Directions to Coral Rock, Climbing Gym Okinawa, Japan

To get to Coral Rock from Kadena, head out gate 1 take a left onto RT 58 heading south toward Naha.  Continue on RT 58 past Camp Foster and MCAS Futenma.  Once you pass a large McDonald's with a rotating "M" you're getting close to your turn.  Continue straight, stay in the middle lane until you drive up and over a bridge.  As you drive over the bridge you will see "NEOS" on your left hand side.  It's a large, white, two story building.  NEOS is a pretty decent outdoor shop that has a few pairs of climbing shoes, chalk, harnesses, camping gear, Mt/road bikes and accessories.  As you cross over the bridge, get in the left hand lane and take your next left.  Continue straight on this road for a short drive.  Just before the road climbs up a hill you will see another narrow road "Y" off to the left.  Take this left and Coral Rock will be on your right hand side.  There is a dirt parking lot across the street.  Coral Rock seems a bit more legit than the Okinawa-City Climbing Gym near Kadena gate 2, but is much smaller.  The boulder room is packed with marked routes from easy to expert, but is rather narrow and gets cramped fast as more people arrive.  Same goes for the high walls.  Plenty of routes, but rather narrow, and not nearly as high as the climbing gym near Kadena.  The overall feel is great though.  It's a well maintained gym.  All the mats and gear are in good condition.  The owner is extrememly helpful, quick to lend a belay or short lesson for beginners and speaks great english.  Prices are comparable to the Okinawa-City Climbing Gym, but he does charge for shoes, harnesses, rope etc...Overall a great gym, in great condition with a welcome feel.  Only downside is just a bit too narrow and the high wall is not all that high.

Directions to the Okinawa Rock Climbing Gym

 From Kadena Gate 2, take right at "4 Corners".  Koza Music Town will be on

the right hand side.  Go straight on for 2 Kilometers. 

 You will see a blue overhanging sign for RT 24.

There will be a road that "Ys" off to the right.

Take that Right turn and the Climbing Gym will be on your right hand side.   As you pull in the parking will be on your left.  The Bouldering room will be to your right.

There's a short "nature path" behind the parking spaces that will lead you to another building.  Most times you'll find the owner there watching TV, if not continue down stairs to the reception area.  There you'll find three high walls of varying difficulties.

Parking's a little tight

Short Nature path to the reception building

Bouldering Room

Entrance to the High Wall Building

The overall atmosphere is laid back
with both American and Japanese customers usually there.  The owner speaks some English and though he's a man of few words, is friendly and helpful.  Rates are comparative to the only other Climbing Gym on Okinawa (Coral Rock).
500 Yen = 1hr
1,000Yen = 2hrs
                                              1,500 Yen = all day
They also offer monthly rates at 9,000 Yen.  One of the coolest things, is that the owner accepts dollars on a 1-1 exchange which is very favorable for Americans with the current exchange rate.  Although it may not be as clean of an environment as Coral Rock, the walls are higher, they accept dollars, and they don't charge a rental fee for shoes or harnesses.
Useful Tips: 
The only restroom is Old School Japanese style, and doesn't receive a lot of cleaning attention.  For guys, this is usually not a problem, but most females will feel uncomfortable.  There is a Family Mart nearby for emergencies :)
If you plan on renting shoes there, you may want to go against the custom and wear socks, most have been through some miles.  The owner also runs a small shop selling shoes, harnesses, chalk bags etc...
Mosquitoes are horrible in the Summer months, so insect repellent is a must!
Overall, a great climbing spot with very laid back rules, yet safe.  The owner loans out harnesses and shoes for no additional fee and will even loan out ropes if you want to lead climb and lend a belay if needed.  The regulars there are laid back and always down to give tips and advice when asked.  They host climbing competitions every few months or so, next one is 4 April 2011.