Bowling
There are a couple of bowling alleys in the city centre. Round One is halfway up Kawaramachi between Shijo and Sanjo. There is another a stones throw away, next to the Hub. Both places cost between 500 and 700 yen per game. They also have the option to bowl as much as you like, which will work out cheaper if you plan on playing a lot of games.
To get started, you need to fill out a form with the player's names and take it to the reception desk. And, you'll need some shoes. If you have very big feet and don't own a pair of bowling shoes, you might have trouble finding your size. Reception will be able to tell you what is available. It seems obvious, but don't forget to bring your own socks too, if you have them. If you don't, you probably shouldn't be going bowling.
Football (soccer)
The five-a-side version of football, futsal, has recently become more popular here. Getting enough people together at the same time can be a challenge. There are a few pitches in Kyoto. Bamb Green Park in Nagaoka-Tenjin has two indoor courts and one outdoor court while Coerver (Higashiyama) has three outdoor pitches. MK Bowl in Northern Kyoto has two courts inside. Bamb Green Park and Coerver cost between six and ten thousand yen per hour for a team, depending on when and what kind of court you want. MK Bowl is pricier, at about 15,000 yen. If you are looking to play five-a-side, then check in the forums or post a message there. Someone might be able to help.
There are also areas (often on riverbanks) that can be used to play football. However, the courts aren't always in the best condition and clearly, there may be water related drawbacks to using them.
Gym
There are a large number of gyms to choose from, many of which are conveniently placed near train stations. Most gyms offer group activities or special classes such as aerobics or body pump. They will often have squash courts, pools, baths and saunas, too.
Membership is paid month to month and discounts are available for day or night only subscriptions. It might be worth comparing prices, special rates and packages at different gyms. Some are also part of a nationwide chain, which could be useful if you are thinking of moving house.
Skiing/ Snow boarding
Nagano and Hokkaido are the most popular areas for winter sports. There are however, a few places around Kansai to go skiing or snow boarding. Details can be found on Snow Japan, a web site with a very comprehensive guide to resorts. Many will be difficult to get to by public transport, so using a car or joining a tour group would be advisable. If you are having trouble finding a good package or even people to go with, try posting something in the forum.
Tennis
There are plenty of places to play tennis in the city. Some gyms and fitness centres have courts. There are also a large number of specialist centres, such as the invitingly named 'Kyoto Friend Tennis Club' in Rakusaiguchi (West Kyoto).
Generally, clubs cost between one and three thousand yen per hour. Many of the tennis-only places will offer lessons as well. If you are not interested in this, it might be worthwhile asking around to find out if there are any local parks with tennis courts. Be warned, they don't always hire out balls and rackets. This page has a comprehensive list of courts in and around Kyoto.
Golf
Golf in Japan is notoriously expensive although playing here is quite different to playing in other countries. Many people find that the courses are luxurious in comparison. However due to the lack of space, courses are often in the middle of nowhere. To play at a proper golf course, it is probably necessary to have golf clubs and suitable attire. It can be expensive - anywhere from six to eighteen thousand yen, depending on when, where and if you get a membership. I recently went to a public course in Ohara. You could hire clubs there, you need to rent a car to get there but it was enjoyable, inexpensive if you go with a few people and in the middle of some lucious green mountains. If you'd like more information please email me or leave a post in the forum .
Spanking or slicing a few balls can be oddly therapeutic, and there are plenty of driving ranges around Kyoto. Look for the tall green nets, easy to spot when you are on the train. Clubs are available for hire there, too. They are usually open from morning until late in the evening.
Martial Arts
Strictly speaking, it may not be a sport, but it is possible to learn a wide range of martial arts here. There are a good deal of places to practice, too. Getting a membership shouldn't be that difficult - many foreigners come to Japan to study. In fact, Steven Seagal trained in Juso, although he doesn't live there any more. He moved back to America in the eighties. Now, he has two daughters, three houses and four sons. He is turning his hand to music.
This section might be short on specific information on martial arts, but a request has been posted in the forum. Check there for further updates.
Spectator Sports
Soccer, baseball, sumo and rugby are the most popular spectator sports in Japan. Kyoto have their own football team, The Purple Sanga, who play at Nishikyogoku Stadium on the Hankyu line. They have won promotion to J1 this season, so please go along and try to help them stay up.
The baseball team, Hanshin Tigers (who won the Central League championship this year) are based near Kobe. They sometimes have matches at the baseball stadium in Nishikyogoku but most home games are played at Koshien. It's on the Hanshin Dentetsu line.
And once a year, in March, a major sumo tournament is held in Osaka. Seats near the back are well priced. In the early bouts when the stadium isn't so busy, it's possible to sneak down to ringside.
There are several discount ticket shops in and around Shijo Kawaramachi. They sell a wide range of tickets, not just for sports but also trains and concerts. Tickets for events can also be bought at convenience stores. Machines are usually near the till - advertisements and leaflets in the store will be able to give you some idea of what's available.