Sixteen players per session, two courts, and no need to bring a partner. That is the basic format of “Open Play” at DPC Kobe, the indoor pickleball venue in Kobe, and it is built for people who turn up alone.
Players book a time slot, arrive, and pair off with whoever else is on court. Most of the play is doubles. Pairs rotate, so the same person is not stuck with the same partner all session, and courts are shared, with everyone taking turns. Between games, people watch matches and talk. The venue says many participants sign up individually, which suits the idea.
Session length depends on the date. Inside a booked slot, players can come and go, so someone with only an hour to spare can still join, and someone with more energy can stay for several games. The slots also fit around the venue’s other clinics and events, which makes it easier to string a longer afternoon together.
Three levels
Sessions are split into Beginner, Intermediate and All Levels. Beginner slots give newer players time to go over the rules and basic movement while getting used to games. The other two are aimed at people who want to keep their match sharpness with more competitive play.
The venue’s own description of the appeal is simple: play at your own pace and meet people along the way. It calls Open Play a free and open way to make pickleball part of everyday life. A first half-month schedule lists many sessions on both weekdays and weekends, so people who cannot get out on a Saturday morning have other choices.
About the venue
DPC Kobe is part of the Diadem Pickleball Complex brand, an indoor facility concept that started in Florida and made its Japan debut in July 2025. The Kobe site came out of an exclusive partnership between DIADEM, a US racket sports brand, and ITC, an organization that has built up tennis in communities across Japan. The operators describe it as Japan’s first fully dedicated indoor pickleball space.
