5 Foreigner-Friendly Public Sports Facilities in Shibuya Ward, Tokyo

Staying fit and active is a great way to enrich your life while living in Japan. In Tokyo’s Shibuya Ward, there are many public gymnasiums and sports centers operated by the ward that residents – including foreign residents – can use at very affordable prices. From gym workouts and indoor swimming to basketball, table tennis, badminton, and volleyball, these ward-run facilities cover a wide range of activities. In this article, we introduce five ward-run sports facilities in Shibuya that are convenient and welcoming for foreigners. For each facility, we’ve compiled information on location, access, official website, hours, and fees. We also explain how to make reservations and important etiquette and tips to know when using these facilities, so you can enjoy them smoothly. By incorporating recreation and exercise into your routine in Shibuya, you’ll not only stay healthy but also enrich your experience of life in Japan!

1. Shibuya City Sports Center (Hatagaya)

The Shibuya City Sports Center is the flagship sports facility of the ward, located in the Nishihara area (near Hatagaya). It’s a large, all-in-one sports complex that serves as the main hub for community athletics in Shibuya. The center boasts a 25-meter indoor heated pool, a fully equipped training gym with weight machines and cardio equipment, large and small indoor arenas for sports (where you can play basketball, volleyball, badminton, table tennis, and more), multiple martial arts dojo (including areas for judo, kendo, and even archery/kyudo), outdoor courts for futsal and tennis, a jogging track, a sumo ring, meeting rooms, and even a small lounge/café on site. In short, it has just about everything you need to stay active. The facility is relatively modern and very well-maintained, making it a pleasant place to work out. It’s open from morning until night (9am to 9pm), so you can drop in before work or in the evening. The usage fees are extremely reasonable – just a few hundred yen for a gym or pool session – and Shibuya Ward residents can get further discounts or free usage for certain categories (like seniors or children) by obtaining a ward user card. While most staff and signage are in Japanese, the procedures (buying a ticket, storing your belongings in a locker, etc.) are straightforward, so even if you don’t speak much Japanese you can use the Sports Center without much trouble. It’s a popular spot for locals to exercise, so you may even meet other expats or make Japanese friends through sports here.

• Location & Access: 1-40-18 Nishihara, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo. About a 6-minute walk from Hatagaya Station (Keio New Line), or around 15 minutes on foot from Yoyogi-Uehara Station (Odakyu & Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line). There are also bus stops nearby (e.g. “Hatadai” stop on Keio bus routes from Shibuya or Nakano, ~5 min walk). No on-site parking is available, so using public transport or bicycle is recommended.
• Official Website: shibspo.com (Shibuya Sports Center official site)
• Main Facilities: Large indoor arena (gymnasium) and a secondary gymnasium, a full training room (fitness gym) with machines and free weights, an indoor swimming pool (25m, 6 lanes, plus a small kids’ pool), three martial arts halls (for judo, kendo, karate, etc., including an archery range), an outdoor sports ground (for soccer, etc.), futsal court, tennis courts, a sumo practice ring, an indoor toddlers’ play room, meeting/conference rooms, lounge/café, etc.
• Hours: Open daily 9:00–21:00 (last exit by 21:00). Note: outdoor facilities (fields, courts) close around 20:20.
• Closed: Every 1st & 3rd Monday of the month (if Monday is a holiday, closed the next weekday instead); New Year’s holidays (Dec 29–Jan 3).
• Fees (General Public): Training Room – ¥400 per visit; Pool – ¥400 per 2-hour session (adult); Indoor sports arena (when open for free play) – around ¥300 per person per session. Children (junior high and below) – ¥100 per session (pool 2h, etc.). Ward residents who are junior high age or younger, seniors 65+, or who have disabilities can register for a Free Use Pass (requires ID/proof of address) for complimentary use. Other Shibuya Ward residents can get a regular Ward User Card for adult discounts (e.g. pool ¥300 instead of ¥400).
• Tips & Etiquette: If you live, work, or study in Shibuya, be sure to bring proof of your address/employment on your first visit to register for the Ward User Card. The registration desk will issue it on the spot, allowing you to receive resident discounts. For individual use of the gym, pool, or open court sessions, no reservation is needed – simply buy a ticket from the vending machine (available in English). Remember to carry indoor athletic shoes (you must change out of street shoes to use the indoor courts or gym) and appropriate sportswear. In the pool, a swim cap is mandatory for all users (bring your own, as there are no rentals). If it’s your first time using the gym, consider coming when staff are present so you can get a basic orientation on the equipment. Important: If you have visible tattoos, cover them with a swim shirt or bandage, as most public pools in Japan (including this one) ask that tattoos not be exposed. Also, refrain from eating, drinking (except water), or smoking except in designated areas; keep noise to a minimum so everyone can enjoy their workout. Lockers require a ¥100 coin (refunded upon return), so have one handy. Since parking is practically non-existent, come by train or bus. Following these guidelines will ensure a smooth, enjoyable experience at the Shibuya Sports Center.

2. Daikanyama Sports Plaza

Daikanyama Sports Plaza is another ward-operated sports facility, conveniently located in the chic Daikanyama district. In fact, it’s only about a 2-minute walk from Daikanyama Station, making it extremely easy to access for those living or working around Ebisu/Daikanyama. This facility is smaller than the Sports Center and is focused primarily on its indoor swimming pools. It features a 25m main pool (with a high ceiling and plenty of natural light), a small sub-pool (good for walking exercises or children), and even an outdoor kiddie pool open in the summer. There is no weight-training gym here, but the Plaza does have two multipurpose rooms – one of which is a mirrored studio – where various fitness classes (like yoga or dance) or community programs take place. The pool is open year-round and operates on a convenient timed system (standard admission is for 2 hours, with the option to pay for extensions if you want to swim longer). The fees are low, and Shibuya Ward residents can use their same user card here for any applicable discounts, though in practice Shibuya’s public facility fees are flat for anyone. The facility is modern and clean, and even with minimal Japanese language ability, foreigners can use the pool by just following the posted rules. Note that there’s no parking at this site, so plan to arrive by train. If your workout routine includes weight training, you might need to visit the Shibuya Sports Center or Sarugaku Training Gym on other days – Daikanyama Sports Plaza is mainly ideal for swimmers. On the plus side, its proximity to Daikanyama’s cafes means you can grab a nice coffee nearby after your swim!

• Location & Access: 17-9 Daikanyama-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo. A 2-minute walk from Daikanyama Station (Tokyu Toyoko Line). Also accessible via the Hachiko community bus (Orange “Yuyake Koyake” route) – get off at Daikanyama Eki stop and walk 2 minutes. Note: No parking lot is available.
• Official Website: shisetsu.mizuno.jp (Daikanyama Sports Plaza page)
• Facilities: 25m indoor heated pool (about 13m wide, 5–6 lanes) plus a small sub-pool (13m x 4m). In summer, an outdoor shallow children’s pool is open. Two indoor rooms: a large multipurpose studio (~232 m², mirrored wall) and a recreation room (~149 m², can be partitioned). No dedicated gym or large indoor court at this facility.
• Hours: 9:00–21:00 (last entry ~20:30). On weekdays (Mon–Fri, except holidays), the pool opens early at 7:00 for morning swimmers.
• Closed: 2nd & 4th Monday of each month (if Monday is a holiday, closed the next weekday); New Year’s holidays (Dec 29–Jan 3); and occasional maintenance closures.
• Fees: Swimming Pool: ¥400 per 2 hours (adult), ¥100 per 2 hours (child). Each additional hour is ¥200 (adult) or ¥50 (child). (Shibuya Ward doesn’t charge extra for non-residents.) Studios/Rooms: These are typically for reserved group use or classes, with fees varying by activity and time.
• Tips: Bring your own swimsuit, swim cap, and towel (none are provided or rented). Check the pool schedule for any public hours – occasionally the pool might be used for classes or school activities which limit general swim time (the schedule is on the official website). Because there’s no gym, if you also want to lift weights or use cardio machines, plan those workouts at Shibuya Sports Center or Sarugaku Gym. And since there’s no parking, the train is your best option to get here on time.

