{"id":26913,"date":"2026-10-07T20:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-10-07T11:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/?p=26913"},"modified":"2026-10-15T16:14:03","modified_gmt":"2026-10-15T07:14:03","slug":"gym-membership-in-japan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/en\/blog\/gym-membership-in-japan\/","title":{"rendered":"How to sign up for a gym membership in Japan"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Whether you\u2019re building strength, working on your cardiovascular health, or wanting to join some group fitness classes, signing up for a gym membership can help you achieve your fitness goals in Japan. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chances are, there will be some differences between how gyms at home work versus gyms in Japan. Read on to learn more about <\/span>how to sign up for a gym membership in Japan<\/b>, gym rules, and some easy Japanese language tips for the gym.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Private vs public gyms<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Broadly, there are two kinds of gyms in Japan: those that are run by private companies and those run by the local city ward or municipality. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Public gyms are much cheaper and don\u2019t require memberships. You just pay for the time you wish to use the gym for, which can be a<\/span>round 400 to 700 yen per visit. This is great if you don\u2019t want to commit to a long-term contract and want to save some money. The downsides are that they get extremely busy and their equipment isn\u2019t always the best quality. If you\u2019re looking for a gym where you can speak English, you\u2019re mostly out of luck with public gyms. <\/span>Many public gyms ask for ID showing you live, work, or study in that ward, and some require a short first-time orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some examples of public gyms in Tokyo include <\/span>Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>Sarugaku Training Gym<\/a>. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the other hand, private gyms are more expensive and usually require you to sign up for a membership. But they have better selection of equipment and you may be able to find a private gym that offers some English support. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The cost of a private gym membership will vary depending on the gym and what type of membership plan you choose. Generally, you can expect to pay between 7000 and over 12,000 yen per month. Membership plans could include daytime-only plans, family plans, classes only, etc. There is usually a different price for daytime versus evening memberships, with the latter being more expensive due to popularity. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The most common private gyms in Japan include Gold\u2019s Gym<\/a>, Anytime Fitness<\/a>, Konami Sports Club<\/a>, and Tipness<\/a>. There are also F45<\/a> and Crossfit<\/a> gyms in Japan.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want something even more budget-friendly, look at chocoZAP<\/a>. It’s a low-cost, 24-hour gym chain with locations all over Japan, and it’s popular with beginners because the setup is simple and you can work out whenever it suits your schedule. Check the latest plan details on their website before you sign up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you’d feel more comfortable in a women-only space, check out WOMGYM<\/a>, a 24-hour gym where both the members and the staff are women. They offer free tours before you join, but their website is in Japanese, so you may want to use a translation tool when you book.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"model<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get a gym membership in Japan<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you decide that private is the way to go, then your next step will be to sign up for a membership. The exact process will be different depending on the gym you choose, so keep in mind that this is just a general overview. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Visit the gym you would like to join and speak to a staff member. If you\u2019re not confident in your language skills, try to bring someone with you who can speak Japanese. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Or, you can try saying:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u30b8\u30e0\u306e\u4f1a\u54e1\u624b\u7d9a\u304d\u3092\u7533\u3057\u8fbc\u307f\u305f\u3044\u3067\u3059\u3002
<\/span>Jimu no kaiin tetsuzuki o m\u014dshikomitai desu.
<\/span><\/i>I would like to sign up for a gym membership.<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Or if you would like to see if they offer a free trial before signing up:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u7121\u6599\u4f53\u9a13\u306f\u3067\u304d\u307e\u3059\u304b\uff1f<\/span>
<\/span>Mury\u014d taiken wa dekimasu ka?
<\/span><\/i>Can I do a free trial?<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n

They will show you around the gym, explain the terms and conditions of your membership, as well as the gym rules. Once you’ve been given a thorough tour and had everything explained, you’ll start your application. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Make sure you bring your <\/span>Residence Card<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>zairy\u016b k\u0101do<\/span><\/i> \u5728\u7559\u30ab\u30fc\u30c9), the card you want to use to pay your membership fees (or your <\/span>Japanese bank account<\/span><\/a> information), and ensure you have enough money to pay the sign-up fees. Make sure you also have someone in Japan who you can provide as your emergency contact person.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once you\u2019re signed up and have paid the necessary fees, you will have your photo taken and be given your entry card\/tag. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A couple of things to note:<\/strong>
It’s common for the bigger gyms to ask you to sign up for a credit card that’s sponsored by the gym, so they can charge your gym fees to that card. If you’re rejected from applying for that card, your gym may not accept your registration or payment by another card.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Be aware that the sign-up process for joining a gym in Japan can be lengthy. We recommend you apply for your membership on a day when you have plenty of time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other phrases that might be helpful<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

How much does a membership cost?<\/b>
<\/b>\u4f1a\u8cbb\u306f\u3044\u304f\u3089\u3067\u3059\u304b\uff1f<\/span>
<\/span>Kaihi wa ikura desu ka?<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Or<\/span>
<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u6599\u91d1\u306f\u3044\u304f\u3089\u3067\u3059\u304b\uff1f<\/span>
<\/span>Ry\u014dkin wa ikura desu ka?<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n

