photo by Hajime NAKANO
Pools have been a popular destination for a summer outing since a long time ago, but lately, many of them have become more and more evolved and original. Especially the different types of pools and water slides became more extravagant and diverse, and the vast variety of attractions turns the visit into a small adventure. These kind of modern pools – you could rather call them water parks – are at their peak of popularity now. Countless entertainment elements ensure that both kids and adults can have their share of fun. We will introduce a few of the best pools in the Tokyo area this time!
Tokyo Summerland (Tokyo, Akiruno City)
Tokyo Summerland – often referred to as the symbol of summer in Tokyo, its outdoor pool “Adventure Lagoon” (limited to summer season) is something everyone should experience at least once. Its famous lazy river pool is 650 meters long, perfect for spending the day just floating along with your swim ring. As for water slides, there is “dobon”, which got its name from the sound you make when hitting the water after taking a jump. And this is exactly what this slide will make you feel like when it literally spits you out into the pool at the end of the slide. “DEKASLA” on the other hand takes you on a thrilling slide in a boat of 4 to 6 people. Or how about having 1.2 tons of water splashed on you from a barrel all of a sudden at Aquafun? The number of attractions at Summerland will keep you busy for at least one whole day. Just in case it rains on the day of your visit, you can still enjoy the dome-shaped, inside pool, “Adventure Dome”. There, you can relax at a vast, beach-style poolside, where even big waves splash to the shore from time to time, or get on a Hawaiian-themed water slide. And if you are in for a treat, the spa area is only a step away, and no need to change clothes – you can enjoy it in your bathing suit.
Access
From Shinjuku Station, take the JR Chuo Special Rapid to Hachioji Station (approx. 40 minutes), then take the bus for about 30 minutes
Opening Period 2016 (for the outdoor pool)
July 1 (Fri) to September 30 (Fri)
Toshimaen (Tokyo, Nerima Ward)
When it comes to experiencing various kinds of water slides, Toshimaen Pool is one of the places not to miss. This recreation area has a long history – the theme park opened in 1926, followed by the pool in 1926. Nowadays, the huge “Hydropolis” water slide area is the most popular attraction. Tower A is full of slides you can use without any gear, just your body – open slides, tube-type or tunnel-type water slides. Tower B sends you down the slide in special swim rings, and Tower C is for the more experienced sliders, popular for its thrilling, speedy slides. Toshimaen has a total of 9 water slide types to offer – why not try to conquer them all? And if you would like to try something different, slide down an 8 meters high slope in a boat at the “Nautic Jet” attraction (extra fee). On the other hand, cosplay events are often held in the theme park area – make sure to check the event dates if you are interested!
Toshimaen (Japanese)
Access
From Ikebukuro Station, take the Seibu Ikebukuro Line to Toshimaen Station (approx. 40 minutes), then walk for 1 minute
Opening Period 2016
July 2 (Sat) to August 31 (Wed)
Tobu Super Pool (Saitama Prefecture, Miyashiro)
The combination theme park / water park is something you see often in Japan. But how about a pool attached to a zoo? This is one of these spots that combine three areas of fun in one single park. It is a bit far from the city, but the fact that it can be accessed without changing trains, and that this so-called “hybrid recreation area” opens a pool right within Tobu Zoo makes the trip definitely worth it. The recently renovated and re-opened water slide “Tiger Splash” is popular for its thrilling sliding speed, and the lazy river pool and wave pool are perfect for relaxing and cooling off. Families can spend the day at Japan’s largest outside kid’s pool “Shabu Shabu Adventure”, with a water slide designed for parent and kid to slide together, and a safe, small playground slide. In the wave pool, 11 water cannons will launch “cannons” of water accompanied by music
– a must-see!
Access
From Shibuya Station, take the Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line Express to Tobu-dobutsuen Station (approx. 92 minutes), then walk for 10 minutes
Opening Period 2016
July 16 (Sat) to September 4 (Sun)
Inage Kaihin Park Pool (Chiba Prefecture, Chiba City)
If you would like to enjoy a day at both the pool and the ocean in one go, try the pool within Inage Kaihin Park. It is managed by the city; therefore the reasonable entrance fee is a big plus. A total of 14 different pools, among them a wave pool, streaming pool, waterfall pool, and a kiddy pool, plus 4 water slides make this park perfect for all generations. Especially popular is the float water slide where you can slide down on your swim ring. There is no extra charge, so feel free to go as many times as you like! The wave pool starts splashing big waves five times a day for 10 minutes each. If you get tired from playing in the pool, just walk through the gate in your bathing suit and visit Inage Beach. Japan’s first artificial beach spreads out for 1,200 meters of sand, perfect for a beach volleyball match. Plus, there is no restriction, so you can go back and forth from pool to beach as much as you like.
Inage Kaihin Park Pool (Japanese)
Access
From Tokyo Station, take the JR Sobu Line Express to Inage Station (approx. 35 minutes), then take the bus for 5 minutes
Opening Period 2016
July 16 (Sat) to August 31 (Wed)
Zushi Beach Splash Water Park (Kanagawa Prefecture,Zushi City)
Up until now, the pools we introduced were all fresh water pools. But there is a place with exciting attractions in top of the ocean! This floating water park, “Beach Splash WaterPark” first came to Japan from Australia in 2014, at that time still at Yumigahama Beach in Shizuoka Prefecture. Its popularity was followed by Zushi Beach Splash Water Parkopening a year later, in an easily accessible location from Tokyo. Countable attractions such as a bridge, cliff, trampoline, jumping platform and an attraction tower leave nothing to be desired. The whole park floats on the ocean, about 300 meters away from the shore. Including the time to get to the park and back, entrance is limited to one hour. Swimming the way to the park is possible, but there is a boat express (extra fee) available too. Enjoy that one hour to the fullest while getting soaking wet! However, mind that alcohol is forbidden and you cannot participate if you have had one or a few drinks before. Plus, the park’s opening hours and days might vary due to strong wind or other extreme weather conditions.
Access
From Shinjuku Station, take the JR Shonan-Shinjuku Line to Shin-zushi Station (approx. 59 minutes), then walk for 15 minutes
Opening Period 2016
June 24 (Fri) to August 28 (Sun)
Summary
Floating in a pool on a hot day will not only keep you cool, but it will
also help to relieve your fatigue after a stressful week. Let’s overcome this year’s summer heat by experiencing various pools and water slides! But even though the pool might be soothingly cool, the sunlight is still strong, especially by the poolside or on the water’s surface. Don’t forget your sunscreen!