3. Higashi Health Plaza

Higashi Health Plaza is one of Shibuya Ward’s most comprehensive public sports facilities, and it’s unique in that it shares a building with a community health clinic and senior citizens’ center. This modern facility – located in the Higashi district between Shibuya and Ebisu – is extremely clean and welcoming, used by everyone from children to the elderly. On the sports side, Higashi Health Plaza offers an impressive range of amenities: a large indoor arena (gymnasium) on the 3rd floor where you can play basketball (1 full court), volleyball (2 courts), badminton (up to 6 courts), or table tennis; a mirrored multipurpose studio on the 2nd floor used for classes like yoga, aerobics, or dance; and an amazing indoor pool area on the B2 level. The pool area includes a 25m x 5-lane main pool, a dedicated walking exercise pool, a circular “lazy river” pool with a gentle current, a Jacuzzi-style hot tub, and a warm therapeutic pool (often used for rehabilitation exercises). There’s even a “Fureai Training Room” on the 2nd floor – a small fitness room with simple exercise machines aimed at seniors/beginners (which the ward allows eligible residents to use for free). Because the facilities are so extensive, Higashi Health Plaza is very popular, especially among older residents and those doing rehab or low-impact exercise. The fees are kept low, just like other ward facilities, and ward residents enjoy further benefits (like free usage for seniors with registration). If you plan to use the arena or studio as a group, note that you may need to register and reserve through the ward system, but there are also scheduled “open play” times for activities like table tennis or badminton where individuals can just drop in. The entire complex is climate-controlled, so you can comfortably exercise even on the hottest summer day. Since many seniors use this facility, please be mindful of your manners: keep voices down and share equipment/space kindly. Overall, it’s a fantastic place to enjoy fitness and even relaxation (the spa-like pools) in a community-oriented environment.

• Location & Access: 3-14-13 Higashi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo. About a 15-minute walk from Shibuya Station (East Exit) or 10 minutes from Ebisu Station (via the Skywalk and a short walk on ground level). By bus, take a Toei bus (Route 都06 from Shibuya or Route 田87 from Ebisu) to Higashi 3-chome stop (right at the building). The Hachiko bus (Yuyake Koyake loop) also stops at Higashi 2-chome (3 min walk). No car parking is available (there is a bicycle parking area).
• Official Website: shisetsu.mizuno.jp (Higashi Health Plaza page)
• Facilities: 3F – Arena: Indoor sports hall (about 550 m²) with a wood floor and capacity for basketball (1 court), volleyball (2 courts), badminton (up to 6 courts), table tennis, etc. (It’s air-conditioned and has an electronic scoreboard.) 2F – Studio & Gym: Mirrored multipurpose room for classes; plus the “Fureai Training Room” (a small gym area with basic machines, geared toward 60+ and beginners, often staffed). B2F – Pool Area: 25m x 5-lane heated swimming pool; walking pool; flowing current pool (“lazy river”); Jacuzzi hot tub; warm therapy pool. Locker rooms with showers are available on B2F.
• Hours: 9:00–21:00 (last entry 20:00; pool usage ends ~20:45).
• Closed: 1st & 3rd Tuesday of each month (if Tuesday is a holiday, closed next weekday); New Year’s holidays (Dec 29–Jan 3).
• Fees: Pool: ¥400 per 2 hours (adult), ¥100 per 2 hours (child); each extra hour ¥200/¥50. Open Gym sessions: ~¥400 per adult or ¥100 per child per session (depending on sport and duration). Note: The “Fureai” training gym is free for eligible ward residents (with prior registration). Ward resident seniors 65+ and persons with disabilities can register to use pools/gym free of charge as well.
• Tips: Plan ahead – if you want to use the arena or studio for a private group, you must register on the ward’s reservation system and book in advance. For individual play, check the posted schedules for times when the arena or courts are open for free practice (e.g., table tennis free-play mornings). When using the arena or gym, always wear indoor shoes (carry an extra pair to change into) and bring any sports equipment you might need (rackets, balls, etc., as rentals aren’t provided). In the pool area, swim caps are mandatory and very strictly enforced. Also, because this building houses a senior day service center and dental clinic, maintain a quiet, respectful demeanor in common areas. The facility is slightly off the beaten path, but a walk from Ebisu or Shibuya station gets you there – perhaps consider it a warm-up! Higashi Health Plaza offers a blend of fitness and wellness; it’s a hidden gem where you can exercise and unwind in one trip.

