Sports Classes in Kumamoto

Feb 22, 2023

Sports Classes in Kumamoto

Looking to participate in some sporting pursuits in Kumamoto? You can find plenty of municipal and private gyms and sports centers across the prefecture that offer multi-sports as well as a few facilities that specialise in particular activities. Here’s a quick rundown of where to go and what you can do.

Racket Sports

There are tennis courts at some of the prefectural sports centers and gymnasiums across Kumamoto. Some of the city parks also have hard courts. You will have to bring your own equipment. Most of the sports centers have large halls and provide equipment for badminton and table tennis. A few of the centers may offer classes with instructors but the best place to head to in terms of tuition is the Star Tennis Club in Higashi ward. Here, you can try out the likes of tennis, squash and soft tennis. The club also offers wheelchair tennis for those with disabilities.

Ball Sports

A lot of investment has gone into football in Kumamoto in recent years. It is one of the locations for elite football schools run by the Japanese Football Association (JFA). These schools are for 13-15-year-olds hoping to become professionals – although at 80,000 yen a month it’s expensive. Meanwhile in Kashima ward, the recently-opened COSMOS Football Center offers two floodlit artificial pitches that can be hired by local teams and coaches.

If you’re better with your hands than your feet, you can try out volleyball or basketball at a local sports center. Check the Kumamoto Prefectural Sports Association (KSPA) for information on facilities and classes.

Of course, you book facilities yourself if you have a group of you wanting to play any of these sports. If you need to make up the numbers, why not contact one of Kumamoto’s expat clubs to look for other sports-minded people?

Cue Sports

The so-called cue sports – pool, snooker and billiards – haven’t taken off in Japan to the extent that they have in China in recent years but you can find a few pool halls in Kumamoto as well as the odd bar or café that has a table if you fancy a quick informal knock-around. The pick of the larger halls is probably Billiard Premium in Kita Ward. The club offers up an 8-foot snooker table as well as three 9-ball pool tables. All equipment is provided including chalk for the cues.

Address: 1544-1 Uekimachi Abumida, Kita Ward, Kumamoto 861-0142

Shooting Sports

Got a keen aim when it comes to hitting targets? If you can handle a bow and arrow, you might want to head along to the Ueki Archery Hall. The outdoor range here hosts classes and is also available for private hire. It’s in Kita ward, meaning that you could combine it with a visit to Billiard Premium and enjoy a whole day of gentle sports. Tickets are 250 yen for a single session.

Kumamoto also has a municipal shooting range. Run by the KSPA, it’s around 12 km from Kumamoto Airport and offers up disciplines including clay pigeon and rifle shooting. Equipment is provided.