community Plaza)

Overview: The Chūbu Sports Community Plaza is a community sports center serving central Nakano. It’s a bit smaller in scale, but still offers great facilities for exercise. Inside, there’s a gymnasium hall (about 463 m²) where you can play sports like futsal, basketball, volleyball, badminton or table tennis (the space can generally accommodate one game at a time – e.g. one basketball court or a few table tennis tables). There’s no pool here, but you will find a training room (~146 m²) with basic gym equipment (machines for weight training like chest press, lat pulldown, leg extension, plus treadmills and bikes for cardio, and some free weights). There’s also a mirrored multi-purpose studio (~82 m²) ideal for dance, yoga or fitness classes, and an outdoor sports ground (~1170 m² artificial turf) next to the building which is mainly used for futsal or soccer practice. This center is a key hub for local sports clubs and casual users in the area.

Location & Access: Address: 3-19-1 Chūō, Nakano Ward, in the same building as the Chūbu Health Welfare Center. It’s about a 9-minute walk from Shin-Nakano Station (Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line, Exit 4) – head north to Nakano Street and west toward the welfare center. It’s about 20 minutes on foot from JR Nakano Station (south exit) – or you can take a bus: from Shibuya or Shinjuku areas, some buses (Keio bus 渋64 or Kanto bus 宿05) stop at “Horikoshi Gakuen-mae” bus stop, which is 5 minutes walk away. No parking is available for users, and they specifically request not to come by car or motorcycle (and no bicycle parking either), so public transit or walking is best.

Hours: Open 9:30–20:45 for general use. (Note: the training room closes slightly earlier, at 20:30.) Closed on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of each month (if Monday is a holiday, closed Tuesday instead), and New Year’s holidays. It may also close occasionally for elections (the building is used as a polling station) or maintenance – check notices.

Fees: There are two price categories: member vs. non-member. If you live, work, or study in Nakano Ward, you can register for free as a Nakano Sports Community Club member, which gives you discounted rates at all three “Sports Community Plaza” centers (Chūbu, Nanbu, and Saginomiya). If you’re eligible, definitely sign up at the front desk with your ID – it’s worth it. For example, the training room fee for non-members is about ¥200 per 2 hours (¥100 for 1 hour) per adult, but for members it’s half-price (about ¥100 per 2 hours). Yes, it’s incredibly cheap! Similarly, any open-gym individual sessions or classes have low fees in the few hundred yen range. If you join instructor-led programs (fitness classes, etc.), those might cost a bit more or have their own fees schedule. For group use (renting the gymnasium or field), hourly rates might be on the order of a few thousand yen (cheaper if you qualify for member rates). The center can give you a full list of fees, but rest assured, staying fit here won’t hurt your wallet.

How to Use & Booking: Individual Workouts: If you want to use the training gym, you can drop in anytime during open hours (last entry ~20:00). Like other gyms, first-time users should register at reception – the staff might ask you to read guidelines (in Japanese; you can use a translation app or ask if English guidance is available). After that, just buy a ticket each time (the machine might require you to choose member or general price). For using the gymnasium hall or outdoor field as an individual, the system is a bit different: the hall and field are usually used via group reservations or scheduled club activities, so there aren’t daily “open play” hours for solo visitors at this particular center. However, sometimes there are community “free play” days or events – you can inquire at the center. If you have a group (say you and friends want to play badminton or futsal), you will need to reserve the space. Reservation is done through the Nakano Ward online reservation system or at the office, similar to the General Gymnasium. Note that to book facilities as a group, you might need to register in the system (which is usually in Japanese and requires a representative with an address in Nakano or nearby). The outdoor mini-field can also be reserved (often used for youth soccer practice, etc.). It’s good to plan ahead because availability can be limited. Classes & Clubs: Chūbu Plaza hosts various sports classes (like aerobics, dance, etc.) and local club activities. These typically require signing up in advance. Check the event flyers at the facility or the official website for schedules – joining a class can be a fun way to meet people.

