Written by Grace Buchele Mineta
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 ¥2,600 to ¥3,600, depending on the day (see complete price list here)Purchase online here (from ¥1,000)
This mega‑park in Akiruno is the serious splasher’s playground: Japan’s longest lazy river (650 m), wave pools, 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 ¥3,400 to ¥4,000 for park and pool entry (see complete price list here)
A sun‑soaked oasis tucked inside Yomiuriland Amusement Park, Pool WAI brings everything you could want in a water escape: 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. Tattoos are a no‑go.
To save some yen, consider going in the evening after 5 p.m. when tickets drop to ¥2,400 per person (amusement park admission and pool access combined).
3. Oiso Long Beach
From ¥4,400 to ¥4,900 for adults, depending on the day (see the complete price list here)
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 ¥3,200 for adults and ¥2,200 for kids (see the complete price list here)
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. Bonus: there’s a Hello Kitty bounce house for the younger crowd.
Note that from August 9 to 17, tickets go up to ¥3,500 for adults and ¥2,500 for kids.
5. Kawagoe Aquatic Park
From ¥1,100 for adults (see the complete price list here)Under 40 minutes from Ikebukuro, Kawagoe Aquatic Park is an easy trip. It’s one of the more reasonably priced water parks, 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. The place 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.
6. Aquafield Park
¥600 for adults and ¥100 for children (extended use is ¥300/hour for adults and ¥0 for children)
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. However, with recliners but only some parasols and no natural shade, beware of the sun. There is also a futsal area but this requires registration to reserve and use.
Check the website here for more details and a small map.
7. Meguro Citizens Center Gymnasium and Pool
From ¥200 for 2 hours for adults. After 2 hours, you will be charged ¥150 per 90 minutes.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. There are basketball, volleyball, and badminton courts, a weight training room, and a heated indoor pool that you must pay extra to use. 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. It doesn’t have any water slides or extra gimmicks, so if you’re looking for a more interesting pool experience, bring your own (small) inflatable toys or flotation devices.
Bonus: School pools
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 if there are no school events on before you go to avoid a wasted trip. You’ll want to rake 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
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)
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)
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. 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. If you’re after something a little 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. 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 includes temporary tattoos, body paint, and covered tattoos.
This article was originally published in July 2014 and is updated periodically. Last updated: June 2025.