4. Honmachi Community Center (Sports Facility)

Opened in June 2025, the Honmachi Community Center (“Honmachi CC”) is Shibuya Ward’s newest multi-purpose facility, combining community meeting spaces with extensive sports amenities. Located in the Honmachi district (not far from Nishi-Shinjuku), this center serves as a local hub for residents to gather, exercise, and participate in cultural activities. On the sports side, Honmachi CC boasts a brand-new indoor arena (gymnasium), an outdoor multi-purpose sports ground with tennis courts, and an indoor studio – covering nearly every type of recreational activity. The indoor arena has a beautiful wooden floor and is large enough for a full basketball or volleyball court, or it can be divided to accommodate up to 3 badminton courts or about 10 table tennis tables. The outdoor field area includes an artificial-turf ground that can host youth baseball or soccer games, and also has 3 tennis courts (available in specific time slots). The facility offers modern locker rooms and showers, making it very comfortable for players. Since it’s a community center, the building also contains things like conference rooms, a local ward office branch, and community lounges – so there’s often a variety of events happening. For example, on opening day in 2025, a Tokyo professional 3×3 basketball team held a special event in the arena. To use the sports facilities at Honmachi CC, you usually need to reserve in advance – especially for the arena or courts. This is done through Shibuya Ward’s online reservation system, which requires a one-time registration (you’ll need to be a ward resident, worker, or student to register). After registering, you can enter lotteries or book available slots for the gym or courts. That said, there are also public events, classes, and open play days at Honmachi where you can participate without organizing a group (keep an eye on the community center’s announcements for these). As everything is brand new, the experience is top-notch – let’s help keep it that way by following the rules and treating the facility kindly. For foreign residents, joining a sports class or event here can be a great way to integrate with the local community and meet people through sports.

• Location & Access: 4-39-1 Honmachi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo. About a 13-minute walk from Hatsudai Station (Keio New Line) or 12 minutes from Nishi-Shinjuku-gochome Station (Toei Oedo Line). Also near the “Kanto Kokusai Koko-mae” (Kanto Int’l High School) stop on Keio buses (8–9 min walk). No public parking is available.
• Official Website: shibuya-hcc.com (Honmachi Community Center)
• Facilities: Indoor Arena (2F): large sports hall (~660 m², ceiling ~7m) with markings and equipment for basketball (1 court), volleyball (1 court), badminton (3 courts), table tennis (up to ~10 tables). It has an electronic scoreboard and a small spectator gallery. Studio (3F): mirrored dance/fitness studio. Outdoor Field & Tennis Courts (1F): an artificial turf field (approx 34m x 50m) that doubles as 3 tennis courts (sand-filled artificial grass) – usage switches between field and tennis configurations depending on schedule. Other: 4 meeting rooms, Japanese tatami room, lounge, ward service desk, etc.
• Hours: Sports facilities available 9:00–21:00 (matching the community center’s hours).
• Closed: 1st & 3rd Tuesday of each month (if Tuesday is a holiday, closed next weekday); New Year’s holidays (Dec 29–Jan 3).
• Fees: Group (Private) Use: Arena ~¥9,900 per 2-hour block; Tennis court ~¥600 per hour (daytime) / ¥1,200 per hour (night w/lights). Individual / Event Use: Many community sports programs are free or low-cost (sometimes just a few hundred yen) – it varies by event. Note: To book facilities, you must register on the Shibuya Ward reservation system (generally limited to those with address or employment in Shibuya).
• Tips: Reservations: If you want to rent the arena or courts with friends, remember to apply via the ward’s online system well in advance (slots may be allocated by lottery). For casual participation, check the Honmachi CC website or bulletin board for events – they host beginner-friendly classes and open gym days periodically. When using the arena, wear non-marking indoor shoes to protect the wooden floor, and handle any equipment and movable stands with care (the staff are quite strict about this). Because it’s a community hub, you might see cultural events or kids’ activities happening concurrently – be flexible and courteous when sharing spaces. Staff primarily speak Japanese, but they are helpful – using a translation app or simple English can usually get the message across. Embrace the chance to join local sports activities here; it’s a wonderful way to feel part of the community while staying active!

