Today I’ll be reviewing my home gym when I’m staying in Osaka, Japan – Sports Gym B&F.
Where is it?
The closest station is Hanazonocho station (Yotsubashi Line). It’s just two stops away from Namba station, so very accessible from the city area. It takes me around 15 minutes by bicycle from Namba.
How much does it cost?
Short-term visitors: 1,200 yen for one day (special offer for foreign tourists), and 13,000 yen (approx. $115) for a monthly pass.
Members: 9,700 yen per month, or cheaper still if you sign up for 6 or 12 months at a time.
Opening Hours
Monday to Friday: 09:30 – 22:30
Saturday: 09:30 – 21:00
Sunday: Closed
Public holidays: 12:00 – 17:00
(Special timetable can apply during summer holidays and New Year’s holidays, etc.)
What if I don’t speak Japanese?
No problem! Although the staff don’t speak much English, I have confirmed personally with them that non-Japanese speaking short-term visitors are welcome at the gym. The only basic rule you need to know is to take your shoes off when you enter (change into your “indoor shoes”) and grab a locker key from the front desk. Everything else (no dropping weights, put weights back on the rack, wipe down equipment after use) is common sense.
Overview of the facilities
Equipment: This gym has all the free-weights and barbell equipment that the serious lifter needs. There are 2 x Smith machines, 3 x power racks, 4 x Bench presses, a deadlift platform, 3 x adjustable benches, 2 x leg press, pull-up/dip station, hamstring curl machine, leg extension machine, cable pulley machine, many barbells and dumbbells up to 90kg (200lbs) among other things. Some of the equipment is a bit old, but everything is fully functional.
There are a few basic cardio machines.
Other facilities: The gym also has tanning booths, change rooms/lockers, toilets and a vending machine. A few basic supplements are also available for purchase at the front counter. The gym is air-conditioned.
Atmosphere: The gym is primarily frequented by bodybuilders and powerlifters who take their training seriously. That said, everyone is pretty friendly and will be happy to have a chat with you if you can speak some Japanese. The crowd is 90% Japanese with a few regular foreign members. The gym can get quite crowded between 6-8pm, but can be almost empty if you go earlier in the day.
Conclusion
This gym is pretty close to the downtown area of Osaka and accepts short-term visitors even if they don’t understand Japanese. This makes it a good option even though it’s a little expensive on a daily basis. You will be able to squat, deadlift, bench and do all the other important things for them sweet, sweet gainz.
Have you been to this gym? Leave a comment and let us know what you thought!
Do you know any other gyms in Osaka suitable for short-term visitors? Submit a gym review!