Best Gyms in Kobe

Sep 28, 2023

Best Gyms in Kobe

Whether living in Kobe or spending some time in the city, you may want to hit the gym at some point. You have plenty of options, including day passes (which are called “visitor” in Japan). You’ll need an ID, such as your passport, to join a gym. You’ll also need to bring shoes that you don’t use outside.

Gold’s Gym

There are two Gold’s Gyms in Kobe, both of which are highly rated.

Kobe Motomachi is popular for its friendly trainers, who can help if you want advice on using the equipment. Patrons also commend this gym for its post-workout protein, which is included in the price of a beginner’s course.

Shin-Kobe Hyogo has a swimming pool and a regular gym equipped with a wide range of machines. Depending on where you are based in Kobe, it may be less convenient to reach than the Motomachi location, but the advantage is that it tends to be much less crowded.

Where: 47 Akashimachi, Chuo Ward (map) / Kobe Art Center 1F and 3F, 7-1-13 Kumanaibashidori, Chuo Ward (map)
Website: www.goldsgym.jp
Open Hours: 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. from Monday to Saturday; 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. (Motomachi) and 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. (Shin-Kobe Hyogo) on Sundays

Anytime Fitness

Another big-name gym in Kobe is Anytime Fitness. The Sannomiya-Asahidori location is open 24 hours a day and has English-speaking staff. If you like using free weights, you’ll appreciate the fact there’s a reservation board where you can write your name to prevent a long wait. If you already have an Anytime Fitness membership, use your regular security key to enter the gym in Kobe. Otherwise, sign up or purchase a pass (this is only an option where there are staff at the gym).

Where: 1-1-1 Asahidori, Chuo Ward (map)
Website: www.anytimefitness.co.jp
Open Hours: 24 hours from Monday to Sunday

Gran Fitness 24 Motomachi

For a gym at an economical price, head to Gran Fitness 24 Motomachi. It’s an official Hammer Strength training center, which means it has just machines in a particular lineup. Even beginners should find how to use the machines obvious, although extra support from trainers is available.

Where: 1-14-5 Motomachidori, Chuo Ward (map)
Website: fitness365.jp
Open Hours: 24 hours from Monday to Sunday

Port Tower Crossfit

If you prefer to train in a group, you may like to go to Port Tower Crossfit. This gym has a great sense of community, and the knowledgeable trainers (they speak both English and Japanese) will push you to your limits. You can join the classes no matter what level you are.

Where: 6-1-160 Warizukadori, Chuo Ward (map)

Website: www.porttowercrossfit.com/

Open Hours: 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. from Monday to Friday; 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturdays

If you want to make sure a gym is right for you before you commit to a membership, find out if it offers a one-day free trial — bear in mind, these are typically available just to people who live in the city. Be aware that gyms tend to fill up between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. — if you can go at another time of day, you can avoid the crowds.

RSG Group, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons