If you’re like me, you’ve probably noticed a mysterious explosion of ChocoZAP locations over the past couple of years. Maybe you walked past one, saw the bright yellow signs and the name, and thought, “ChocoZAP? Is this a dessert shop? A chocolate-themed café?” Only to take a closer look and realize—nope, it’s a gym.
Not just any gym, though. A “convenience gym.”
Wait… convenience and gym in the same sentence? Sounds weird, right? Let me introduce you to Japan’s growing trend of no-frills, 24/7, ultra-affordable gyms designed for busy people who just want to get in, sweat a little, and get out. If you’ve ever thought about joining a gym in Japan but felt overwhelmed by the options (or the high prices), this might be exactly what you need.
What is a “Convenience Gym,” Anyway?
Think of a convenience gym like a 24-hour fitness spot that’s cheap, casual, and easy to access—kind of like a Japanese convenience store, but for working out. No need to plan your visit around class schedules or gym hours. Just scan yourself in, hop on a treadmill, and leave whenever you’re done.
The Key Features of a Convenience Gym
✔ 24/7 Access – Work out whenever you want, whether it’s 5 AM before your shift or midnight after a long day.
✔ Super Cheap Memberships – Expect to pay as little as ¥3,000-¥8,000 per month (instead of the ¥10,000+ that bigger gyms charge).
✔ Minimalist Setup – No pools, no group classes, no spa—just the essentials: cardio machines, weight machines, and sometimes a stretching area.
✔ Super Casual Atmosphere – Some places even let you exercise in your regular clothes and shoes—yes, even in a suit if you’re feeling brave.
✔ Mostly Unmanned – Some locations have staff at certain hours, but most are self-service, so no one’s watching you struggle on that leg press.
Sounds convenient, right? But is it the right fit for you?
Who Should Consider a Convenience Gym?
A convenience gym might be perfect for you if:
✔ You want to work out whenever the mood strikes. No class schedules, no waiting for specific hours—just show up and go.
✔ You have an unpredictable schedule. Work night shifts? Study late? Have a busy lifestyle? These gyms fit around your life, not the other way around.
✔ You want an affordable gym. Many of these places cost around ¥3,000-¥8,000/month, compared to full-service gyms that charge ¥10,000-¥15,000+.
✔ You prefer working out alone. No pressure, no socializing, no intimidating bodybuilders hogging the machines.
But you might want to skip it if:
✖ You need a personal trainer or classes. These gyms are mostly unmanned, and there’s no one to guide you.
✖ You love group workouts and community vibes. If you thrive on the social aspect of fitness, you might find convenience gyms a little lonely.
✖ You want premium amenities. No saunas, no pools, no fancy locker rooms—just you, some machines, and the sound of your own heavy breathing.
The Best Convenience Gyms in Japan
Now that you know the basics, which one should you join? Here are five of the best convenience gyms in Japan right now:
1. ChocoZAP (チョコザップ)
💰 Cost: ¥3,278/month
📍 Locations: Over 1,000+ nationwide (excluding Wakayama, Tottori, Shimane, and Miyazaki)
🚪 Staffed? No—completely self-service
🚿 Showers? No
👕 Workout in regular clothes? Yes
This is the most budget-friendly option on the list. Run by RIZAP (yes, that RIZAP), ChocoZAP is designed to be super casual—you don’t even need gym clothes! Just walk in, work out in whatever you’re wearing, and leave.
Bonus: Some locations even offer self-service beauty treatments like hair removal and facials. So you can get fit and fabulous at the same time.
Downside? No showers, no locker rooms, and you must use their app to enter.
2. FASTGYM24 (ファストジム24)
💰 Cost: Starts at ¥5,720/month
📍 Locations: Tokyo, Kanagawa, Chiba, Saitama, Aichi
🚪 Staffed? Partially (some hours only)
🚿 Showers? Yes
👕 Workout in regular clothes? Yes
Owned by TIPNESS, FASTGYM24 is a step up from ChocoZAP. It’s still a no-frills gym, but you get actual showers and changing rooms.
Some locations even offer optional personal training (for an extra fee). If you want a little more structure but still crave that 24/7, casual vibe, this might be your best bet.
Downside? Not available nationwide, and some locations don’t have free weights.
3. Central Sports 24 (セントラルスポーツ24)
💰 Cost: Starts at ¥4,950/month
📍 Locations: Nationwide
🚪 Staffed? Varies by location
🚿 Showers? Some locations
👕 Workout in regular clothes? No
Unlike the others, Central Sports has different types of gyms under one brand:
- Some have pools and studios
- Some are pure machine gyms
- Some offer family discounts
This is great if you want more variety, but it also means you need to check each location carefully before joining.
4. Anytime Fitness (エニタイムフィットネス)
💰 Cost: Around ¥8,000/month
📍 Locations: Over 1,100 in Japan, 5,000+ worldwide
🚪 Staffed? Yes (limited hours)
🚿 Showers? Yes (private)
👕 Workout in regular clothes? No
Anytime Fitness is one of the more “premium” convenience gyms, but the biggest perk is that your membership lets you work out at ANY Anytime Fitness worldwide.
If you travel a lot, this is hands-down the best option. Plus, they have private showers—which is rare for a convenience gym.
Downside? Pricier than other options, and some locations are reportedly super tiny.
5. JOYFIT24 (ジョイフィット24)
💰 Cost: Around ¥7,000/month
📍 Locations: Nationwide (except China region)
🚪 Staffed? Some locations
🚿 Showers? Yes
👕 Workout in regular clothes? No
JOYFIT24 offers nationwide access with no extra fees and has women-only areas in some locations.
Downside? Some locations charge extra for certain facilities, and not all have showers.
Is a Convenience Gym Right for You?
If you just need a place to exercise without overcomplicating things, a convenience gym is a fantastic option. They’re cheap, open 24/7, and super easy to use.
However, if you love group workouts, need a personal trainer, or want spa-level amenities, you’re better off with a traditional gym.
TL;DR:
✔ Budget-friendly (¥3,000-¥8,000/month)
✔ 24/7 access
✔ Perfect for busy people
✖ No fancy extras (pools, saunas, classes, etc.)
✖ Little to no staff or guidance
So, what do you think? Are you signing up for one? Let me know which one interests you the most!
Disclaimer: Prices and availability are as of March 2025 and may change. Always check the official websites before joining!
