On April 1, 2026, \u201cPickleball Base Osaka,\u201d the largest dedicated pickleball facility in western Japan, opened on the 6th floor of Hotel Agora Regency Osaka Sakai in Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture. It features six international-standard courts, with former pro tennis player Kento Tagashira involved in operations as owner and head coach.<\/p>\n
| Item<\/th>\n | Details<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n |
|---|---|
| Name<\/td>\n | Pickleball Base Osaka<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
| Location<\/td>\n | Hotel Agora Regency Osaka Sakai, 6F<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
| Address<\/td>\n | 4-45-1 Ebisujima-cho, Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
| Number of courts<\/td>\n | 6 courts (international standard)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
| Hours<\/td>\n | 8:00-22:00 (planned to be open year-round)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
| Operating company<\/td>\n | Fundamental Japan Inc.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
| Owner and head coach<\/td>\n | Kento Tagashira (pro tennis player)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
| Access<\/td>\n | Directly connected to the station<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\nA facility design where the pink courts pop<\/h2>\nWhat catches the eye in the facility's appearance is the vivid pink courts. It's a design that Tagashira says was \u201cconscious of spreading on Instagram,\u201d and it's becoming a talking point on social media. Pickleball is a sport with good affinity with social media to begin with, and the facility's visuals are also designed to make the most of that trait.<\/p>\n About Kento Tagashira<\/h2>\nTagashira originally competed as a pro tennis player. Encountering pickleball, he switched over, convinced it was \u201ca sport with an overwhelmingly wider entry than tennis.\u201d Insisting on a facility design that leverages his pro-sports know-how, he aimed for \u201ca facility that everyone from beginners to competitors can enjoy.\u201d<\/p>\n The facility plans everything from beginner lessons to programs for competitors and a junior academy. With Tagashira himself serving as a coach on court, it provides an environment where you can learn pro techniques directly.<\/p>\n Why Sakai City, Osaka<\/h2>\nJapan's domestic pickleball facilities have until now been concentrated in the Tokyo area. In Kansai, grassroots spread had been advancing in Osaka city and Kobe too, but in terms of dedicated facilities it was a blank zone.<\/p>\n Reasons cited for choosing Sakai City include the good access of being directly connected to the station and the location within a hotel. A \u201ctourism \u00d7 pickleball\u201d weekend plan is easy to put together, and players from afar can use it with lodging included.<\/p>\n How to start pickleball in Kansai<\/h2>\nWith the opening of Pickleball Base Osaka, access from Osaka, Nara, Hyogo, and Wakayama has become dramatically better. From May onward, weekend court reservations are likely to fill up, so we recommend checking early reservations on the official site while you can.<\/p>\n Pickleball is a sport where gaps in fitness and age are hard to show. As one of the few options the whole family can enjoy together, it's ideal as a weekend activity.<\/p>\n FAQ<\/h2>\nQ. Can beginners take part?<\/strong><\/p>\n A. A beginner lesson program is planned. Rentals of rackets and the like are also expected to be handled within the facility. Please check the official site for details.<\/p>\n Q. Is there parking?<\/strong><\/p>\n A. Parking within the hotel facility is available. However, since access directly connected to the station is in place, using public transportation is convenient.<\/p>\n Q. Can children take part?<\/strong><\/p>\n A. A junior academy is planned to open, and the policy is to enrich programs for children as well. Pickleball is known as a sport that can be enjoyed from ages 8 to 80.<\/p>\n |