Aarohi Narain

Tokyo in summer is a slow boil, and at a certain point, cold drinks and convenience store air-conditioning just don’t cut it. You need water -- big, splashy, chlorinated water. This list pulls together some of our favorite places to cool off: water parks with looping slides and lazy rivers, public pools tucked into residential neighborhoods, and even a retro gem with just enough faded grandeur to charm your inner Showa romantic. Some are family-friendly and full of floaties. Others are blissfully simple, offering that winning combo of lap lanes, shade, and a breeze. Whether you're in it for the cannonballs or just want to drift under a plastic palm tree and forget about your inbox, these are the best spots in Tokyo (and just beyond) to get wet, stay cool, and maybe even enjoy summer -- it's possible, we swear. 1. Tokyo Summerland One-day passes from to , depending on the day (see price list) Buy on Klook 90–120 minutes from Shinjuku Station Good for kids of all ages (swim diapers and swimsuits required) This mega‑park in Akiruno is the serious splasher’s playground: Japan’s longest lazy river (650m), wave pools, an indoor Adventure Dome, and high‑octane slides like "DEKASLA" and Monster Stream. It’s a full‑day outing with thrill rides, jacuzzis, and kid‑friendly areas, plus seasonal evening illuminations and fireworks. This year, the outdoor pool is open from July 5 to September 29. 2. Yomiuriland -- Pool WAI From to for park and pool entry (see price list) Buy on Klook 50–60 minutes from Shinjuku Station Good for kids of all ages (swim diapers and swimsuits required) A sun‑soaked oasis tucked inside Yomiuriland Amusement Park, Pool WAI brings everything you could want in a water escape: a giant wave pool, lazy river, thrilling slides (including the Sky River mega‑flume), plus an endearing Anpanman kids’ area. With palm trees and resort‑style vibes, it's essentially Tokyo’s version of a mini tropical getaway. Note however, that tattoos are a no‑go. Pro tip: To save some yen, consider going in the evening after 5 p.m. when tickets drop to per person (amusement park admission and pool access combined). 3. Oiso Long Beach From to for adults, depending on the day (see the price list) 120 minutes from Shinjuku Station Good for kids of all ages (swim diapers and swimsuits required) As the name suggests, Oiso Long Beach Water Park is the ideal summery fusion of beach and water park. Perfect for young families and older guests, this water park has a wave pool, a lazy river, places to lounge, a number of different pools and hot tubs, and an Olympic-sized diving board. Because the beach sits south of Kamakura, the waters are clear and noticeably devoid of seaweed and debris. A word of warning, though: Oiso Long Beach is known for cracking down on patrons with visible tattoos. In 2025, Oiso Long Beach opens from July 5 to September 15. 4. Seibuen Amusement Park From for adults and for kids (see the price list) 55 minutes from Shinjuku Station Good for kids of all ages (swim diapers and swimsuits required) Nestled inside the nostalgic Seibuen Amusement Park in Tokorozawa, Seibuen’s pool is summer done right. With four tubular slides, a generous wave pool, and plenty of shallow zones made for splashing around, it feels like a laid-back beach day without the sand. Note that from August 9 to 17, tickets go up to for adults and for kids. 5. Kawagoe Aquatic Park From for adults (see the price list) 120 minutes from Shinjuku Station Nappies/diapers allowed in 30 cm pool; swim diapers and swimsuits required elsewhere Under 40 minutes from Ikebukuro, Kawagoe Aquatic Park is an easy day trip. It's one of the more reasonably priced water parks near Tokyo, with slides of varying levels of scary, and a couple of large family pools. There is also a shallow wave pool, where it is quite nice to chill. One thing to keep in mind is that the Kawagoe Aquatic Park can get crowded, and there isn't much shade, so come prepared to deal with the heat. This year, the pool will be open on July 12–13, from July 19 to August 31, and again on September 6–7. Opening hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with last entry at 4 p.m. and swimming allowed until 4:30 p.m. On August 27, the pool will open in the evening from 6 to 9 p.m. (last entry 7:30 p.m., swimming permitted until 8:30 p.m.). Tickets, available only through Asoview, go on sale August 3 at 1 p.m. and cost for adults and for kids. One family ticket (two adults and two kids) costs . 6. Aquafield Park for adults and for children (extended use is /hour for adults and for children) 30 minutes from Shinjuku Station For children aged 3+ If you want a pool with a view, then look no further. With views of Tokyo Tower and Shiba Park, this is a great place to relax and pretend you're living the life of luxury. The 50-meter pool has some sections cordoned off for serious swimmers, but the rest is open for play. There are recliners, but they only have some parasols -- there is no natural shade, so beware of the sun. There is also a futsal area, but this requires registration to reserve and use. Check the official website here for more details and a small map. 7. Meguro Citizens Center Gymnasium and Pool From for 2 hours for adults. After 2 hours, you will be charged per 90 minutes. 30 minutes from Shinjuku Station For children aged 3+ The Meguro Citizens Centre Gymnasium outdoor pool is perfect for the cheapo that wants to get the Japanese pool experience without shelling out serious yen. The Meguro Citizens Center Pool is a quaint and fun pool for someone who is interested in swimming for a couple hours, but does not want to commit to a full day trip to a water park in Tokyo. Note that it doesn't have any water slides or extra gimmicks. Those with tattoos can use the facilities too, but you'll have to make sure to wear a rash guard or cover them. Bonus: School pools (for local residents) When school is out, a large number of (mainly indoor) pools at elementary and junior-high schools are open to local residents and workers. Make sure to check there are no school events on before you go, to avoid a wasted trip. You'll want to take along some ID to show that you are either a resident of, or employed in, the ward. Meguro Ward Schools: Ishibumi Elementary, Midorigaoka Elementary, Gohongi Elementary Adults: From for 2 hours Schedule: Varies, but you can check the opening hours here. Setagaya Ward Schools: Taishido Junior High (heated pool), Tamagawa Junior High (heated pool), Karasuyama Junior High (heated pool), Umegaoka Junior High (heated pool) From for one hour for adults Schedule:: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Check the Setagaya City website for more details on opening hours. Shinagawa Ward Schools: Togoshidai Junior High (heated pool), Yashio Gakuen (heated pool), Hoyonomori Gakuen (heated pool), Shinagawa Gakuen (heated pool), Hino Gakuen (heated pool) From for 2 hours for adults Schedule: 9:30 a.m. to 8:50 p.m., but may be affected by school events. Check the Shinagawa City website for up-to-date schedules. Frequently asked questions Does Tokyo have water parks? It sure does. Our three favorites are: 1. Tokyo Summerland is your go-to for a full-blown water adventure -- huge slides, indoor-outdoor pools, and enough space (and noise) to keep a group entertained all day. 2. If you're after something more relaxed, Yomiuriland Pool WAI offers a breezy resort vibe with palm trees, family-friendly slides, and easy access to the amusement park next door. 3. For a quieter, low-key day with younger kids, Seibuen Amusement Park Pool leans nostalgic, with gentler attractions and fewer crowds. Are tattoos allowed at water parks and pools in Japan? Generally, no. This also includes temporary tattoos, body paint, and covered tattoos. This article was originally written by Grace Buchele Mineta in July 2014 and is updated periodically. Last updated: June 2025.

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Aarohi's Favourites

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