Kobe is a popular port city known for its beautiful waterfront scenery, excellent shopping, and outstanding dining experiences. Located just west of Osaka, Kobe is easily accessible by rail and makes an excellent day-trip destination. The Shinkansen (bullet train) stops at Shin-Kobe Station, providing convenient access from major cities such as Osaka, Kyoto, and Tokyo.
The city's main shopping, dining, and entertainment district is centered around Motomachi Station, where visitors will find a vibrant mix of restaurants, cafés, boutiques, and attractions. Kobe's compact city center and attractive harbor area make it easy to explore on foot.
For fitness travelers, Kobe offers a good selection of gym facilities. There are four local gyms that sell day passes to visitors, providing access to a full range of strength-training and cardio equipment.
While some hotels in Kobe offer gym facilities, many charge an additional fee of approximately ¥1,000 to ¥2,000 per visit, even for hotel guests. These hotel gyms may also have limited equipment compared with commercial fitness centers.
For this reason, fitness-focused travelers may find it more practical to stay at a hotel located near one of the local gyms that offer day-pass access. This can provide better workout facilities while potentially offering greater value than paying extra for hotel gym access.
Travel Tip: The Shinkansen serves Shin-Kobe Station, while the city's main entertainment, shopping, and dining district is located around Motomachi Station. When choosing accommodation, consider whether you prefer quick access to high-speed rail services or to Kobe's most vibrant tourist area.
Below gyms sell a day pass to travelers in convenient location in Kobe
Gold's Gym Kobe Motomachi : Open Mon-Sat 7:00 to 23:00, Sun 9.00-21.00. Day pass costs JPY2,860 per visit. For long-stay tourists, 2 weeks pass is available at JPY6,600. See the official gym website.
Granfitness24 Motomachi: Located in front of Motomachi station. Open Mon-Sun 11.00-20.00. Day pass costs JPY2,750per visit. You can pay with credit card. See the official website.
Fitness Gym West: Open Mon-Fri 11.00 - 20.00, Sat and Sun 9.00-18.00. Day pass costs JPY2,200 per visit. See the official gym website.
Gold’s Gym Shinkobe: Open Mon-Sat 7:00 to 23:00, Sun 9.00-21.00. Day pass costs JPY2,860 per visit. For long-stay tourists, 2 weeks pass is available at JPY6,600. See the official gym website.
To avoid embarrassment and disappointment at the gym, please read Tips and etiquette before going to the gym in Japan.
Recommendation: The main tourist area in Kobe is around Motomachi, and Fitness Gym West is a great option in this neighborhood. The day pass is affordable, and the facilities are still very good. With many hotels located nearby, it’s a convenient area to stay while enjoying Kobe and keeping up with your workouts
If you are an Anytime Fitness Member in your home country, you can use 1,200+ Anytime Fitness gyms in Japan 24/7 for free (your home country’s membership covers the cost). You can use the same security key tag to enter. Often Anytime Fitness gyms in Japan are hard to find as they are located in the back street or on the 2nd floor of big building. In this area, there is one gym in convenient locations as follows (Purple icon on the map).