Playing sport in and around Tokyo

[Drkns]

My interest in playing sport has gradually increased over the years, and currently I focus upon tennis and swimming (and going for a jog every once in a while). It is my understanding that tennis courts and swimming pools are somewhat difficult to use in and around Tokyo, as they require one to have a membership or certain acquaintances, and can often be expensive.

Is this the case? If so, then how do you get your sports fix in Japan and how does one keep fit there? (Obviously the seemingly endless stairs of certain Tokyo underground stations help ).

Also, is it acceptable for one to go jogging in any park in Tokyo? i.e. One can step out onto the street in jogging gear, head over to the nearest park, and start jogging?

Thanks for your responses,
Drkns.

 

[budd]

this is gonna take some time. i saw one or two biking and rollerblading sites a while back, but i don't know if i can find them right now
but i know there is a lot of stuff going on around yoyogi park near harajuku on the weekends -- the stadium? i saw a jogathon/runathon/walkathon/crawlathon over there

 

[Genius]

yea what are you supposed to do for fun in japan? tokyo is seemed had no recreational facilities. everything just looked like office buildings.

outside of tokyo though i noticed there were some tennis courts here and there and several baseball fields as well. do the people who live in the city have to travel outside just to get in recreational activity?

 

[Ewok85]

The tennis courts I went to had a vending machine where you could buy 'tickets' for use of the courts. I did a martial art which kept me busy. Jogging in parks is ok, I used to go for a jog with my football and practice bouncing it through the streets of Ageo

 

[Drkns]

My apologies for not responding sooner - I had read the responses some time ago but failed to realise that I had not posted to thank you all. It would appear that I'll need to find out when I get to Japan, rather than attempt to plan everything far in advance .


Thankyou for your responses,
Drkns.