Tips & Etiquette: Indoor shoes are required here as well – the gym floor and training room strictly forbid outside shoes. (Carry a pair of sneakers in your bag.) Bring your own gear for sports; this center does not lend out balls, rackets, etc. If you reserved a badminton court, for example, you should bring rackets and shuttles; the staff will help set up nets if needed, but users are generally expected to do setup/cleanup of things like volleyball nets themselves. Always clean up and put equipment back after use. Keep noise to a reasonable level (especially since it’s in a community building near residential area). No eating or drinking in the gym (you can eat in designated lounge areas if needed, but not on the courts). There are vending machines for drinks. Remember to take your trash home – Japanese public facilities often don’t have trash cans for general garbage. The staff or even volunteer “sports promotion committee” members might be around; they may give advice or corrections (for example, if you’re wearing shoes that scuff the floor or if a group of kids is playing too rough). Don’t be surprised – they’re just ensuring a safe environment. Also, this facility closes earlier than others, so plan your workout accordingly (everyone needs to be out by 20:45). Lastly, note that there is no pool or shower here (only restroom and changing room); it’s more of a community gym. After exercising, you might head home or to a public bath if you need to soak. Official Website: Nakano Sports Community Plaza (Chūbu) – Japanese: nakano-sports-comm.net (select “中部スポーツ・コミュニティプラザ”).

3. Nanbu Sports Community Plaza (Southern Sports Community Plaza)

Overview: The Nanbu Sports Community Plaza is a comprehensive sports center in the southern part of Nakano. It features a good-sized indoor gymnasium (678 m²) for sports like basketball, volleyball, badminton, futsal, and table tennis. It also boasts a 25-meter indoor swimming pool (6 lanes, heated) with depth ~1.2m – great for lap swimming and aqua exercise. Next to the main pool, there may be a small shallow area for beginners (though not a separate kiddie pool like Saginomiya has). In addition, Nanbu has a training room (~156 m²) with exercise machines and free weights, as well as a mirrored multi-purpose room (~88 m²) for activities like aerobics, dance or martial arts practice. This center is popular due to the pool – expect to see individuals swimming laps and perhaps aqua-aerobics classes, along with many local residents using the gym. It’s a friendly place to maintain your fitness routine.

Location & Access: Address: 5-11-26 Yayoichō, Nakano Ward, on the premises of the Nanbu Welfare Center. The nearest station is Nakano-Fujimichō Station (Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line) – about 7 minutes’ walk from the station. From Nakano-Fujimichō, take Exit 1 and head north-east through a residential area. You can also reach it by bus: from Shinjuku or Sasazuka areas, for example, the Keio or Shibuya buses (lines 渋63 or 宿45) stop at “Fuji Kōkō” (Tokyo Metropolitan Fuji High School) bus stop, which is just a 1-minute walk away. Parking is extremely limited here; the facility explicitly requests visitors not to come by car or motorbike. (If you bicycle, note there are only a few racks and they prefer you don’t block the welfare center.) So, try to use public transport or walk.

Hours: Open 9:30–23:00 (with some facilities inside closing a bit earlier). Specifically, the swimming pool is typically available until around 21:45–22:00 (to allow time to shower and leave by 23:00), and the training room until ~22:30. Check on-site schedules for exact last entry times. Closed on the 1st and 3rd Mondays each month (or next day if Monday holiday), and New Year’s (Dec 29–Jan 3). Also closed on election days (if a polling station) or occasional maintenance days – notices will be posted.

Fees: Like other community plazas, they have member and non-member rates. Foreign residents who live/work/study in Nakano should take advantage of the member registration for half-price fees. For example, the pool fee might be around ¥200 per adult for one session (up to 2 hours) for general users, but only ¥100 for members (school children usually ¥50–100). The training room similarly is roughly ¥200/2 hours for non-members (¥100 for members). These rates are impressively low. If you just want to swim occasionally, you can pay each time; or there are coupon tickets (e.g. a book of 12 swims for ¥2,000 for adults) valid at both Nanbu and Saginomiya pools. Note: if you’re a non-resident (not eligible for membership), you can still use the facilities by paying the general fee – it’s open to everyone. For classes or swimming courses, separate fees apply (for instance, Nanbu sometimes offers swimming lessons or water exercise classes for a few thousand yen for a multi-week course). Group use of the gym (entire court) must be reserved and has an hourly fee (e.g. a couple of thousand yen per hour for members, double for non-member groups).

How to Use & Booking: Swimming Pool: For individual swimming, no reservation is needed – just check the public swim hours and drop in. Typically, the pool has general open swim available during most operating hours, except when there’s a scheduled class or school use. When you arrive, pay at the machine or counter, then use the locker room to change. There may be a limit on how long you can swim per ticket (often sessions are up to 2 hours). If it’s not busy, you can swim continuously; if very crowded, sometimes time limits or numbered tickets might be used, but that’s rare. Be aware that at certain times, one or two lanes might be reserved for classes or rehab exercises – swimmers will need to share remaining lanes. Always follow the lane direction (usually circles) and any posted rules. Gymnasium & Rooms: For casual individual play, Nanbu Plaza occasionally offers free-play times, but generally you’ll need a group reservation to use the gym hall for sports. If you have a group of friends, you can try booking the court in advance via the ward reservation system. If you just show up hoping to shoot some hoops by yourself, you might find the hall in use by a pre-booked group or not in use at all. It’s best to inquire if they have any drop-in sports days. Training Room: Like other gyms, register at reception on your first visit, then you can use the training area any time until late (22:30). It’s usually not too crowded late at night, but right after work hours it might have a small wait for some machines – they even provide online congestion info for the training room. Classes: Nanbu offers fitness classes (sometimes in the water, or yoga in the studio, etc.). These require signing up (some are first-come, some by lottery). Check the Nanbu Plaza notice board or website for info on upcoming classes – staff can help you sign up if you meet the criteria.

Tips & Etiquette: For the pool, standard Japanese pool etiquette applies. Wear a proper swimsuit and a swim cap (swim caps are mandatory in almost all pools in Japan, including here – they keep hair out of the water). Goggles are optional but recommended if you’re doing laps. Rinse off in the shower before entering the pool. Don’t wear any jewelry or watches in the pool. If you have long hair, tie it up under your cap. No diving or rough play – this pool is for exercise, not a leisure waterpark. Also, children must be accompanied by an adult (and very small kids with diapers are not allowed in). If you’re not a strong swimmer, stick to the slower lanes or areas; there might be a walking lane as well. Lifeguards are on duty – follow their instructions (they might blow a whistle if you do something against the rules like running on deck). The pool may have rest breaks every hour (where everyone has to exit the pool for 5 minutes) – follow the crowd on this. For the gymnasium, bring indoor shoes and appropriate sports attire. In any sports activity, you’re expected to set up and take down equipment you use (ask staff if you need volleyball net setup, they will provide it but you might have to help). This facility also does not lend sports gear, so bring your own balls, rackets, etc. After using the training machines, it’s polite to wipe down any sweat (bring a small towel). In the training room, there may be a time limit (e.g. 2 hours) and some popular machines might have sign-up sheets or time rotations – be considerate and let others work in. Keep voices low in the training area (many Japanese users are quite quiet while working out). There are locker rooms with showers; again, bring a ¥100 coin for lockers (refunded) and your own towel and soap. One more tip: no street shoes beyond the entrance – take off your outdoor shoes at the locker area and carry them. And of course, no smoking or alcohol on site. By respecting these rules, you’ll have a pleasant experience. Official Website: Nakano Sports Community Plaza (Nanbu) – Japanese: nakano-sports-comm.net (see “南部スポーツ・コミュニティプラザ” section).

4. Saginomiya Sports Community Plaza

Overview: Saginomiya Sports Community Plaza is the main public sports center in the northwestern part of Nakano. It was formerly the “Saginomiya Gymnasium” but was renovated and reopened in 2019 with upgraded facilities. This center offers a bit of everything: a spacious gymnasium (~825 m²) that can host two volleyball courts or one full basketball/futsal court (or 3 badminton courts, etc.) – it’s big and bright, suitable for many indoor sports. There’s a 25m indoor pool with 7 lanes (depth ~1.2–1.3m) and even a shallow children’s pool area (100 m², depth 0.6m) for kids or beginners. Saginomiya also has a multi-purpose studio (93 m², wooden floor with mirrors) great for dance or fitness classes, a meeting/music room (65 m², soundproof with a piano, often used for cultural activities or club meetings), and a conference room (for meetings during events). This facility is very popular with families and individuals alike – from swim classes for kids to table tennis meetups for seniors. It aims to be a place “anyone from children to the elderly can enjoy sports,” as per the management’s concept.

Location & Access: Address: 3-1-13 Shirasagi, Nakano Ward. The plaza is super convenient to reach – just 3 minutes’ walk from Saginomiya Station on the Seibu Shinjuku Line. Exit the station and you’re practically there (it’s just south of the station, near the Shirasagi Dai-ni Elementary School). Coming from JR Nakano Station, you could take a bus or train (15 minutes by Seibu Line from Takadanobaba, for instance). There is no dedicated parking lot for Saginomiya Plaza, so it’s best to arrive on foot or by train. (If you drive, you’d need to find a paid public lot elsewhere, but we don’t recommend driving due to narrow streets.)

Hours: Monday–Saturday: 9:00–22:45 (the pool also opens from as early as 7:00 during summer early-morning swim period). Sundays & Holidays: 9:00–21:45 (closes slightly earlier). Closed on the 4th Monday of each month (or Tuesday if that Monday is a holiday), and New Year’s holidays (Dec 29–Jan 3). Special note: In the peak of summer (approximately mid-July through end of August), Saginomiya offers early morning swimming – the pool opens at 7:00 on certain days so people can swim before work/school. This is a unique feature; check the summer schedule for exact dates of early swim (usually posted on the website and at the pool).

Fees: As with Nanbu, expect very low fees. Swimming pool admission for the general public is around ¥200 per adult per session (usually sessions are up to 2 hours, and you can buy additional time if needed). Children (elementary/junior high) are typically ¥100. If you are a registered club member (Nakano resident/worker/student), those fees drop to about ¥100 for adults (and ¥50 for kids) per session – essentially half price. The gymnasium for individual use (if there are open-use hours like table tennis times) would be similar (a couple hundred yen per block). The training room in Saginomiya is slightly smaller than Nanbu’s, but wait – does Saginomiya have a training gym? Actually, Saginomiya’s focus is more on the pool and gym hall; it doesn’t list a separate “training room” for weight training (Nanbu has one, Chūbu has one, but Sagi might not have a dedicated training gym since none was mentioned in facility specs). So if you want gym machines, you’d go to Nanbu or Chūbu or the General Gym. At Saginomiya, the fees will mostly concern pool and court usage. Group rentals of the arena are possible via reservation, similarly costing a few thousand yen per slot (half price if you qualify as local club). All in all, it’s extremely budget-friendly. Frequent users can also buy a multi-use ticket pack for the pool that works at both Saginomiya and Nanbu pools.

How to Use & Booking: Pool Use: Just like Nanbu, the pool here is open to individuals without reservation. Show up during open swim hours, purchase a ticket from the machine (or counter), and enjoy. The pool is 7 lanes; typically lanes may be divided by speed or purpose (e.g., fast swim, slow swim, walking lane, etc.). If it’s crowded, follow whatever system is in place – usually slower swimmers keep to one side, faster on another, and so on. There might be a 15-minute break every hour (common in Japan) where everyone must exit the pool – pay attention to announcements (they might ring a bell and announce a “kyūkei” break). This allows lifeguards to rest and swimmers to hydrate. During summer morning swim period, a lot of people (especially seniors) come right at 7:00, so it can be lively even early! Gymnasium Use: Saginomiya often has free play times for sports like badminton, table tennis, etc., especially on certain weekdays or evenings. These are great for individuals – you pay your few hundred yen, and you can join others in the sport. For example, there might be open badminton from 9–11 AM on Tuesdays, or open table tennis sessions scheduled. It’s best to check the monthly schedule of individual use (available on the official site or as a flyer at the facility). If you go during one of those times, they’ll have equipment like nets or tables set up; you might need to pair up with someone or take turns if more people than tables. If you want to ensure time for your group exclusively, you’d do a group reservation for the gymnasium through the ward’s system. Studios/Rooms: The multi-purpose room and meeting room can also be reserved by groups for practice (e.g., a dance club or music practice). For this, contact the plaza or use the reservation system. Classes & Events: Saginomiya offers a variety of classes, from kids’ swim classes to fitness programs for adults (like water walking, Pilates, etc.). Many are run as part of the “regional sports club” activities. You can find information on these on their website or posted at the plaza. Foreigners are welcome to join as long as you can navigate the sign-up (which might be in Japanese – perhaps ask a Japanese-speaking friend or staff for help).

