A Round1 patron shoots hoops at the location in Musashimurayama, Japan, Jan. 8, 2023. (Kelly Agee/Stars and Stripes)
Whether you have children or are a child at heart, one-stop shop, interactive sports and entertainment sites in Japan can be a fun way to spend a day.
Two separate franchises — Crospo and Round1 — provide a range of activities for children and adults, from ball pits to climbing walls, arcades, Ping-Pong and karaoke.
The Crospo location in Hachioji is situated between Yokota Air Base and Camp Zama and can be reached by train.
Round1 patrons play games at the location in Musashimurayama, Japan, Jan. 8, 2023. (Kelly Agee/Stars and Stripes)
Round1 has around 20 locations in Tokyo, with one close to nearly every military base in the metro area. Round1 sites are a five-minute drive from Yokota’s East Gate, 30 minutes from Yokosuka Naval Base and Camp Zama and 40 minutes from Naval Air Facility Atsugi.
At both franchises, guests pay by the hour and for access to certain areas and activities.
Most Crospo and Round1 locations have sections for young children with climbing areas, slides, swings and other activities. Older kids and adults may choose from trampolines, bowling alleys, arcades, Ping-Pong, darts and karaoke.
Many of the same activities are found at either Crospo or Round1, but each company provides something unique.
An aisle of UFO catchers at the Round1 in Musashimurayama, Japan, Jan. 8, 2023. (Kelly Agee/Stars and Stripes)
Only Round1 has electric vehicles — depending on location — to use under staff supervision, such as go-karts, mini dirt bikes, hoverboards, Segways and electric bulls.
Round1 focuses more on sports. Depending on location, you may find basketball, bubble soccer, roller skating, inline skating, hoop throwing, kickboxing, billiards, pool, curling, batting and pitching areas, tennis, archery, frisbee, golf, squash and even skateparks.
Crospo has more activities for outdoor-oriented skills.
The Chiba location has a shooting/survival game (for a fee) and a free parkour course. Both Crospo locations have climbing walls; Chiba’s is exceptionally tall.
Round1 patrons play pool at the location in Musashimurayama, Japan, Jan. 8, 2023. (Kelly Agee/Stars and Stripes)
Crospo also has more activities for young children. The Chiba location has a pool stocked for children’s fishing, a “coloring circuit” and animatronic dinosaurs with many photo opportunities.
Both Crospo locations provide changing stations near the children’s areas and free massage chairs for adult patrons.
Staff at either business generally speak only Japanese and the business displays provide information only in Japanese; a mobile phone translator app may come in handy.
Most Crospo locations have stairs or escalators and are not wheelchair or stroller accessible; most Round1 locations have elevators and are generally accessible for wheelchairs or strollers.
Round1 patrons play arcade games at the lcoation in Musashimurayama, Japan, Jan. 8, 2023. (Kelly Agee/Stars and Stripes)
Food and drinks are sold at both establishments, including alcoholic beverages for adults.
American-style food such as chicken nuggets, hot dogs, corn dogs, pizza and french fries are available at both Crospo and Round1.
Round1 advertises fried rice, squid balls and bubble milk tea; Crospo also offers traditional Japanese food and at their Chiba location even sells cooked bugs as a snack.
Round1 provides a range of activities for children and adults, from ball pits to climbing walls, arcades, Ping-Pong and karaoke. (Kelly Agee/Stars and Stripes)
On the QT
Directions: Round1 has many locations in the Tokyo area. Crospo has two: one is a 10-minute walk from Hachioji Station’s south exit, and another is a 12-minute walk from the west exit of Hamano Station in Chiba.
Times: Vary by location.
Costs: Depends on age, date and activities.
Food: You’ll find everything for American favorites like chicken nuggets and hot dogs to Japanese staples.
Information: Online: round1.co.jp; cro-spo.com
