Visiting Japan soon? No need to leave your training condition at the mercy of the fast-food-ramen joints, ubiquitous escalators and enticing cakes and sweets. Even on holiday (or business trip) you can work out and stay fit. Living in Japan, I was always annoyed by the ‘members-only’ policy many Japanese gyms seem to have: no occasional work-out allowed! But, there are many other alternatives for the active traveller. Read on below on where to go with your excess energy! 
photo courtesy of spjob.jp
Outdoors
Hiking
If you’d like to combine your workout with some nature, you might consider hiking. Hiking is very popular in Japan, and for sure a reason that many tourists come to the country in the first place. Which hiker or mountain climber hasn’t dreamt of conquering Japan’s highest point, Mt Fuji? At 3776 metres, this will surely make you break a sweat. There are also countless options for the less practiced legs. From flat walks along rivers in Tokyo’s suburbs to the gentle slopes of hills and small mountains spread out over the country.
When you come from Tokyo, Mt Takao is a good mountain to start with. There are lifts running (so if you are more tired than expected when you get to the summit, a comfortable return is waiting for you.
Same applies for Inasayama in Nagasaki. It is quite doable for untrained feet (especially in spring or fall), and not only is there an alternative ropeway course, you can also reward your feet for their hard work at the Fuku no Yu onsen (with an unrivalled view of Nagasaki city below). Miniblog onsen
The Japan National Tourist Organization (website) lists various hiking courses.
Jogging
Something more high pace? You can always go outside and jog for a bit. But the streets of Tokyo are quite busy with traffic, slow moving grannies and cyclists on the pavement. You can either put up with those, or try the running course around the Imperial Palace. A workout, nature, and sightseeing (the Imperial Palace is over a century old!) in one! That’s what I call effective! There are numerous shower facilities around so you can return home completely refreshed. Click here for more info.
Swimming
Believe it or not, some people like to swim. And if you do it fast enough, it is even said to become an adequate workout. Most pools are part or gyms and therefore only allow visitors to the gym, which requires a monthly membership. If you’re only in Japan for a short period, an occasional-access pool is a better option. I’ve listed some possibilities here.
Cycling
Why not rent a bike in the city and have a work-out and some sightseeing rolled into one? Also, it can be a fast(er) way to travel from A to B, and you won’t be depending on the train network, which in Tokyo shuts down around 24:00/24:30 (be careful with your drinking and driving though, it also counts for bicycles!). Here are a few rent-a-bike places in Tokyo.
Golf
Okey, I’ll admit that I do believe golf is not the most sporty of sports (especially not if hiring a golf cart). On the other hand, it does enquire walking lengthy amounts, often (but not always) accompanied by lengthy conversation. It does provide a good excuse to walk around in the sun all day and strut your new vest and shiny white shoes. Check golf courses around the country here.
Indoors
Gyms
For some, sweating at a gym is just the best workout. Running on a treadmill, some rowing or weightlifting can really push you to your limits. You can track what you do and goals are set clear and match your own objectives. Why not try out one of these gyms if your hotel is not equipped with one?
Climbing
Climbing and bouldering are wildly popular in Japan. It has to be, considering the country is 80% covered by mountains. In any case, you will have enough natural climbing spots to choose from. But, for beginners, city-dwellers or rainy days, the climbing gym is just right. Even for those of you who have never tried, in many gyms there are lessons you can join (be aware that some will be in Japanese though). For first-timers, sore muscles are guaranteed the next day. Check here for a list of climbing and bouldering gyms around Tokyo.
Dancing
True, you can choose to dance in a sweaty night club, shoulder-to-shoulder with twentysomethings with such thick makeup on their own parents probably wouldn’t recognize them. Don’t get me wrong, this can also be good fun. But, for the typical traveller looking for a dance workout, one of the many dancing classes taught in Tokyo might be a better idea. Check here for a selection of dancing schools of all genres, all of which you can join for a single lesson.
