I heard there was a place that was highly recommended for people who want to try their hand at a variety of different sports, so we made our way to ROUND1 STADIUM DiverCity Tokyo Plaza in Odaiba. This indoor multipurpose amusement facility is a place where you can enjoy bowling and “Spo-cha”. “Spo-cha”, which combines parts of the words “sports” and “challenge” is the name of ROUND1’s massive sports entertainment facilities. ROUND1 at DiverCity Tokyo Plaza offers around 40 different sports and amusement activities for your enjoyment, including futsal, 3-on-3 basketball, tennis, billiards, and darts. No need to bring any equipment with you, just pay the admission fee and you can play with anything you want during your time there. Another reason for ROUND1’s popularity is because it’s an indoor facility where you can enjoy yourself even on rainy days.
*The rooftop floor of Spo-cha has no roof and may not be used in the event of rain or other inclement weather.
Being such a popular place, it can of course be crowded depending on the day of the week and time of day. At such times, the online reservation system is a big help. In addition to being able to make reservations for a specific time and date in advance, you can also check the real-time congestion status on the ROUND1 website and put yourself on a waiting list. You can make the most of your time waiting for your turn to come by shopping and eating at DiverCity Tokyo Plaza, where the ROUND1 STADIUM is located.
*The online reservation system is only available through the Japanese-language website.
The first thing you’ll see upon passing through the gate of ROUND1 STADIUM is the mechanical bull. Strap on your helmet and straddle this machine that resembles a rampaging bull, and when you’re ready to go, push the button to start the action. The aim is to maintain your balance as the machine moves back-and-forth and side-to-side in an undulating motion to keep from being thrown off. Its movements are dynamic, complex, and unpredictable, making it hard to keep up with at first. But after a while, you gradually get used to it, and you can even raise one hand in the air as you ride in a cowboy-like pose. It’ll make for a great looking photo to commemorate your accomplishment, too. You’ll also feel a great sense of achievement when you become able to handle the ride without getting thrown off.
Another great stress reliever is kickboxing. Blow off some steam by punching and kicking the sandbag with all your might. When the final bell rings, you’ll feel exhausted, but you’ll also feel refreshed. You can work up a sweat in a short time and feel invigorated. We also enjoyed a variety of other sporting items, such as mini-bowling and darts, during our time there.
According to a representative from ROUND ONE JAPAN Corporation, bubble soccer is a particularly popular game at the DiverCity Tokyo Plaza location.
“Bubble soccer is a game where people play soccer while wearing a large vinyl bubble ball that covers their upper body and head. It is believed to have originated in Norway when it was covered on a variety show as a new sport. Another appealing feature of this game is that you don’t need any particular level of skill to play it, as the bubble ball you wear absorbs impacts and there is no direct physical contact. It’s a game that young and old, male and female, and people of any level of athletic ability can enjoy, so please give it a try!” (ROUND ONE JAPAN Corporation representative)
Bubble soccer, with the players in their bubbles running into each other, bouncing and rolling around, is a game that both players and spectators can have a good laugh over. It’s becoming ever more popular around the world and is definitely worth trying.
There are also vehicle-based activities such as go-karts and pocket bikes, as well as roller skates, air-polines (trampolines), and other fun things for you to enjoy whether on your own or as a group. I thought it was particularly nice that other visitors were considerate enough to keep their time spent using popular items short so that as many people as possible could enjoy them.
In the downtime between activities, you can have a drink or snack, or take a breather over at the amusement area, which is home to a whole host of the newest and also nostalgic retro games that you can enjoy for free. In addition to everything Spo-cha has to offer, ROUND1 STADIUM DiverCity Tokyo Plaza also has competitive bowling, karaoke, and crane games, and there are frequent collaborative campaigns with popular anime franchises. It’s a great place to spend the whole day and never get bored, and you’ll want to go back again and again. (Information accurate as of coverage on July 1, 2024.)
Play all kinds of sports!
ROUND1 STADIUM, a Popular Amusement Facility in Odaiba
WEB SITEFor more information about the facility and how to make reservations, please visit the official website. (Website in Japanese language only)
Area: Odaiba Address: DiverCity Plaza 6F, 1-10 Aomi, Koto-ku, Tokyo Experience: Various activities
