Indoor Sports in Kobe

Aug 18, 2021

Indoor Sports in Kobe

With Tokyo having just hosted the summer Olympic games, interest in sporting pursuits is probably high across Japan. Now is a good time to check out Kobe’s many sporting facilities and classes. Here are some suggestions that might appeal to sports fans, from those wanting to give themselves a proper workout to those just looking for a casual bit of leisurely fun.

Volleyball

Volleyball is a team sport growing in popularity over the past few years among both men and women. It can be played indoors and outdoors, with the Olympic version usually taking place in indoor sports arenas. Both men’s and women’s national teams have a strong caliber, with the men winning Olympic gold in 1972 and the women in 1964 (in Tokyo) and 1976. You can find volleyball facilities in Kobe’s Green Arena in Kobe Sports Park and the sports arena at the Kobe Central Gymnasium.

Table Tennis

Japan is among the world’s leading nations when it comes to table tennis. It won the mixed doubles gold at Tokyo 2020 as well as taking silver and two bronzes. You can find table tennis facilities at many Kobe sports venues. The Kobe Green Arena and the Kobe Regatta and Athletic Club have tables open to the public, while the Kobe Central Gymnasium holds classes on Thursdays for both men and women.

Basketball

Similar to volleyball, basketball is a sport played both indoors and outside. At the professional level, it’s usually an indoor sport and one that can attract large crowds. Japan competes in both men’s and women’s international competitions, and both have achieved success in Asia-wide tournaments. If you want to play indoor basketball in Kobe, the Kobe Green Arena has facilities that you can rent. Kobe Central Gymnasium also has facilities, plus it runs mini-basketball sessions for elementary school children on Sundays.

Badminton

The Japanese take badminton seriously as a sport. Kento Momota is the current number one ranked player in the men’s game, and Nozomi Okuhara is the world number three in the women’s game. Although Japan had a relatively poor Olympics this year in badminton terms – winning just one bronze medal – the women’s team is the current world champion while the men’s team was runner up in the last tournament in 2018 and won in 2014. You can book a court at the Kobe Green Arena or the Kobe Regatta and Athletic Club. Or, if you want to hone your racket skills, the Kobe Central Gymnasium has classes on Thursdays.

Snooker

Although snooker has been taking off in some parts of East Asia, with Chinese star Ding Junhui ranked among the sport’s elite for over a decade now, it hasn’t caught on to the same extent in Japan. You can find bars with pool tables, but snooker facilities are harder to come by. Thankfully, the Kobe Regatta and Athletic Club has a quality full-size table in its recreation room. The table, plus cues and equipment, can be rented out at an hourly rate.

Ice Skating

If you fancy a bit of winter sporting action, the Kobe Port Island Sports Center transforms its 50-meter swimming pool into a fully functioning ice rink each winter. Costs are 1,400 yen per session for adults and 750 yen for kids. Group rental is also available, and skates can be rented as well. Take the Port Liner from Sannomiya Station and get off at Shimin Hiroba station to reach the center.

Martial Arts

Japan has a martial arts history that goes back many centuries so it’s no surprise that you can learn various self-defense skills at venues throughout Kobe, including karate, kung fu, and jiu-jitsu. Read this guide on learning martial arts in Kobe to find out more.

cdephotos, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons