Rusutsu Resort will open Hokkaido’s first official pickleball courts, certified by the Pickleball Japan Federation (PJF), beginning operations on 04/07/2025(Fri).

Pickleball is a new sport that originated in Washington State, USA, in 1965. Combining elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, it is known for its short rallies and agile movements. The game is played with a specialized paddle and a perforated plastic ball, either as doubles or singles. Recently, the sport has seen a surge in popularity, particularly among middle-aged and senior players, due to its balanced level of intensity and safety. As of 2024, over 13.6 million people are playing in the U.S., making it the fastest-growing sport in the country.

In response to this global trend, Rusutsu Resort has developed eight high-quality courts built to PJF standards. With spectator seating available, the facility offers a comfortable environment for both players and viewers. Rusutsu also plans to host official tournaments in the future to help promote pickleball across the region.

As part of its wellness offerings, Rusutsu Resort proposes various activities that promote both physical and mental balance during guests’ stays. This new facility welcomes a wide range of guests—from families and active seniors to international visitors. Accessible to all levels, from recreational users to competitive players, pickleball is an inclusive activity that caters to diverse needs.

About the Facility

[Location]
Inside Rusutsu Resort

[Number of Courts]
8 (2,000 m²) *Certified by PJF

[Facilities]
Spectator seating available

[Operating Period]
04/07/2025 (Fri) – 19/10/2025 (Sun)

[Hours]
7:00 – 18:00 (Last entry at 16:30)

[Reception]
Activity Desk (Rusutsu Resort Hotel, North Wing 1F)
*No reservation required

[Fees]
3,000 JPY per hour per court
*Special offer: From 04/07/2025 (Fri) – 24/08/2025 (Sun), one hour free with a valid Resort 1 Day Ticket (excludes amusement park tickets, etc.)

[Rental Fees]
Paddle: 300 JPY each
Ball: 150 JPY each (balls are for purchase)

Pickleball

Pickleball Basic Rules

Serve
Only one serve is allowed. Players serve underhand, hitting below the waist, and must land the serve diagonally into the opponent’s court. Even if the ball touches the net, it is valid as long as it clears the “kitchen line.”

Scoring
Only the serving team can score points. Each fault by the opponent earns 1 point. The game is won by the first team to reach 11 points, win by 2.

Two Bounce Rule
After the serve, both teams must let the ball bounce once before returning. After this, volleys (hitting the ball without a bounce) are allowed.

Kitchen Rule (Non-Volley Zone)
Volleys are prohibited in the “kitchen” area near the net. Stepping into the kitchen after a volley is considered a fault. However, players may hit balls that have bounced within this zone.

Drop Shot
The drop shot, a gentle shot that lands just over the net, is an important technique used to advance toward the net. It helps neutralize powerful shots from the opponent and creates an advantage in play.