Rock Climbing Gym

[TheNoNamedOne]

I wish Okinawa had a state of the art rock climbing gym (off base, of course). I know there is a rock climbing gym in Okinawa city, but to be frank, it looks kind of worn down, and just looking at it from the outside, you can see it doesn't really have much height to offer for climbing walls.

I've never rock climbed or been to rock climbing gym, but in recent years it has attracted my interest. Though, getting a little older now, I don't see myself climbing cliffs in a reckless manner. Just a few simple ones with low levels of difficulty would satisfy me at this point.

Any rock climbers out there? Or, perhaps someone out there DOES know of a good rock climbing gym here in Okinawa.

[DoctorP]

Same as everywhere in Japan. Owners don't put money back into their businesses. I could see the gym in Okinawa City being quite nice if they would put a little money into the place. There is one in Urosoe, but it is not a gym, but rather a promotion for the store, and not very high. On top of that it is outside...can't remember the name of the store (pretty popular chain, but I don't go there often so it escapes me).

[StreetBiker]

That would rock...no pun intended but i've never been would be cool to try

[P_chan]

The rescue squadron on base has a huge rock climbing wall. It would be really nice if they had something like that off base. But you know they would charge and arm and a leg to climb it.

[coldnoodles]

Yama-Accha climbing gym is located between Camp Foster and Kadena on highway 330. There is a large yellow sign marking the gym. There are several tall rope walls and a very challenging bouldering area. Climbing at the gym is about ¥ 2,000. They are open in the afternoon every night, except Monday, until 10 p.m. They have a pro shop for those looking to buy equipment. The shop carries shoes and chalk, which are both available to use for free.


In the southern part of the island, located near Camp Kinser in Urasoe, Coral Rock Climbing Gym is a secluded place only a few blocks away from highway 58. To get to the gym coming from Camp Foster, take highway 58 south past Marine Corps Air Station Futenma. Take the bridge south; A & W Restaurant is on your left. Turn left at the very next stoplight; there is a McDonald's and Sunshine Slot on the right side. Continue on this road for about three blocks until you come to a large right and white sign on the right side that reads Meiji. After passing the sign make an immediate left down a steep hill. The climbing has three bouldering walls and five rope walls. The gyms have basically the same pricing system and schedule, but Coral Rock has a shoe rental cost of ¥100.

[coldnoodles]

Okinawa Yamaacha Climbing Gym is open daily, 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. It is located at the junction of highways on 330 and 24 in Okinawa City, between Camp Foster and Kadena Air Base.

A one-day ticket is 1,500 yen for adults, 800 yen for high school students and 800 yen for middle school students and younger. There is an additional, one-time 500 yen charge for first-time visitors.

Shoes and harness are available at the gym for use free of charge. All you need to bring with you is comfortable clothes and an adventurous spirit.

[twister8008]

I agree with you. There should be a state of the art gym here. I don't think he gets much business though. I have been told by a lot of people that it is usually empty in there when they go. If you put two and two together, that means not very good business. I think he could easily charge 5-10 dollars, or have a cheaper annual rate to go. I think that would help his business. I am not going to spend 720 dollars for my wife and I for 6 months when we do not know how much we will get to go. We have children, and child care must be taken care of. The gym is a little run down inside, but it serves its purpose. We climbed for 2.5 hours and got a great work out. The equipment is not in the best shape inside. Some of the shoes...most of the shoes... have holes in them I climb with my tennis shoes anyways, so it wasn't a big deal. Their ATC is jimmy-rigged with wire because it is broken. I suggest bringing your own carabiner and ATC/grigri and you will be fine. Everything else is squared away. They also have a self belay device that is really neat. Overall, I would give the gym 7.5 out of 10 stars.

Does anyone else know where another gym is? Could someone point me in the right direction to find a local climbing store? Drop me a line if you want to climb. I just joined this forum.

Ric


I wish Okinawa had a state of the art rock climbing gym (off base, of course). I know there is a rock climbing gym in Okinawa city, but to be frank, it looks kind of worn down, and just looking at it from the outside, you can see it doesn't really have much height to offer for climbing walls.

I've never rock climbed or been to rock climbing gym, but in recent years it has attracted my interest. Though, getting a little older now, I don't see myself climbing cliffs in a reckless manner. Just a few simple ones with low levels of difficulty would satisfy me at this point.

Any rock climbers out there? Or, perhaps someone out there DOES know of a good rock climbing gym here in Okinawa.

[twister8008]

Do you have any more information about this store? I tried to find it and had no luck. What is it next to? Does anyone else know? Thanks.

Ric




Same as everywhere in Japan. Owners don't put money back into their businesses. I could see the gym in Okinawa City being quite nice if they would put a little money into the place. There is one in Urosoe, but it is not a gym, but rather a promotion for the store, and not very high. On top of that it is outside...can't remember the name of the store (pretty popular chain, but I don't go there often so it escapes me).

[shisha]

Hey-
I just moved here last week and am looking for a regular english speaking rock buddy. Any takers? I:m not in the military, so I dont know anything about the bases, but I:m working in Naha, and have a car. Lemme know...Lisa

[DoctorP]

"Rock Buddy" just sounds wrong.

[mangosungoddess]

Hi...is anyone still living in Okinawa who climbs at any of the crags on the island? I am new to Okinawa and would like to get out and get climbing! Please contact me if you are still climbing here.

[elsenor]

PM sent mangosungoddess.

[DoctorP]

I'd love to rock climb again