A visit to Shakujii Ground

Today we went visited Shakujii Grounds, which is a large sports facility belonging to Bank of Japan. It is located right next Sanpoji Pond of Shakujii-Park, and since you find an easy enough map in Japanese below.





Well inside we realized how big this place is. It contains one baseball ground, one football ground, about 10 tennis courts, a sports gymnasium, two outdoor pools and something as rare (in Japan) as lawn that have no particular purpose other than being just lawns to have fun on. The main building has the size and facilities of country club, except it doesn't contain sleeping quarters. Check out the pictures below.











The swimming pool in the picture above is not in use anymore, hence the greenish color of the water, and the same goes for the little kids pool right next to it.

We spoke with the manager of the place, a retired Japanese man. He informed us that some of the facilities are open not just to BoJ employees, but also to citizens of Nerima Ward. You can book two of the tennis courts, and non-adults can book the baseball ground. You can also use some of the indoor facilities such as large rooms with sofas etc., but not the changing room or the showers. Speaking of the indoor facilities, vending machine drinks are 10-20 yen cheaper here! He also told us that non-BoJ employees can use the football field as long as it is just a small group kicking a ball around, and that you are allowed to have picnics on the lawns as long as you don't have a barbecue, but pointed out that this is all at his discretion.

If you want to book any of the designated facilities the call this number at the Nerima Ward office: 03-3995-2805. I doubt they speak a word of English, so if you help in English I suggest you call the main line at 03-3993-1111, they should be able to somehow direct you to an English speaker.