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In and around Tokyo you can find almost every type of recreation known—tennis, swimming, horseback riding, skiing, even hang gliding. Check with your
hotel's front desk or listings in the CitySource English Telephone Directory
in your hotel room. Expect all sites to be unbelievably crowded, especially
on the weekends.
BICYCLING
Given Tokyo's congested roads, it's much more pleasant to cycle on the riverside
than contend with traffic. The city's major rivers have bike paths alongside;
Sumidagawa and Megurogawa are two accessible suggestions. Ask your hotel for
assistance with bike rentals. Expect to pay about ¥5,000 a day.
GOLF
Almost all the golf courses in Japan worth playing at are members-only facilities.
They are all very expensive, with prices ranging ¥20,000-¥50,000 per
round. Use of the courses often must be scheduled in advance. Most allow guests,
but unless you have been invited by a member, you won't be let in. Check with
your buddies in Japan before lugging your clubs on the plane.
HEALTH CLUBS
Nearly all health clubs in Tokyo require you to join before you use them.
Few, if any, allow one-time use by travelers. Your best bet for health-club
facilities is your hotel.
HIKING AND WALKING
You can go hiking in beautiful mountains just 90 minutes from Tokyo by train.
It's a major pastime. Trail maps can be bought, but they're always in Japanese.
Instead, look for Gary Waters' Day Walks Near Tokyo, which details 25 walks
within easy reach of the city. Highly recommended is the Lake Tanzawa to Yaga
trail. It takes you up Mt. Ono for superb views of Mt. Fuji. Some of the trails
in the Tanzawa region can be dangerous—it's best to go with people who
know the area.
JOGGING
Imperial Palace—The best and easiest place to jog is around the Imperial
Palace. You'll find many fellow joggers there early in the morning.
Jingu Gaien—A place where you don't have to worry about traffic too much
is Jingu Gaien near Ayoma, where the National Stadium and Chichibunomiya Rugby
Field are located (Shinano-machi station on the JR Chuo line, or Gaien-mae
station on the Ginza line).
Shinjuku Central Park—There's a jogging course around Shinjuku Central
Park, located in the hotel district on the west side of Shinjuku station.
SWIMMING
Wild Blue Yokohama—This attraction has an indoor beach with simulated
sand, waves and palm trees. Open year round, 10 am-10 pm. ¥3,900 adults,
discounts for children. 2-28-2 Heian-cho (Tsurumi-ku, near Tsurumi station
on the JR Keihin-Tohoku line), Yokohama. Phone 045-511-2323.
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