Courtesy of Adventure Seekers

Rock-climbing opens up to the masses in Tokyo

By Karryn Cartelle

TOKYO —

Gripping precariously to a cliff or holding tightly to a wall at a 115-degree angle may not sound like fun to the average Tokyoite. But despite its daredevil reputation, rock climbing is not just for seasoned professionals. With the help of a growing number of indoor climbing gyms and tour operators, people of all ages and ability are giving this extreme sport a go.

Would-be climbers may start the sport to get a more toned physique and stronger upper body, but there are benefits other than just building strength. Jack Nakane, 46, owner of J&S Vertical Climbing Zone says, “You need to be clever and use your brain to determine the best technique when climbing.”

J&S Vertical Climbing Zone is one cozy basement spot located only a few minutes from Ebisu station. Though small, it boasts several walls at all angles, as well as lots of soft padding below for when you attempt the more difficult climbing routes.

Though climbing typically evokes images of scaling rock faces, one sub-category is called bouldering, which entails staying closer to the ground and not using a rope. Because the height is so low, climbers can easily jump (or fall) back to the floor without risking injury.

Bouldering gyms like B-Pump are popular for both professional climbers and those who want to have a bit of fun. The company has a number of locations around town, each with walls utilizing hand-holds of different colors, shapes and sizes.

For those interested in trying an indoor climbing gym, getting started is not as pricy as other hobbies in Tokyo. “The gym fee is a little expensive in comparison to other countries. But when you consider Japan’s high rents, it’s not so bad,” explains Nakane. “Practically all are under 2,000 yen.” Gyms also offer special rates at off-peak times. Pump recommends coming during the day on weekdays, as this is the quietest time.

Many places offer discounts for students and children, and a day pass for a child is typically less than 1,000 yen. Gyms also rent out climbing shoes, chalk and harnesses (if you want to rope climb), allowing you to try the sport before you invest in your own equipment.

Beginners often use indoor rock climbing to lay the groundwork before heading outdoors, but Naoya Suzuki, 32, owner of the Adventure Seekers Rock Climbing School, offers encouragement for first-timers drawn to the fresh mountain air. “It’s totally up to personal preference — beginners don’t always need to start indoors.”

Adventure Seekers has options for all levels. “Our one-day beginner class covers basic rock climbing knots, belaying, and basic climbing techniques,” says Suzuki. “If you are an intermediate climber, our one-day multi-pitch class (getting up a long climb) covers efficient systems, belay station management and a multi-pitch repelling system.”

Suzuki offers private, group and multi-day climbing courses for beginners to more advanced climbers. He holds the title of being the first Japanese certified rock instructor through the American Mountain Guides Association, and has experience teaching abroad and in Japan.

If you want to try your hand at an outdoor climb, Suzuki suggests Yugawara Makuyama in Kanagawa. “It is very easy to access, and there are many onsen in the area.” Another recommendation: “Climbing along the sea cliffs in Jogasaki [on the Izu Peninsula] is unique. It has many routes and is easy to get to from Tokyo.”

For adventures further afield, The Evergreen Outdoor Center in Nagano offers half- and full-day rock climbing tours in the peaks of Hakuba.

Whether you’re after a fresh air climb or you feel safer in the confines of a climbing gym, you’ll find both options at your fingertips.

Indoor Climbing

B-Pump 1-24-10 Kamiogi, Suginami-ku. Tel: 03-6750-9155. www.pump-climbing.com

B-Pump 2 1-8-1 Hiranuma, Nishi-ku, Yokohama. Tel: 045-313-3672. www.pump-climbing.com

Big Rock Climbing Gym 2-35-5 Shishigaya, Tsurumi-ku, Kanagawa. Tel: 045-585-9119. www.big-rock.jp

J & S Vertical Climbing Zone 3-20-2 Higashi, Shibuya-ku. Tel: 3406-8778. www.js-aki.com

J & S Vertical Climbing Zone 1-31-6 Arai, Nakano-ku. Tel: 03-3387-3091. http://jsnakano.blog120.fc2.com

Pump 1 2-3-12 Motogo, Kawaguchi-ku, Saitama. Tel: 048-225-2919. www.pump-climbing.com

Pump 2 2-9-30 Nakanoshima, Tama-ku, Kawasaki, Kanagawa. Tel: 044-930-6081. www.pump-climbing.com

Stone Magic 3-10-20 Kyowa-Sagamihara, Kanagawa. Tel: 042-704-2340. www.dynawall.com/stonemagic

Outdoor Climbing

Adventure Seekers Tel: 050-1043-4287. www.adventure-seekers.com

Evergreen Outdoor Center Tel: 0261-72-5150. www.evergreen-hakuba.com

Japan Free Climbing Association http://homepage2.nifty.com/jfa

This article originally appeared in Metropolis magazine (www.metropolis.co.jp)

5 Comments

zaichik at 09:42 AM JST - 7th April

I used to climb at an indoor wall in Swansea when I was a teenager, and we'd climb at some of the beaches on the Gower Peninsula in summer. The sense of achievement when you complete a climb is amazing. Alas, gravity is even less on my side these days than it used to be, but I'd definitely recommend taking up climbing to improve strength and flexibility, while also giving your brain a workout.
timorborder at 01:08 PM JST - 7th April

Rock climbing is definitely a young person's sport. Get to lie on your back and watch some hero (or idiot) free-climb a really difficult rock face. There is nothing like climbing around a rock wall buttress and seeing blue sky - beneath you.
Altria at 01:36 PM JST - 7th April

Open to the masses?

Then I don't want a part of it!
Sarge at 11:04 PM JST - 7th April

"Rock-climbing"

I can think of several other things immensely more enjoyable - sipping drinks on a sun-splashed beach comes to mind first...
ancientone at 04:02 PM JST - 8th April

I might have tried this 20 years ago, but now, watching a sunset or feeling a nice spring breeze seems just as exhilarating. but hey, if they really enjoy it and it would seem to build bodies up.