Question 1

How popular is padel in Japan?

Accepted Answer

Padel is not popular in Japan at all. There are zero official padel courts or clubs across the country. The sport has minimal visibility, with no media coverage, tournaments, or organised leagues. Most Japanese people have never heard of padel. It is overshadowed by tennis, badminton, and squash.

Question 2

Where can I start playing padel in Japan?

Accepted Answer

Since there are no padel venues in Japan, you cannot start playing within the country. The easiest way to begin is to travel to South Korea, which has a handful of courts, or to Southeast Asian countries like Thailand and Malaysia where padel is growing. Alternatively, you could install a private court in your own property, but that is rare and expensive.

Question 3

Which cities are the biggest padel hubs in Japan?

Accepted Answer

Currently, no Japanese city can be considered a padel hub because there are zero courts anywhere. Major metropolitan areas like Tokyo, Osaka, and Yokohama have no padel infrastructure. If the sport ever takes off, these cities would likely be the first due to their large populations and international exposure.

Question 4

Is there a governing body for padel in Japan?

Accepted Answer

No, there is no governing body for padel in Japan. Unlike tennis (Japan Tennis Association) or squash (Japan Squash Association), padel has no recognised national federation. This absence hampers development, as there is no organisation to promote the sport, certify coaches, or establish standards.

Question 5

How does the cost of playing padel in Japan compare to neighbouring countries?

Accepted Answer

Since there are no padel courts in Japan, cost comparison is moot. To play padel, you would need to travel to South Korea, where court hire ranges from 30,000–50,000 KRW (roughly £18–30) per hour. Flights from Japan to Seoul start from £150 return. In contrast, travel to Spain or Argentina is significantly more expensive.

Question 6

What is the split between indoor and outdoor padel courts in Japan?

Accepted Answer

There are no padel courts in Japan, indoor or outdoor. If courts were built, indoor facilities would likely dominate due to Japan's rainy and humid climate, especially in summer. Outdoor courts would need to be covered or built in regions with milder weather, such as Okinawa.

Padel Courts in Japan

Frequently asked questions