In Minato-ku, all elementary schools and kindergartens in the area had bouldering equipment installed by March 2023 as an initiative to improve the physical fitness of children. Bouldering, which was first adopted as a sports climbing event at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, does not require any equipment and allows for a full-body workout, and the number of participants is increasing nationwide due to how easy it is to get into. Here, we will introduce bouldering gyms in Minato-ku where you can experience bouldering, building up your physical strength and relieving any lack of exercise. Both children and adults can work up a good sweat with bouldering!

“Rocky” is a bouldering gym with 6 locations in the Tokyo metropolitan area, based on the concept of “a rocky area that you can easily go to in the city.” “Rocky Bouldering Gym Shinagawa,” located in the Matsuoka Shinagawa Wharf Building in Konan 5-chome, is one of the largest and tallest stores in Tokyo, and is crowded with people every day. At the gym, we have created an environment where you can explore the appeal of rock climbing. There is even a maximum wall size of 4.3 m in length and 33 m in width.

There are patrons of various ages, from elementary school students to the elderly, mostly people in their 20s and 30s. In terms of proportions, there are more male customers, apparently there are many female customers as well. Instructors with extensive climbing experience will carefully teach you how to climb, so even beginners can take on the challenge of climbing without worries.

All you need to visit is comfortable clothing such as a T-shirt and shorts, and socks. If you register as a new member, your first shoe rental and chalk rental are free.

There is also a unique spherical wall, which is unusual for a bouldering wall. It seems like you can try various climbing methods.

“Rocky Bouldering Gym Shinagawa” has a fitness area in addition to the climbing area. Train your muscles in a well-balanced manner with both bouldering and fitness.

“Rocky Bouldering Gym Shinagawa,” which opened in March 2010, is often used in the after-5:00 hours, and many customers apparently visit on their way home from work. Some customers apparently got hooked on climbing at this gym despite being beginners and now spend more time at the gym than the staff. Bouldering is a sport that even those with no experience can easily start without bringing anything. Tanno-san, an instructor, says “Bouldering is a sport that even people with no experience can easily get into. The exhilarating feeling you get when you reach the top is irresistible and will definitely make you want to climb even more! Why not try bouldering, which you can enjoy at your own pace and experience first-hand growth?” It’s recommended for people who have been working at a desk and would like to get some exercise.

Rocky bouldering Gym Shinagawa
Matsuoka Shinagawa Wharf Building 103, 5-4-38 Konan, Minato-ku, Tokyo
https://www.rockyclimbing.com/shinagawa/
Business hours: 10:00-23:00 (weekdays), 10:00-21:00 (Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays)

Due to the bouldering gym that was originally located in the same location closed in September 2023, "Urban Base Camp Shinbashi" was re-opened on October 7th of the same year under Yuji Hirayama, a professional climber and president of BaseCamp. The walls have been slightly renovated, and artificial grass has been installed in the area. The store is located on the 1st basement floor of the SVAX Nishi-Shinbashi Building, and has excellent access, being An 8-minute walk from the Karasumori exit of JR Shinbashi Station and a 5-minute walk from Uchisaiwai-cho Station on the Toei Mita Line. It seems convenient.

Although the store is underground, one unique thing about the gym is that it is spacious, with walls as high as 4 meters. As you move side walls, you can challenge walls at various angles. It also offers courses that can be enjoyed by everyone, from beginners to experts. Once a month, they completely replace the holds (protrusions on the wall) and change the course, so even if you become a regular, you can keep visiting without getting bored.

The gym is also fully equipped with a stretching space. Enjoy climbing after thoroughly loosening up your body.

There is much use by groups such as company interest group members and friends climbing together. Some climbing friends who met at the gym have also gone together to outdoor rocky areas to climb. Climbing is a sport that can be enjoyed both indoors and out.

Even if you are new to bouldering, the highly skilled staff will teach you the basics. First-time instructions are provided at any time, so let them know that this is your first time. They also hold skill acquisition lessons for beginners that are free of charge (*A textbook fee of 100 yen is required for the first class, reservation required). Anyone can safely hone their climbing skills.

Sekiguchi-san, a staff member, speaks about the deep appeal of climbing, saying “Climbing is easier to get started than you think, and I think it’s a sport that people of all ages can enjoy. Just because you have muscles doesn't necessarily mean you can climb difficult courses, and there are some courses that are easier for women to climb. It's a bodyweight sport, so climbing helps you build toned muscles, making it a very healthy sport.” They also call out “Please feel free to come to our store. Don't worry, even if it's your first time, our staff will give you a lesson. Let's take the first step towards a rich climbing life!”' Since the store is located in Shinbashi, some people come to climb before work or just for a few hours during the day. There is also a discounted lunch rate from 10:00 to 13:00, so why not go climbing when you have some free time?

Urban Base Camp Shinbashi
B1F, SVAX Nishi-Shimbashi Building, 2-39-3 Nishi-Shimbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
https://b-camp.jp/shinbashi/
Business hours: 10:00-23:00 (weekdays), 10:00-21:00 (Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays)
*Temporary closures may occur while changing holds.

“D. Bouldering Tamachi” is the 12th store of the nationwide bouldering gym “D. Bouldering” and its first urban store, opened on November 20, 2023. It is located in Tamachi Tower, a large mixed-use building that was just completed in September 2023, and is directly connected to Toei Subway Mita Station and JR Tamachi Station. You can try bouldering at your leisure at this sophisticated and stylish gym.

The wall, including the main wall, separate areas, and a training board, is up to 4.7 meters high and 41 meters wide.

The male to female ratio at the gym is about 7:3. The interior is clean and stylish, making it popular among women. The purposes are varied, from improving climbing techniques to getting in shape and relieving any lack of exercise. It is used by a wide range of ages, from children to seniors in their 60s.

The spacious area of approximately 330 meters has a variety of walls ranging from gentle slopes to intense slopes of up to 145 degrees. If it’s your first time, the staff will give you a detailed lesson, so you don’t have to worry about anything.

The gym is also equipped with a Kilter Board, a rarity in Japan. Kilter Boards are training boards on which climbing holds light up to show programmed routes. Users can tackle climbing problems created by climbers around the world.

There is also an area for children ages 3 and up. “D. Bouldering” also offers a kids’ school for elementary school students, which is very popular as a learning activity. Children can learn the foundations of exercise in a fun way.

You can use the gym without a reservation, but if you make a reservation online in advance, your reservation information will serve as a member registration, making for an easy entrance. Also, once you register, you can enjoy great deals not only at the Tamachi location, but also at other locations nationwide. After experiencing bouldering for the first time at this gym, some customers have started coming regularly, and they smile and say, “It feels like I’m on a sports team, even as an adult.'' Now that the number of competitive athletes is increasing, it may be the perfect time to start bouldering.

D. Bouldering Tamachi
3F Tamachi Tower, 5-33-11 Shiba, Minato-ku, Tokyo
https://www.d-b-c.jp/top/tamachi/
Business hours: 10:00-23:00 (weekdays), 10:00-21:00 (Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays)