Tokyo Winter Sports Center Hidden in Plain Sight

Neighborhoods in Tokyo are often defined by their character. Bookworms head to Jimbocho to browse the rows of second-hand bookstores. Musicians frequent Ochanomizu, and the streets here are lined with musical instrument shops. In Kanda, another niche market is booming: ski and snowboard equipment.

Known as the Kanda Sporting Goods Zone, this small but focused area has become a must-visit for winter sports enthusiasts looking for everything from skis and snowboards to outerwear and accessories. Kanda has dozens of stores clustered together, making it easy to compare options, get expert advice, and find deals—all without leaving central Tokyo. This is the perfect first stop for anyone planning a trip to Nagano, Niigata or even the snowy mountains of Hokkaido.

Sports-based community

Kanda’s reputation as a sports town is long-standing, with its roots dating back to the 1950s. It was during this decade that Kanda experienced a proliferation of sports equipment stores, which were established to support the area’s growing student population. This growth has coincided with a surge in skiing popularity, making the area a destination for students to purchase convenient and affordable winter sports gear. Today, Yasukuni-dori between Surugadaishi and Kanda-Ogawa-machi is lined with sports shops covering everything from winter sports like skiing and snowboarding to all-season sports like skateboarding and mountain climbing.

The neighborhood is easily accessible from Kanda Station or Ochanomizu Station and is bustling with shoppers year-round. Especially in the fall, the crowds are bustling thanks to the Kanda Sports Festival held in late October each year and the popular Kanda Curry Grand Prix.

The best ski shops worth visiting

With so many stores to choose from, deciding which one is best for your needs can be daunting. That’s where we come in: Here’s a look at three stores that stand out for their heritage, character and service.

Kandahar Main Store: For Serious Racers

Kandahar It is the first choice for competitive skiers in the area. The store specializes in racing skis, offering a full line of gear designed for speed and precision, as well as gear for backcountry and freestyle skiing. Their attentive and knowledgeable staff will also help each skier find gear that matches their style and performance goals. For athletes or enthusiasts who are serious about improving their skiing performance, Kandahar is the place to start.

Kandahar Main Store
1-4-16 Kanda Jimbocho, Chiyoda-ku

Ishii Sports Kanda Main Building: Something for every skier

Ishii Sports The most comprehensive ski shop in Kanda, welcoming everyone from first-time skiers to seasoned veterans. Beginners can find entry-level gear and practical advice, while advanced skiers can find performance gear and technical apparel, as well as backcountry and powder ski gear. The store is divided into two floors: in summer, the first floor is mainly dedicated to mountaineering equipment, and the second floor is mainly focused on ski equipment; in winter, both floors become a skier’s paradise, filled with skis, boots, avalanche equipment, outerwear and other accessories.

subordinate Ishii Sports Kanda Arena The bar is raised even further by focusing on top-tier racing and performance equipment. You can buy your first ski at this store and then come back when you’re ready to upgrade.

Ishii Sports Kanda Main Building
3-10 Kanda Ogawa-cho, Chiyoda-ku

Ishii Sports Kanda Arena
1-6-1, Kanda Jimbocho, Chiyoda-ku

Big Rock Sports: Boot Experts

For many skiers, boots can make or break a skiing experience. big rock sports Having built a strong reputation in custom boots, each pair of boots is customized to the customer’s foot shape before delivery. For first-time buyers and experienced skiers alike, Oiwa’s meticulous approach adds long-term value to every purchase. Custom fittings require advance booking and can be easily arranged over the line or over the phone.

big rock sports
2-2, Kanda Ogawa-cho, Chiyoda-ku

Why Choose Kanda Ski Equipment

Purchasing ski equipment at a resort is often expensive and the options are limited. Kanda offers an alternative: there are dozens of shops within walking distance, each with its own specialties and often at more competitive prices. The staff are knowledgeable – many are skiers themselves – and happy to share advice on equipment and travel.

The area’s compact size means you can visit several stores in an afternoon, making it easy to compare prices and brands. When you’re done shopping, Jimbocho’s bookstores and cafes are just around the corner, perfect for relaxing for the day.

Whether you’re a beginner shopping for your first gear, a recreational skier looking for bargains or a powder enthusiast looking for pro gear, Kanda has a store for you. This winter, skip the resort markups and start your adventure at Chiyoda’s hidden snow sports center.

More information

Wear Sports Festival
In the market for gear at a great price? Visit Kanda Sports Zone on October 25 and 26, 2025 for great deals, fun activities and more sports-related fun.