Tips & Etiquette: At Saginomiya’s pool, the same etiquette from Nanbu applies: swim cap required, shower before entering, no makeup or hair products in the water (rinse well), and don’t forget to remove any bandages or cover tattoos if possible (while not explicitly stated, large tattoos might unintentionally trouble some locals, so wearing a rashguard or sleeves to cover is a considerate move if you have them). The children’s pool area is shallow and mainly for little ones – if you’re an adult, you wouldn’t use that except when accompanying a child. Parents must closely watch their kids; children under a certain age need adult accompaniment (for example, elementary 3rd grade and below typically require an adult in the water with them). In the gymnasium, bring indoor shoes (we repeat this because it’s important!). The floor here was newly redone in 2019, so they are strict about no black-soled shoes that scuff. If you participate in an open badminton or table tennis, be friendly and maybe introduce yourself to fellow players – locals might be a bit shy if you’re not Japanese, but once the game starts everyone communicates through the sport! The staff at Saginomiya are known to be helpful; some may speak a little English, but if not, simple gestures and basic Japanese words for the sport or facility will get you by. Keep the noise down in the hallways since there are neighborhood homes adjacent. After using any room or the gym, return things to original state (e.g., if you moved benches or got out a net, put them back). One more thing: there are no on-site parking or bicycle racks, so you really should not bike or you’ll have to find somewhere public to park it (and do not park on sidewalks or someone’s property – the staff is quite concerned about neighbors’ peace). Ultimately, Saginomiya Sports Community Plaza is a fantastic local facility – clean, modern, and welcoming. If you follow the rules and engage with the community, you’ll have a great time staying fit here. Official Website: Nakano Sports Community Plaza (Saginomiya) – Japanese: nakano-sports-comm.net (see “鷺宮スポーツ・コミュニティプラザ” section).

5. Ward Open Indoor Pools (Nakano & Daini Junior High School Pools)

Overview: In addition to the dedicated sports centers, Nakano Ward also opens some school indoor pools for public use – a wonderful option for those who love swimming. The two main school pools available are at Nakano Junior High School and Daini (No.2) Junior High School. These are 25m heated indoor pools normally used for school classes, but in the evenings (and certain weekends) they become public lap-swimming pools for residents. They don’t have all the fancy amenities of a sports center (no gym or courts, obviously), but they provide a clean and convenient swimming environment. The water is heated and usable year-round. For anyone living near Nakano Station or in eastern parts of the ward, the Nakano JHS pool is very handy; for those in the south or Honchō area, Daini JHS pool might be closer. They are among the most affordable swim facilities in Tokyo!

Location & Access:

• Nakano Junior High School Pool is located at 4-12-3 Nakano, Nakano Ward – that’s just a few minutes’ walk north of Nakano Station. It’s essentially behind the new Nakano City Hall building. No parking or bike parking is available (it’s in a school, and they strictly prohibit coming by car/motorcycle/bicycle to avoid bothering neighbors). So, simply walk from Nakano Station (about 7–8 minutes from the north exit).
• Daini (No.2) Nakano Junior High School Pool is at 5-14-16 Honchō, Nakano Ward. This is in the Honchō area, roughly equidistant from Nakano-Fujimichō Station (Marunouchi Line) and Hatagaya Station (Keio New Line in Shibuya Ward) – about 12–15 minutes’ walk from either. It’s near Nakano Ward’s southern border. Again, no parking available and please don’t bike there; use public transport and walk. If you live around Honchō, Nishi-Shinjuku 5-chōme, or Nakano-Sakaue, this pool could be in walking distance for you.

Hours: These school pools have more limited hours. Generally, they are open to the public in the evenings (night), for about 2 hours per session. For example, often it’s open 19:00–21:00 on certain weekdays or weekends. Each pool has its own schedule: typically, they close on certain Mondays (Nakano JHS pool closes on 1st & 3rd Mon, while Daini JHS pool closes on 2nd & 4th Mon, roughly). This staggering allows one of them to be open while the other is closed, giving residents options. There might also be daytime hours on weekends for public use, but the primary slots are evenings. It’s best to check the official schedule PDF that the ward publishes every quarter (available on the Nakano City website’s sports section). As of 2025, open swim nights usually run with no break (no rest time since it’s just a 2-hour window). The final exit time is 21:00, so you should finish swimming and be out of the facility by then.

