10 Popular Activity Classes for Kids and Adults in Japan
Extracurricular activities in Japan are a thriving part of life, offering people of all ages the chance to explore new passions, gain valuable skills, and connect with others. From traditional cultural practices to modern sports and arts, these activities serve as both an escape from routine and a pathway to personal growth. Whether you’re a parent looking for the perfect class for your child or an adult ready to expand your horizons, this guide to the top 10 popular activity classes in Japan will inspire you to start your next adventure.
▼ Popular Activities in Japan Ranking
- Swimming
- Dance
- Piano
- Soroban (Abacus)
- English Conversation
- Martial Arts
- Calligraphy
- Soccer
- Gymnastics
- Cram School
1. Swimming
Swimming is a perennial favorite among activity classes in Japan, consistently ranking as the most popular choice for children. According to an October 2023 survey, 27% of elementary school students participate in swimming lessons, with particular popularity among younger grades. Many parents choose swimming for their children to prevent struggles with school swimming classes, often motivated by their own childhood experiences.
As a full-body workout, swimming offers numerous health benefits, including improved cardiovascular health, muscle strength, and flexibility, all while being gentle on the body. It also fosters essential skills such as self-discipline and water safety, making it a well-rounded activity for long-term growth.
Top Benefits:
- Strengthens the entire body while minimizing injury risk.
- Enhances self-management and perseverance.
- Builds confidence in water safety.
Swimming is a versatile and lifelong skill, appealing to people of all ages, from infants in baby swim programs to adults.
2. Dance
Dance classes are vibrant and engaging, offering various styles such as hip-hop, jazz, K-pop, and cheerleading. With breakdancing being included in the 2024 Paris Olympics, dance has gained even more attention as an exciting and dynamic activity.
Dancing strengthens the whole body, enhances flexibility, and builds rhythm and coordination. It also provides opportunities for self-expression and boosts confidence through performances.
Top Benefits:
- Improves rhythm, flexibility, and muscle balance.
- Encourages teamwork and social bonding in group settings.
- Builds confidence through stage performances.
Dance is not only an enjoyable way to stay active but also a cost-effective activity with minimal initial investment. This makes it accessible to a wide range of participants, from beginners to advanced dancers.
3. Piano
Piano lessons are a timeless favorite among children and adults in Japan, with growing popularity among boys as well as girls. Not only does playing the piano foster musical sensitivity, but it also stimulates brain activity, combining auditory skills, visual coordination, and fine motor control.
Remarkably, studies show that around half of University of Tokyo students had piano training as children, highlighting its connection to concentration and intellectual development. Piano also cultivates patience and perseverance as students gradually master songs through practice.
Top Benefits:
- Enhances focus, memory, and hand-eye coordination.
- Improves academic skills like discipline and time management.
- Encourages emotional expression and a love for music.
While piano lessons can be a larger financial investment due to tuition and instrument costs, the ability to play brings lifelong enrichment and creative opportunities.
4. Soroban (Abacus)
Soroban, a traditional Japanese abacus, remains a popular choice for enhancing mathematical skills, despite the decline in available classes. Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to develop both left and right brain functions, offering a balanced approach to cognitive development.
Through soroban practice, students can significantly improve their calculation speed, mental arithmetic skills, memory, and concentration. Many parents note that it enhances logical thinking and strengthens foundational abilities in math and problem-solving.
Top Benefits:
- Boosts mental arithmetic and visual-hand coordination.
- Enhances short-term memory and focus.
- Develops creative and logical thinking by engaging both brain hemispheres.
Affordable and accessible, with tuition ranging from 2,500–4,000 yen per month, soroban is a practical option for parents seeking a low-cost yet effective activity for their children.
5. English Conversation
English conversation classes are increasingly valued as a gateway to global communication skills, with 15.4% of elementary students participating as of 2023. Many children start attending from second or third grade, preparing for English’s inclusion as a subject in school curriculums.
Classes often use engaging methods such as songs, games, and storytelling, ensuring students learn in a fun and natural way. Online English programs have gained popularity due to their flexible schedules, making language learning more accessible.
Top Benefits:
- Builds confidence in speaking and listening through interactive activities.
- Prepares students for future academic exams, including Eiken, TOEIC, and TOEFL.
- Fosters cultural awareness and communication skills essential in a globalized world.
Starting English education early allows children to adapt to the language’s sounds and rhythms more effectively, giving them a long-term advantage in both academics and future careers.
6. Martial Arts
Martial arts such as judo, karate, aikido, and kendo are not just about self-defense; they instill discipline, respect, and mental strength. These practices are a popular choice for parents seeking activities that develop their children both physically and mentally.
