Rock Climbing Gyms in Kobe

Mar 17, 2021

Rock Climbing Gyms in Kobe

Japan has many mountains to scale and many rock climbing gyms if you want to do supervised climbing or try out a new hobby. There are several locations in Kobe where you can give indoor climbing a go. You can find something for all skill levels, from beginners to advanced bouldering and top-roping techniques. Most gyms provide all the necessary equipment, so all you need to do is pay the session fee (or membership) and turn up!

BOSSA

One of the best places for bouldering in Kobe, BOSSA is well established and located in the Nagata ward, which is about a 10-minute walk from JR Shin-Nagata station. A good place whether you’re starting out or experienced as there is a variety of equipment, classes for all levels and ages, plus friendly staff to assist and give induction training. BOSSA offers exclusively bouldering and has various walls, including vertical walls, a campus board selection, a moon board, and a range of pull-up equipment. The atmosphere is laid back, so it’s a good place for novices to try out equipment without feeling self-conscious. Registration is required, and you can then buy either day or 90-minute passes.

Hours: 3:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. (Weekdays); 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. (Weekends)
Prices: Children 800-1,200 yen; Students 1,300-1,700 yen; Adults 1,400-2,000 yen; Initial registration fee 1,500 yen
Website: http://bossa-cl.com/

Wagomu

Wagomu is another bouldering hall situated in Kobe’s western Nagata ward. It’s a relatively new gym and has quickly gained a reputation as a fun, family-friendly, and accessible space. Facilities and equipment are suitable for adult climbers, beginners, children, and those with disabilities. You will find a range of vertical walls, angled walls, and tunneled roof walls. Kids classes run on the weekends for juniors who want to start climbing. The building also has a family-friendly workspace where members can use laptops.

Hours: 1:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. (Weekdays); 11:00 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. (Weekends)
Prices: Children 1,000 yen; Adults 1,700 yen; Specialist classes 3,000-5,000 yen; Initial registration fee 500 yen
Website: https://www.wagomu.jp/

Gravity Research

Gravity Research is a well-known climbing brand with many gyms and stores across Japan. Its Kobe climbing gym is centrally located in Sannomiya, close to Kobe Regatta & Athletic Club. All ages and abilities are catered for. It’s particularly popular with kids and beginners due to many low walls that are easier to tackle initially, plus there is a bouldering starter pack where you can get a training session with an expert when registering. As well as bouldering, there is also rope climbing, and you can rent equipment, including climbing shoes, harnesses, and ropes.

Hours: 1:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. (Weekdays); 11:00 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. (Weekends)
Prices: Kids/Students 900 yen; Seniors 1,400 yen; Adults 1,800 yen (2-hour sessions); Full day access 2,100 yen; Full membership with unlimited use 10,000 yen per month.
Website: https://www.gravity-research.jp/shop/mintkobe/

Rock Garden

This is a small bouldering gym tucked behind Kobe Port Tower in the Harborland area. Rock Garden has two areas – one consisting of vertical and overhanging walls and an upstairs area with roof climbing. Shoes and equipment are available to rent.

Address: 6-8 Hatobacho (1F), Chuo Ward, Kobe 650-0042
Hours: 1:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. (Weekdays); 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. (Weekends)
Prices: Weekdays 1,600 yen; Weekends 2,000 yen; Registration fee 1,200 yen
Tel: 078-351-5102

Noboriba SG

Starting out as a children’s climbing gym in 2010, this has now evolved into an all-ages facility that focuses mostly on bouldering. The main area has 10 different types of walls, and there is also a smaller upstairs wall that is suitable for children.

Hours: 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. (Weekdays); Saturdays 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.; Sundays 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Prices: Children 1,100-1,200 yen; Students 1,400-1,700 yen; Seniors 1,200 yen; Adults 1,500-2,000 yen; Registration 1,000 yen (children) 1,500 (adults); Monthly membership with unlimited use 10,000 yen
Website: http://noboriba-sg.com/

By Cpl. Emmanuel Ramos (https://www.dvidshub.net/image/1431507) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons