In April 2026, pickleball tournaments are being held one after another across the country. Among them, the one drawing attention isthe Ehime Open 2026 (April 18-19). Here we bring you information on April's domestic tournaments and the latest news players will want to know.
Ehime Open 2026
The Ehime Open, held in Ehime Prefecture, is an important tournament for the pickleball community of western Japan.
- Dates: April 18 (Sat) to 19 (Sun), 2026
- Location: Within Ehime Prefecture (see the Japan Pickleball Association official site for details)
- Host: Japan Pickleball Association (JPA), a general incorporated association
Popular not only among players from the Shikoku area such as Ehime, Kochi, Kagawa, and Tokushima but also as a tournament to travel to, it is taking hold as one of the largest tournaments in western Japan.
April domestic tournament calendar (main)
| Date | Tournament Name | Location |
|---|---|---|
| April 4 (Sat) | JPA Akita Prefecture branch founding commemorative tournament | Akita Prefecture |
| April 18 (Sat) | UTR Pickleball Japan Tour 2026 Vol.3 | KPI Park (Totsuka Ward, Yokohama City) |
| April 18-19 | Ehime Open 2026 | Ehime Prefecture |
| April 29 (Tue) | Referee training session / Referee Level 1 | Yokkaichi, Mie Prefecture |
UTR Japan Tour Vol.3 is on the same weekend too!
What's drawing attention is that on April 18, the same day as the Ehime Open,UTR Pickleball Japan Tour 2026 Vol.3is held at KPI Park (Yokohama). UTR is an international rating system with a track record in tennis, and it supports pickleball too. Because accumulating UTR points is reflected in the international ranking, it's an important tournament for players aiming for the top.
KPI Park (Totsuka Ward, Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture) is an outdoor court facility with full-fledged pickleball equipment, known as a regular venue for UTR tournaments. Entry is via the UTR Sports official app.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. Where can I apply for the Ehime Open?
A. From the Japan Pickleball Association (japanpickleball.org) tournament list page. Check the deadline in advance.
Q. What's the difference between a UTR tournament and a JPA tournament?
A. JPA tournaments are based on Japan's unified competition rules, while UTR tournaments grant an international rating. Decide which to enter according to your goals.
Q. Are there tournaments beginners can take part in?
A. Many tournaments, including the Ehime Open, have categories for beginners and intermediates. Check with the organizer before participating.
JPA Akita Prefecture branch founded—the wave of the sport's spread reaches Tohoku
The Akita Prefecture branch founding commemorative tournament on April 4 is an event that symbolizes pickleball spreading to every corner of the country. The Tohoku area still has limited playing environments, but with the branch's founding as an opportunity, facilities, tournaments, and coaching structures are expected to come together.
For the latest tournament and facility information,pickle-times.com's tournament informationandthe court information pagecheck them out!