Martial arts improve posture, build core strength, and teach valuable life skills like focus and perseverance. Parents often report improvements in their children's ability to concentrate and manage emotions through consistent training.
Top Benefits:
- Enhances physical fitness, self-discipline, and respect for others.
- Develops mental toughness and confidence through challenges like competitions and belt exams.
- Improves posture and overall body control.
While initial costs for uniforms and gear may apply, many schools offer rentals to reduce expenses. Monthly tuition typically ranges from 5,000-7,000 yen, making martial arts a rewarding and practical investment in personal growth.
7. Calligraphy
Calligraphy, or shodō, has been a cherished practice in Japan for generations and continues to hold its charm even in the digital age of keyboards and touchscreens. This art form not only teaches the skill of writing beautiful characters with brush and ink but also fosters concentration, patience, and mindfulness.
Calligraphy students work toward proficiency levels (grades and ranks), which instill a sense of accomplishment and motivation to improve. It’s also recognized for improving posture and leaving a positive impression on others with neat handwriting—a skill that remains valuable in adulthood.
Top Benefits:
- Enhances focus, aesthetic sense, and discipline.
- Develops fine motor skills and promotes mindfulness akin to meditation.
- Boosts confidence and social impression with elegant handwriting.
With affordable tuition ranging from 3,000–5,000 yen per month, and even lower costs in community programs, calligraphy is an accessible way to connect with Japan’s cultural roots while developing useful life skills.
8. Soccer
Soccer is a globally celebrated sport and a popular choice among kids and teens in Japan. It provides an excellent balance of physical fitness, skill-building, and social development. Through this team sport, players not only gain agility, stamina, and coordination but also learn the importance of teamwork, communication, and leadership.
The constant action and decision-making required during matches improve players' focus, strategic thinking, and ability to adapt. Additionally, soccer fosters camaraderie and social skills as children bond with teammates and work toward shared goals.
Top Benefits:
- Builds fitness, coordination, and teamwork.
- Encourages leadership and the ability to think strategically.
- Less costly equipment compared to other team sports like baseball.
Soccer programs, such as clubs and schools, cater to a range of ages, including preschoolers. Tuition ranges from 2,000 yen for sports leagues to 5,000–8,000 yen for soccer schools. While parents should consider the involvement required for local leagues, the long-term benefits of this sport make it a rewarding investment.
9. Gymnastics
Gymnastics is a fantastic activity that strengthens the body and mind. Through routines and exercises, children develop flexibility, balance, and motor skills, which lay the foundation for future athletic endeavors. Gymnastics also promotes body awareness and core strength, reducing the likelihood of injuries in other sports or daily life.
The diversity of styles—such as rhythmic, artistic, and trampoline gymnastics—caters to different interests and abilities, making it an inclusive sport for all. Even children less inclined toward physical activity can benefit by building confidence and discovering a love for movement.
Top Benefits:
- Improves flexibility, core strength, and balance.
- Develops body coordination and boosts self-confidence.
- Serves as a foundation for other physical activities.
With tuition ranging from 4,000-10,000 yen per month, gymnastics requires minimal initial equipment investment beyond uniforms and shoes. Parents often observe increased fitness, resilience, and even fewer illnesses in children who participate in this physically rewarding activity.
10. Cram School
Cram schools, or juku, are a cornerstone of academic preparation in Japan, particularly for students aiming to excel in exams or address challenging subjects. While 19.3% of elementary school students attend cram schools overall, the percentage rises to 30.5% for sixth graders as they prepare for competitive middle school entrance exams.
The decision to enroll often stems from the child’s interest or a parent’s desire to strengthen foundational skills. Many cram schools cater to various needs, offering comprehensive exam preparation, subject-specific guidance, and programs to establish strong study habits. Increasingly, online platforms are being embraced for their flexibility and cost-effectiveness, making study resources more accessible from home.
Top Benefits:
- Boosts academic performance and cultivates disciplined study habits.
- Offers tailored learning options, such as group lessons or individualized instruction.
- Provides convenience through online and home-based study programs.
Parents can choose between group-based and one-on-one instruction depending on the child’s needs and personality. For younger children, options like Kumon focus on building basic skills, while older students benefit from rigorous test-prep curricula. Tuition for cram schools varies, with online options often being more affordable and requiring no transportation, a key advantage for busy families.
Conclusion
Extracurricular activities play a vital role in enhancing daily life, offering both children and adults opportunities to grow, learn, and enjoy new experiences. The top 10 activities showcased here combine fun, fitness, creativity, and practical skills, ensuring there’s something for everyone. By choosing an activity that resonates with your interests and goals, you can unlock new potential, deepen connections with others, and bring added joy to your routine. Embrace the chance to try something new and make lifelong memories along the way!