How does membership cancellation work?
<\/b>\u9000\u4f1a\u3059\u308b\u5834\u5408\u306e\u624b\u7d9a\u304d\u3092\u6559\u3048\u3066\u304f\u3060\u3055\u3044?<\/span>
<\/span>Taikai suru baai no tetsuzuki o oshiete kudasai.<\/span><\/i>
<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some gyms may offer the ability to sign up online, but that will depend on the gym. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rules at Japanese gyms<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You might find Japanese gyms come with more rules than those back home. Each gym differs, but here are some of the most common rules you\u2019ll find once you start using your gym membership in Japan.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

No outdoor shoes inside the gym<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Just like you would take your outdoor shoes off when you enter a <\/span>Japanese home<\/span><\/a>, you will need to change into a pair of indoor shoes when going to the gym. This means shoes that are clean and which you don\u2019t wear outside.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

No cameras or phones<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Privacy is a big deal in Japanese gyms, with some places not allowing mobile phones in the workout area at all. Taking selfies and photos of others is largely frowned upon, although it might be okay to use your phone to listen to music while you work out. Check with your particular gym to avoid any issues.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cover tattoos<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tattoos are still seen as taboo in Japan and some gyms won\u2019t let you join if you have visible ink. Cover up tattoos with clothing, or a plaster if possible. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep noise to a minimum<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Making a lot of noise, including dropping weights onto the floor, playing your music loudly, etc, is frowned upon. It\u2019s important to be courteous of others using the gym, which includes not making loud noises. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

On top of these conditions, there may be other rules at your gym. These could include no spotting, no super-setting, and more. Please check thoroughly with your gym.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Blue<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alternatives to joining the gym<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Getting a gym membership isn\u2019t the be all and end all if you want to work out in Japan. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you prefer exercising outdoors, head to your local park for a jog, go for walks around your neighborhood, or head out to the mountains<\/a> for some hikes. Some parks actually have basic equipment, like bars, for calisthenic training. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A great option if you live in a bigger city, is to see if there are fitness communities you can join. For example, <\/span>SOGO<\/span><\/a> is a popular fitness community that does free bootcamps in Yoyogi Park every Sunday morning. <\/span>Meetup.com<\/span><\/a> is a great place to find groups to join where you can get your exercise in while meeting new people.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Japanese words and phrases for the gym<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Like anything in Japan, going to the gym will be harder if you don\u2019t speak the language. Although it\u2019s certainly possible to get by on minimal Japanese! Here are some basic words and phrases to help you understand a little more at the gym.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Exercise
<\/b>\u904b\u52d5
<\/span>Und\u014d<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Work out
<\/b>\u30c8\u30ec\u30fc\u30cb\u30f3\u30b0
<\/span>Tor\u0113ningu<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Strength training
<\/b>\u7b4b\u30c8\u30ec
<\/span>Kintore <\/span><\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u30a6\u30a7\u30a4\u30c8\u30c8\u30ec\u30fc\u30cb\u30f3\u30b0
<\/span>Weitotor\u0113ningu<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aerobic exercise
<\/b>\u6709\u9178\u7d20\u904b\u52d5
<\/span>Y\u016bsanso und\u014d<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dumbbell
<\/b>\u30c0\u30f3\u30d9\u30eb
<\/span>Danberu<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Barbell
<\/b>\u30d0\u30fc\u30d9\u30eb
<\/span>B\u0101beru<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bench
<\/b>\u30d9\u30f3\u30c1
<\/span>Benchi<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Treadmill
<\/b>\u30e9\u30f3\u30cb\u30f3\u30b0\u30de\u30b7\u30f3
<\/span>Raningumashin<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can I use this?
<\/b>\u3053\u308c\u3092\u4f7f\u3063\u3066\u3082\u3044\u3044\u3067\u3059\u304b\uff1f
<\/span>Kore o tsukatte mo ii desu ka?<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you finished with this?
<\/b>\u7d42\u308f\u308a\u307e\u3057\u305f\u304b\uff1f
<\/span>Owarimashita ka?<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Weigh up your Japanese learning options<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Want to understand more than just the basics? Go! Go! Nihon can help you to live and study in Japan with one of 30+ partner schools around Japan. Learn more about our language school partners <\/span>here<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Follow <\/span>our blog<\/span><\/a> for more articles about life in Japan, the language, culture, and more.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Whether you\u2019re building strength, working on your cardiovascular health, or wanting to join some group fitness classes, signing up for a gym membership can help you achieve your fitness goals in Japan.  Chances are, there will be some differences between how gyms at home work versus gyms in Japan. Read on to learn more about […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":107,"featured_media":25793,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","_members_access_role":[],"_members_access_error":""},"categories":[402],"tags":[654,666,690],"class_list":["post-26913","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-how-to","tag-health","tag-language","tag-living-abroad"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/26913","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/107"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=26913"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/26913\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":224978,"href":"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/26913\/revisions\/224978"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/25793"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=26913"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=26913"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=26913"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}