Guide: how to find and join a running class in Japan

1. Find a class

1. Go to your prefecture and look for classes in your city or a nearby city.
2. Check the age. Japanese classes are usually grouped by school year: preschool (年少・年中・年長, ages 3–5), elementary school (小学生, grades 1–6) and junior high (中学生). The school year starts in April.
3. Open the class page and press "Official website". The schedule, fee and application method are written there. Use your browser's translation if needed.

2. Types of classes

Regular lessons (monthly fee)

Weekly lessons. You pay every month (月謝, gessha).

Short-term / one-day

A few days, often in summer or before sports day. Good for trying running for the first time.

Trial lesson available

One lesson to try before joining (体験, taiken). Often free or low cost.

Private / small group

A coach watches each child closely.

Public classes

Run by a city, a sports association or a public sports facility. Usually cheap; you may need to apply by a deadline, and places may be decided by lottery (抽選).

3. How to contact a class

Most classes accept applications by an online form, email or phone. If you are not confident in Japanese, an email or form is easiest. You can copy the message below and fill in the parts in [ ].

はじめまして。[あなたの名前]と申します。
子ども（[年齢]歳・[学年]）の体験レッスンに参加したいです。
日本語はあまり話せません。英語で連絡してもよいですか。
参加できる日と、持ち物を教えてください。
よろしくお願いいたします。

[あなたの名前]
[電話番号]

If the class does not answer in English, a translation app works well for short emails. Write simple sentences, one idea per sentence.

4. What a trial lesson is like

1. Arrive 10 minutes early and tell the coach your child's name.
2. Children warm up, practise how to run (arms, posture, starting), and play running games. Lessons are usually 50–90 minutes.
3. After the lesson, the class explains the fee and how to join. You do not have to decide on the day.

5. What to bring

• Sports clothes and running shoes (運動靴)
• A water bottle (水筒) and a towel
• A hat in summer
• Some classes ask you to bring a form or insurance information — check the official page

6. Public places to practise running

Each municipality page lists athletics stadiums (陸上競技場), sports parks (運動公園), gyms (体育館) and parks from open data published by local governments. Many athletics stadiums are open to the public for a small fee — check the rules of each facility on the city's website before you go.

7. Useful Japanese words