Fees: Unbelievably cheap. The pricing was ¥200 per adult for 1 hour (or ¥400 for 2 hours) – but since they typically let you swim the full 2-hour session, you’d essentially pay ¥400 if you swim the whole session. However, they recently updated fees (July 2024): now they sell only 1-hour tickets (¥200 for adults, ¥100 for children) and if you stay 2 hours, you just purchase two tickets (so still ¥400 total for 2 hours for an adult). There’s also a 12-use pass (11+1 free deal) for ¥2,000 (adult) or ¥1,000 (child) that can be used at either school pool – an excellent deal if you plan to swim often. Children of elementary/junior-high age pay half (¥100 per hour). Little kids below school age are free but must be with an adult. Note: There is no membership system here – everyone pays the same low price, because these pools are open to all ward residents (and even those outside the ward can use them, though the website text is mainly aimed at locals). Also, certain people like those with disability certificates are exempt from fees (they need to show ID). But for most, ¥200/hour is the deal. You will pay using a ticket machine at the pool entrance (it takes coins and ¥1000 bills).

How to Use: Just show up during the open hours (give yourself time to change). No reservation is needed or possible – it’s first-come, but these pools rarely hit absolute capacity. Speaking of capacity: Nakano JHS pool allows up to 120 people at once; Daini JHS pool allows 160 people (though they might limit it to less, say 35 at a time for safety, depending on staffing). In practice, the number of swimmers is usually far below that, so you can enjoy ample space. When you arrive, you’ll enter the school’s pool building (usually from a gate separate from the main school entrance). There will be a small reception desk staffed by ward personnel or lifeguards; if you have a multi-use ticket you hand it over, or if not, buy a ticket at the machine and give it to them. They may ask if it’s your first time – if so, they might give you a quick rundown of rules (likely in Japanese). Inside the locker room, choose a locker (usually free or it might use a ¥100 coin that’s refunded – check the lock type). Change into your swimsuit and wear a swim cap (again, absolutely required!). Then shower/rinse before entering the pool area. Swim as you like in the appropriate lane – typically, these pools are used for lap swimming and casual exercise, so everyone tends to swim lengths. Daini JHS pool sometimes sets up an adjustable floor in one lane on weekends to make it shallower (0.9m) for kids, but otherwise depth is ~1.2–1.3m across. If you need a rest, there might be a ledge or you can rest at poolside – just be mindful of others. After you’re done or when time is up, change out and exit by 9pm. Note: They do not lend swimsuits or caps, so bring your own. Also no float toys or fins allowed (it’s for straightforward swimming, not play).

Etiquette & Tips: These are school facilities, so respect is key. Follow all pool rules: no running, no diving, no splashing others. The atmosphere is generally quiet; many users are there to swim laps or do water walking. If you’re a beginner or just want gentle exercise, feel free to use a slower lane or walk in the water (if the pool isn’t divided by speed, just stay to one side so people can pass). Keep your belongings in the locker – the poolside should be kept clear (maybe a water bottle at most on the edge). The changing rooms are basic (lockers, benches, showers). Since it’s a school, there is no soap/shampoo allowed in the showers – you usually just rinse off, not do a full shower with soap (this is common in public pools to keep pipes clean). So you might shower again at home. Be sure to dry off a bit before re-entering the locker area (bring a towel poolside to pat yourself dry). No photography is allowed, obviously, to protect privacy. If you have tattoos, the official rules don’t mention them explicitly, but as a courtesy, cover large tattoos with a rashguard or waterproof bandage if possible, since some other swimmers might be surprised (pools in Japan sometimes ban tattoos to keep a comfortable environment for all). Since these pools are in residential neighborhoods (and within school property), arrive and leave quietly – especially if you leave at 9pm, keep voices down as you walk through the streets. Also, absolutely no parking or even stopping in front of the school to drop off – they are very strict because of the neighbors; even taxis should stop a little away from the gate. Finally, take advantage of these pools during winter – they’re heated and usually much less crowded than private gym pools. It’s a fantastic way to exercise cheaply. Official Info: See Nakano City’s website > Sports section > “Nakano JHS Warm Water Pool” and “Daini JHS Warm Water Pool” pages for schedules (Japanese only).

Conclusion: Whether you’re into swimming laps, lifting weights, playing team sports, or just looking to join a local fitness class, Nakano Ward’s public sports facilities have something for you. They are budget-friendly, well-maintained, and open to everyone – including foreign residents who might not speak perfect Japanese. Don’t be shy about using these resources; staying active will not only improve your health but also can introduce you to local community members and a fun side of life in Japan. Before you go, double-check the facility’s latest schedule or any COVID-related rules, and pack the essentials (indoor shoes, swimsuit, etc.). Then enjoy your workout or game! Embracing these sports centers is a great way to balance work with recreation, making your stay in Japan more fulfilling and enjoyable. So grab your gear and see you on the court or in the pool in Nakano!