5. Sarugaku Training Gym

Sarugaku Training Gym is a dedicated fitness center managed by Shibuya Ward, located in the Sarugakucho neighborhood (just a short walk from Daikanyama). Unlike the multi-sport centers above, Sarugaku Gym is all about personal fitness training – think of it as a small public gym where you can do weight training and cardio exercises. It’s compact, but it’s stocked with a good variety of equipment: treadmills and stationary bikes for cardio, a range of weight machines for strength training, and a free weight area with benches, dumbbells, and barbells. There’s even a tiny studio space where group exercise classes (like aerobics or yoga) are occasionally held (these require separate sign-up and a small fee). The best part is the price – at only ¥400 per use for adults (high school age and up), it’s incredibly budget-friendly. There’s no monthly membership; you pay each time you go. Technically, the gym is intended for people who live, work, or study in Shibuya (and you must be at least 15 years old to use it alone), and you’ll fill out a simple registration form on your first visit. In practice they don’t usually check IDs every time, so as a foreign visitor you can likely use it without hassle as long as you register that first time. The gym is a single floor and not very large, so it can get a bit busy at peak times (weekday evenings and Saturday morning, typically). However, users are generally good about taking turns on the machines. Most signage and all safety instructions are in Japanese, but if you’re familiar with gyms, you’ll find the equipment standard and easy to use. The atmosphere is local and unpretentious – many regulars are neighborhood residents. One important note: there are no showers at this facility, just a couple of changing booths and some coin lockers for small items, so plan to shower at home after your workout. Essentially, Sarugaku Gym is great for a quick, inexpensive workout if you’re in the area. Just follow common gym etiquette (wipe down machines, don’t hog equipment, etc.) and you’ll fit right in.

• Location & Access: 12-35 Sarugaku-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo. About a 7-minute walk from Daikanyama Station (Tokyu Toyoko Line), tucked in a side street of the Sarugaku-cho area. The Hachiko community bus (Yuyake Koyake route) stops at “Sarugaku Training Gym Entrance” (3 min walk). No parking available (even bicycle parking is limited).
• Official Website: shisetsu.mizuno.jp (Sarugaku Training Gym page)
• Facilities: A single-level training gym floor with distinct zones: cardio area (treadmills, bikes, etc.), weight machine circuit (various resistance machines), and free weight section (bench press, dumbbells, barbells). Also a small stretching/class space, locker area (small key lockers for valuables), and restrooms. No showers or large locker room.
• Hours: 9:00–21:00 (last entry 20:30).
• Closed: Mondays (if Monday is a holiday, closed Tuesday instead); New Year’s holidays (Dec 29–Jan 3).
• Fees: Adults (High school & above): ¥400 per visit. Students (Junior high): ¥100 per visit (note: under 15 must be accompanied or may have restricted hours). Group exercise classes (if you join one) are typically ¥500–¥600 per session.
• Tips: On your first visit, you’ll need to fill out a registration form at the front (basic personal info – having a local address or workplace helps, as it’s intended for ward users). After that, it’s pay-as-you-go. Always bring indoor gym shoes and change into them at the entrance (outdoor shoes are not allowed on the workout floor). During busy periods, there’s an informal 60-minute limit on cardio machines if others are waiting – be mindful of others waiting and share equipment. Wipe down machines or mats after you use them (paper towels and sanitizer are provided). The lockers are small (wallet or phone sized), so don’t bring large bags inside. There’s a vending machine for drinks but no water fountain, so you might want to bring a water bottle. Keep conversations and phone use to a minimum on the gym floor – many people exercise quietly or with headphones. And as with all public pools/gyms in Japan, it’s best to cover any tattoos to avoid misunderstandings. If you follow the basic rules, you’ll find the regulars and staff quite friendly. It’s an “easy, cheap, local” gym – perfect for maintaining your fitness routine during your stay in Shibuya!