Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on September 2010

Courtesy of Nas Roppongi

Premium Sports Club NAS Roppongi has only just opened, but it already fits right in with the neighborhood. This new fitness center offers dance classes from around the world (think New York Street Jazz and South American Zumba), as well as a golf simulator—complete with karaoke—and a golf range where you can knock balls in the direction of Roppongi Hills. As a prelude to a night out, you can take advantage of facial treatments and massages as well as a “bottle keep” service in the black and chrome lounge bar. And the gym equipment? We’re talking state-of-the-art Technogym bikes and treadmills with built-in TVs, not to mention weight training machines with zebra print seats.

All the same, the two-story complex across the street from Tokyo Midtown is actually pretty down-to-earth. “We’re not trying to compete with the hotel gyms,” explains NAS Roppongi manager Tomoaki Akita. “We’re a fitness center for normal working people. If you consider everything we offer, I think the price is reasonable.” Regular members (¥21,000/month) can rent clothes, shoes and towels free of charge, in addition to attending unlimited classes and using the facilities at NAS gyms around the country. Discounted part-time and ladies’ packages are also available, while the English-speaking receptionists and rental shoes in sizes up to US 12 (30cm) help make foreign clientele feel more at home.

4-5F Axall Roppongi, 7-8-6 Roppongi, Minato-ku. Tel: 03-6447-0571. Open Mon-Wed & Fri 7am-11pm, Sat-Sun & hols 9am-9pm, closed Thu. Nearest stn: Roppongi. www.nas-awake.jp/english/