An active night in Tokyo
Truly a city that never sleeps, Tokyo offers plenty of opportunities for sports and fun physical activities long after sunset. Whether you’re looking to hit some balls at a batting cage, go bowling, or run through a quiet park at night, this guide has the spot for you.
Get sporty in central Tokyo, whatever the weather
Rainy day? Not to worry: Tokyo boasts plenty of all-weather sports facilities. At Spo-Dori! (Indoor Sports Facility) in Bunkyo’s Tokyo Dome City, you can work up a refreshing sweat with activities like bouldering and batting practice.
Similarly, Tondemi Heiwajima is a fun spot for visitors of all ages. Climbing and trampolining are just a few of the activities on offer at the expansive venue.
Hit a home run at a batting cage
Baseball is one of the most popular sports in Tokyo, a city that’s home to two professional teams. Batting cages (“batting centers”), found in many areas around town, are popular spots where students and working people alike go to have fun and socialize.
The Active AKIBA Batting Center on the ninth floor of Akihabara’s Yodobashi Camera store is connected to the adjacent train station. Pitches at speeds from 80 to 170 km/h are synchronized to videos of hurlers from Japan’s pro league, displayed on 60-inch screens, making you feel like you’re going up against a real opponent.
Batting cages can also be found in entertainment districts such as Kabukicho and Asakusa. They’re ideal for getting a light workout in before a round of bar-hopping.
Socialize at a bowling alley
You don’t need to be an expert to enjoy bowling—the desire to roll a ball into some pins is enough. The straightforward sport can be enjoyed by children and adults alike, and Tokyo has a wide variety of bowling alleys where you can do just that. Many of them are conveniently located near train stations, including major transport hubs.
In Tokyo, bowling alleys are go-to spots for social occasions such as welcome parties, farewell gatherings, and year-end celebrations. To cater to a wide range of tastes, many venues offer special services and facilities. Among these is SHINJUKU COPABOWL with its private lanes, which make the ideal setting for small gatherings with friends or family.
Work out in a park
If you’ve made running a habit, the urge to hit the streets doesn’t disappear while traveling. When that happens, the area around the Kokyo Gaien National Garden by the Imperial Palace is the first choice for many in Tokyo.
The loop around the Imperial Palace is an established running destination. It’s considered proper etiquette here to run at a leisurely pace and in a counterclockwise direction to avoid bumping into pedestrians. The course offers the added benefit of beautiful scenery throughout the seasons and the opportunity to spot famous landmarks, some of which are lit up at night.
Another popular runner’s destination is Yoyogi Park, which is conveniently located near the always-buzzy neighborhoods of Harajuku and Shibuya. Running through this lush park lets you escape the frantic pace of the city without leaving central Tokyo.
Getting active can be the ideal gateway to enjoying Tokyo’s nightlife to the fullest. After working up a sweat, you might want to stop by a communal bathhouse to freshen up, then go out for drinks and toast your sporting achievements. Whatever the case, there’s no downside to kicking the night off with some exercise.
