Now and again, something pops up in the zeitgeist that comes right out of left field. Some of these things are fads that slip away as quickly as they came (remember twerking? No, probably not), but some things seem to not only hang around but absolutely explode.

One of those things hanging around – quite literally – is bouldering in Japan. As one of the new events added to the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, this sport – in which competitors climb indoor rock faces – has seen a TV explosion in recent years, making stars of Akiyo Noguchi, Miwa Oba, and Risa Ota. Don’t let their resemblance to pop idols fool you; these women can perform pull-ups with just index fingers and are rock hard.

There have been a few bouldering places in Hiroshima for a while, but with the explosion of popularity, there has been an expansion of bouldering gyms. Below you can find a few that you might want to check out.

Climb Center Cero

Aimed at climbers of all ability and fitness levels, Cero is reasonably priced – for both equipment rental (shoes and rope 350 yen each, harness and chalk, 120 yen each) and user fees (2,200 yen per day or 1,740 yen for two hours) – and staffed by friendly and knowledgeable people who are ready to help at any time.

More than nine walls offer bouldering and climbing with ropes, with courses from the very beginner to the very advanced. It is even very child-friendly, with Sunday morning kids’ “Climbing Club” sessions (09:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.). If you are a real beginner and want to get a leg up – in both a literal and metaphorical way – you could join one of their classes.

Where: 1 Chome-13-46 Mokage, Fuchu Town, Aki District, Hiroshima 735-0029 (map)
Website: cero-climb.com

PB Climbing

Near Yokogawa Station, PB Climbing is also good for all climber levels, whether you are just starting on your bouldering path or have been doing it for years. Unlike Cero, PB Climbing is a purely bouldering gym, meaning no ropes or harnesses here. But that shouldn’t worry novices as the walls are not that high and the padding is more than adequate should you fall.

Run by real enthusiasts, PB is very reasonably priced, as once you have paid your 1,000 yen lifetime membership fee, it’s just 620 yen for school children, 1,000 yen for college students, and 1,240 yen for adults, including shoe rental and chalk.

Where: 5-20 Yokogawashinmachi, Nishi Ward, Hiroshima 733-0013 (map)
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pb_climbing/?hl=en

Climbing Gym Pure Green

Pure Green is a great gym for those of you who want to try your hand at bouldering for the first time. A little bit out of the city in Asakita Ward, they have numerous beginner classes, though weekend classes need reservations. And even if you do not want to take a full class, the staff will spend 30 minutes showing you how it is all done before letting you go out and explore on your own on your first visit.

A full day at Pure Green will set you back 1,210 yen for elementary school children, 1,430 yen for junior high and high school children, 1,760 yen for college students, and 2,090 yen for adults. There is a two-hour fee of just 1,540 yen for college students and 1,760 yen for adults on the weekend.

Where: 3 Chome-17-24 Kabeminami, Asakita Ward, Hiroshima 731-0223 (map)
Website: climbinggympuregreen.jimdofree.com

Kokopelli

This facility is one for the bouldering purist. It has a no-frills, minimalist design and set-up but consists of some great climbing walls split between two rooms – one with fairly small (but still quite complex) climbs, and another for more advanced practitioners. Costs are 2,500 yen for a full day, but you can pay less for just a few hours if you prefer. Shoes are 600 yen to rent. There is also a nice café next door serving up meals including pasta.

Where: 1-2-14 Akebono Town, Fukuyama City, Hiroshima
Website: https://kokopelliboulder.com/

Higashi Hiroshima Climbing Park

This is an outdoor bouldering facility in Saijo, Higashi Hiroshima City. There are various courses targeting everyone from beginner to advanced. Fees for basic use range from 1,600 yen for two hours up to 2,000 yen for a full day. If you want tuition, the fee is 1,760 yen for adults, with discounts offered to children and students.

Where: 6950-1 Saijo-cho Misonou, Higashi Hiroshima

Image: Mark Guthrie Own Work