How It All Started
About Climbing Japan Gym Directory
Made by Mat—a Japanese-American climber who fell in love with Japan’s gym scene and wanted a way for every traveler to experience it with confidence.
Why this project exists
I want international climbers to spend more time pulling on holds and less time digging through outdated blog posts or half-translated price lists. Every guide is researched in Japanese and English, cross-checked with locals, and updated as gyms evolve.
From first-timers planning a vacation send to expats hunting for training partners, this site exists so you can walk into any gym feeling informed, respectful, and excited for your next session.
How we translate Japanese climbing beta
Every page follows the quality checklist in our brand style guide. Here are the principles that guide each gym guide.
Climber-first lens
Lead with wall angles, grade spread, and session logistics so you know exactly what to expect when you pull on.
Bilingual verification
Match Japanese announcements with English summaries, confirm pricing twice, and cite the latest sources whenever possible.
Pricing Clarity
We translate confusing Japanese price charts into straightforward day pass prices for visitors. We always point out first-time registration fees so you're never surprised.
Accessibility in focus
Call out English support levels, station access, and renter essentials so travelers can plan with confidence.
A sandbagged V0 launched this passion project
My brother and I dropped into D.Bouldering Okinawa during a family trip in 2018. A squad of kids floated up comp-style problems while we wrestled with a sandbagged V0. I walked out humbled, obsessed, and determined to understand what made Japanese gyms so special.
Since then I’ve trained three or more times a week, carried my shoes on every trip, and returned to Japan almost every year. I track reset schedules, chat with setters in Japanese, and share beta with locals who are surprised when I answer in their language.
Climbing Japan is the resource I wish existed back then—honest, bilingual, and created by someone who knows what it feels like to land in Tokyo with jet lag, chalky hands, and no idea which gym will feel welcoming.
What you’ll find on Climbing Japan
- Detailed gym pages: Pricing, grade spread, wall angles, reset cadence, and travel logistics gathered from official sources and firsthand visits.
- Location pages: City-by-city gym listings with station access and practical travel information to help you plan your visit.
Where your input matters
If you spot a price change, a new training board, or have updates about a gym, share them through the contact page. Beta in English or Japanese is welcome.
• Drop updates through the contact page.
• Share your beta in English or Japanese.
• Want to collaborate? Reach out with your idea.