If you're going to start pickleball in Kansai, now is your chance!
Pickleball, the buzzed-about new sport played by more than 9 million people in the U.S. Combining elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, this sport is spreading rapidly in Kansai as well.
Its greatest appeal is that anyone can enjoy it regardless of age or fitness level. The court is about a quarter the size of a tennis court, there is little intense movement, and even beginners can enjoy a rally right away.
In the Kansai area, dedicated courts and trial sessions are appearing one after another, centered on Osaka, Hyogo, and Kyoto. This article covers everything you'll want to know to enjoy pickleball in Kansai—facility information, pricing, how to make reservations, and beginner lessons.
Pickleball facilities and school information in Osaka
Within Osaka Prefecture, cases of existing tennis schools opening pickleball classes as a new program are surging. Osaka's strength is that an environment where beginners can learn thoroughly from the basics is in place.
Mizuno Sports Service facilities
At gymnasiums and sports facilities managed by Mizuno, pickleball sessions are spreading. In Kansai too, you can enjoy pickleball at Mizuno-operated facilities such as Mizuno Sports Plaza Shioashiya in Ashiya City.
Mizuno facilities regularly hold trial sessions for beginners, with staff carefully guiding participants from basic game rule explanations to simple rallies. Since equipment lending and rentals are also available, the appeal is that you can join easily to start.
Rusty Takatsuki Tennis School in Takatsuki City
Rusty Takatsuki Tennis School in Takatsuki City regularly holds pickleball events. A feature is that you can try it across a wide range of time slots, from weekday daytime to nighttime.
Participation fees are set at an affordable 550 yen to 1,650 yen, and anyone 18 or older can join. The content combines practice and games, and non-school members are welcome. If you bring athletic shoes and a drink, equipment can be rented.
Sumiyoshi Sports Center
Sumiyoshi Sports Center in Sumiyoshi Ward, Osaka City, regularly holds pickleball events. The participation fee is a reasonable 500 yen, and you can join easily as long as you bring indoor athletic shoes and a drink.
Source Pickle One, "Where can you try pickleball? Event information in Kansai—Osaka, Hyogo, and Kyoto"(May 2024)
Pickleball facility information in Hyogo Prefecture
In Hyogo Prefecture, centered on Kobe, the pickleball environment is being developed rapidly, with the emergence of large-scale dedicated courts.
DIADEM PICKLEBALL KOBE（DPC KOBE）
Inside ITC Kobe Indoor Tennis School in Wakamatsu-cho, Nagata Ward, Kobe City, there is "DIADEM PICKLEBALL KOBE (DPC KOBE)," which opened in July 2025. An official facility of the U.S. pickleball brand DIADEM, it is a large-scale indoor facility for the general public, equipped with five dedicated indoor courts.
With ample amenities including the free space "Courtside Hub," locker rooms, and showers, you can play comfortably even on rainy days. In addition to regularly held trial sessions and social gatherings for the general public, various tournaments are also held, providing an environment that a wide range of players can enjoy, from beginners to advanced.
Kyodo Gakuen Tennis School in Miki City
Kyodo Gakuen Tennis School in Miki City, Hyogo Prefecture, regularly holds pickleball events. Its appeal is that you can try it across various time slots, from weekday daytime to weekend nights. Registration is by phone, so you can inquire easily.
Mizuno Sports Plaza Shioashiya
At Mizuno Sports Plaza Shioashiya in Ashiya City, Hyogo Prefecture, you can enjoy pickleball in both the indoor multipurpose room and the outdoor multipurpose court. A feature is that you can play indoors regardless of the weather, as well as move around freely on the outdoor court.
A set rental including net, paddle, and ball is available, so even beginners who don't own equipment can join empty-handed. For detailed facility information, see theMizuno Sports Plaza Shioashiya facility page.
Source Pickle One, "Where can you try pickleball? Event information in Kansai—Osaka, Hyogo, and Kyoto"(May 2024)
Pickleball trial information in Kyoto
In Kyoto, the competitive environment is being developed, with official events hosted by the Japan Pickleball Association (JPA), among others.
Shimadzu Arena Kyoto (Kyoto Prefectural Gymnasium)
At Shimadzu Arena Kyoto, trial sessions and social gatherings are held to coincide with the match days of the "Pickleball Kyoto Open" hosted by the JPA. The trial sessions are for beginners, and the social gatherings center on matches.
Since you can also watch the matches, it is an event where you can fully experience the appeal of pickleball. Capacity is 16 (8 in some time slots), and you can apply through Tennis Bear. It is a valuable opportunity to try it while soaking in the atmosphere of an official tournament.
Source Pickle One, "Where can you try pickleball? Event information in Kansai—Osaka, Hyogo, and Kyoto"(May 2024)
Basic knowledge for starting pickleball in Kansai
Knowing the basic rules and the equipment you need before starting pickleball will let you enjoy it even more.
Basic rules and features
Pickleball is played one-on-one (singles) or two-on-two (doubles). The serve must be struck below the waist, and there is a special "two-bounce rule." The serving side cannot return the opponent's return with a volley—it must be let bounce once before hitting it back.
The most distinctive area is the one called the "non-volley zone," or "kitchen." You cannot volley within this zone. However, after the ball has bounced once, you may step into the kitchen to hit it.
Equipment you need
The equipment you need for pickleball is a paddle (racket) and a ball. The paddle resembles a table tennis racket and comes in wood, composite, and graphite versions. The ball is a distinctive plastic type with holes, and while it is roughly the same size as a tennis ball, it weighs about half as much.
For beginners, many facilities let you rent a paddle and ball, so it's recommended to first join a trial session and find the equipment that suits you. If you have indoor athletic shoes and a drink, you can start right away.
Source Mizuno Sports Service, "Pickleball"(January 2026)
Instructor certifications and community information
For those who want to learn pickleball seriously in Kansai or aim to become an instructor, the Japan Pickleball Association (JPA) has established a certification system.
Instructor certification courses
The JPA runs an instructor training program based on its coach license system, aiming for the healthy spread of pickleball and the improvement of competitive levels. There are two types of clinics—"Diffuser" and "Coordinator"—both of which let newcomers learn the sport's explanation and rules and basic play instruction.
For those with experience, three tiers of instructor certification courses are further available: "Start Coach," "Coach," and "Master Trainer." Course fees range from about 3,300 yen to 22,000 yen for registered players and supporter members.
Teams with Coordinator-certified members in Kansai
In the Kansai area, there are multiple teams and organizations with Coordinator-certified members. These teams have qualified members who can safely instruct newcomers, so even beginners can join with peace of mind.
Source Japan Pickleball Association (general incorporated association), "Certification Clinics"(2024)
Summary for enjoying pickleball in Kansai
In the Kansai area, an environment for enjoying pickleball is being developed rapidly, centered on Osaka, Hyogo, and Kyoto. From beginner trial sessions to full-fledged dedicated courts and an instructor certification system, facilities and programs are in place to accommodate players of every level.
Participation fees are reasonable at around 500 yen to 1,650 yen, and equipment rentals are available too, so its appeal is that you can start easily. Enjoyable by anyone regardless of age or fitness level, pickleball is an ideal sport for a new hobby or building community.
First, join a trial session at a nearby facility and experience the appeal of pickleball for yourself. Kansai's pickleball community has an atmosphere that warmly welcomes beginners. Now is a perfect chance to start pickleball!
You Can Enjoy It at Gyms and Fitness Clubs, Too
In Kansai,Tipnessvarious Osaka locations rent out indoor courts, and along with Mizuno-operated facilities andRound1's Spocha. Check each official page for participating locations and prices.
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