Climbing to New Heights

“Why are you putting your foot there?”

 

“No, no, grab that one!”

 

“No one needs that much chalk!”

These are just a few of the things that I yelled at the TV while watching one of the Olympics’ newest sports, Sport Climbing.

Women’s Bouldering in Tokyo 2020 Olympics

The Sports Climbing competition kicked off this past week, with the finals taking place tonight and tomorrow for the men’s and women’s competition respectively.

Men’s Bouldering in Tokyo 2020 Olympics

If you’re anything like me, then watching the Olympic Athletes climbing to new heights gives you the urge to get out there and try rock climbing for yourself.

The good news is that Niigata has a few bouldering gyms available for you to see if you qualify for a role in the next Spider-man movie, or should remain an armchair critic.

Clutch Climbing Gym

Located only a few minutes walk from Shinza station in Tokamachi, this bouldering gym is equipped with air-conditioning, and is sure to be a cool place to start or continue your climbing hobby.

Address: 540-3 Shinza Ko, Tokamachi City, Niigata Prefecture

Phone: 080-3089-8140

Hours:

Weekdays: 13: 00-22: 00 (last admission 20:00)

Saturdays: 10: 00-22: 00 (last admission 20:00)

Cloud 9 Bouldering Gym

Cloud Nine has been around for 7 years. They specialize in teaching beginners the sport. They often hold “beginner nights” and other events.

Address: 1-3-22 Takara, Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture 940-0016

Phone: 0258-89-7066

Hours:

Tue-Fri: 10:00-22: 00

Weekends and Holidays: 10:00-22: 00

Lotte Hotel’s Indoor Playground

This winter ski resort offers many interesting activities in the “green season” including a large climbing wall in their indoor playground. Lotte Hotel boasts that their bouldering wall is the largest in all of Japan, with unique 89 routes and 710 holds. From beginners to experts, climbers of all experience levels can join in the fun.

Address: 1966 Ryozenji, Myoko City, Niigata Prefecture

Phone: 81-255-75-1177

Hours:

Open: Mon, Wed, Fri, Weekends and Holidays

Mornings: 9:00a.m.～1:00p.m.(last admission12:00p.m.)

Little Forest

This gym offers both bouldering and lead style climbing. The also have ladies nights for female climbers only at only 500 yen.

Sommet Bouldering Club