One of the best things to do during summer in Japan is visiting a summer-limited time water park or pool! Here, we introduce 8 Tokyo water parks and pools to add to your summer plans.
Table of Contents
- Water Park and Summer Pool Season in Japan
- Tokyo Water Parks and Their Open Season (2024)
- Tokyo Summer Pools and Their Open Season (2024)
- No Tattoos at Water Parks and Pools in Japan?!
Water Park and Summer Pool Season in Japan
Summer is the season when outdoor water parks and pools are open for a limited time. This is because Japan is a country that has four distinct seasons, and only summer is warm enough for outdoor pool activities. There are indoor heated pools that are open all year round, but nothing beats the refreshing feeling of cooling down at an outdoor pool. Some people would even go as far to say, “It feels more natural.”
Water parks and summer pools in Japan are usually open from June to September, depending on the region and weather conditions. Basically from when the weather gets warm until it starts to get cold. Keep in mind that they are usually very busy during peak summer months July and August when students are on summer vacation, not to mention everybody wants to cool off for summer
You may be at the pool, but beware of heatstroke. Hydrate frequently, apply sunscreen, and monitor your health condition.
Other fun things to do during summer in Japan include fireworks festivals, summer festivals (natsumatsuri), kimodameshi test of courage, bon odori festival, and more. Here is a list-up of 7 must-attend summer events in Tokyo.
Writer's Pick
Tokyo Water Parks and Their Open Season (2024)
Without further ado, here are some of the best Toyo water parks you can find in the Greater Tokyo area and their opening dates for summer this year.
1. [Tokyo] Tokyo Summerland
Image from PR Times.
Tokyo Summerland (東京サマーランド) is an amusement park in Akiruno City, Tokyo that is reachable in 1.5 hours from Shinjuku Station. It is famous for having Japan’s largest lazy river (流れるプール, Nagareru Pu-ru). Tokyo Summerland’s facilities include an outdoor summer limited-time water park, an indoor dome water park that is open all year round and can be enjoyed regardless of the weather, and an outdoor amusement park with roller coasters and rides.
Tokyo Summerland is perhaps the most popular water park in Tokyo on account of its sheer size and number of water slides and pools. They have a total of 8 different water slides. The most famous of which is “DEKASLA”, a compound of the words でかい (Dekai) meaning “big” and スライダー (Suraida-) meaning “slide”. 4 to 6 people can board a rubber boat and glide down a huge slide from 24 meters high.
Image from PR Times.
From June 29th, 2024 this year, they will be opening a new lazy pool called “MONSTER STREAM”. The theme is an adventurous pool incorporating the elements of nature.
Date: June (weekends only), July to September
Official Site
※ Advance purchase of entry tickets is required. No onsite tickets will be available. Tickets are available to purchase up to 1 week in advance.
※ During the summer period from June to September, tickets are set at different rates: June weekend, A, B, and C. The price ranges from 3,600 to 5,400 Yen for adults.
2. [Tokyo] Yomiuriland WAI
Yomiuriland Water Amusement Island (WAI) is Yomiuriland’s water park that only opens in summer. It is located in Inagi City, Tokyo and adjacent to the main amusement park. It is reachable in 25 minutes from Shinjuku Station. The water park is decorated with palm trees and a sandy beach, creating a tropical holiday atmosphere. They are one of the biggest water parks in Tokyo with 5 pools and 8 water slides.
Photo from PR Times.
In 2023, a new attraction “Wai Wai Jungle” (photo above) was opened. It features a giant bucket of 2,300 liters of water, the largest in eastern Japan, that regularly releases its contents, splashing passerbyers below. It also features over 70 gimmicks including a full-scale 50 meter long slide, 5 mini slides for children, water guns, and fountains.
For adults, there is a night pool event held on certain days (check the event calendar). The area hosts special performances during the day and night as well.
Date: June 29th～September 16th, 2024 (some dates closed)
Official Site
※ Online purchase tickets are discounted.
※ Tickets are set at different rates: A, B, C, Night Pool (from 17:00 entry). The price ranges from 2,400 Yen (amusement park + night pool) to 7,000 Yen (amusement park + pool (night pool included) + unlimited rides).
※ Several types of ticket sets are available, all tickets come with amusement park entry.
3. [Chiba] Hasunuma Water Garden
Hasunuma Water Garden (蓮沼ウォーターガーデン) in Sammu City, Chiba Prefectures is the biggest water park in Chiba Prefecture, it is 1.5 times the size of Tokyo Dome. It takes approximately 1.5 hours to reach from Tokyo by public transportation. The water park is located right beside Kujukuri Beach (九十九里浜, Kujuukurihama), one of the largest stretches of beach in Japan, so you can enjoy the beach and the water park at the same time. Access to the beach is free.
There are altogether 19 attractions at Hasunuma Water Garden, consisting of water slides, pools, lazy rivers, etc. making it a great place for families to enjoy. In particular, the ultra-giant water slide, “Splash Shaker (スプラッシュシェイカー)” that combines 4 attractions and is total 182 meters in length, is famous.
Date: July 7th～September 16th, 2024 (some dates closed)
Ticket: 1,900 Yen for Adults, separate attraction fees (300～600 Yen each)
Official Site
Tokyo Summer Pools and Their Open Season (2024)
Here, we will introduce smaller scale water parks that are closer to summer pools that you can find in and around Tokyo.
5. [Saitama] Seibuen Amusement Park Pool
Image from PR Times.
Seibuen Amusement Park Pool (西武園ゆえんちプール) is Seibu Amusement Park’s summer limited time only water park and pool. It is located at Tokorozawa City, Saitama Prefecture and reachable in around 1 hour from Shinjuku Station. This water park is relatively small compared to the ones we introduced above, but it makes for a great opportunity to explore Seibuen Amusement Park as well.
Photo from PR Times
The highlight of Seibuen Amusement Park Pool is its gigantic water slide consisting of 6 courses. The thrill of unexpected curves and the fast speed will make you scream your lungs out. There is also a wave pool, lazy pool, and children’s pools. Make sure to catch the summer fireworks that are held every weekend from July 13th, and everyday between August 12th～16th at 19:30.
Date: July 6th～September 8th, 2024; weekends and holidays only for July 6th～19th, September 2nd～8th
Ticket: 2,900 Yen for Adults; 3,200 Yen for Adults (August 10th～18th)
Official Site
※ Set ticket with Seibuen Amusement Park available.
※ Seibuen, “「西武園ゆうえんち」夏季営業のお知らせ” [2024.05.27]
6. [Saitama] Tobu Super Pool
Tobu Super Pool (東武スーパープール) is part of Tobu Zoological Park which is located in Shiraoka, Saitama Prefecture. It takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes to reach Shibuya Station. The outdoor leisure pools are only open during summer.
Tobu Super Pool’s facilities consist of a children’s pool, a 300 meter long lazy river, a 90 meter wide wave pool, and various water slides! You can enjoy the zoo, amusement park, and pool altogether for a day of fun and leisure!
Date: July 6th～September 8th, 2024; weekends and holidays only for July 6th～19th, September 2nd～8th
Ticket: 2,900 Yen for Adults; 3,200 Yen for Adults (August 10th～18th)
Official Site
7. Kawagoe Aquatic Park
【今なら独り占め】
— 【公式】川越水上公園（プールフィッシング終了しました） (@KAP_Saitama) September 1, 2023
本日から学校が始まり利用が非常に落ち着いている川越水上公園です。
今なら広いプールを貸し切り気分で楽しめます✨
ライフガードもおりますので安心してご利用ください☆
プール営業は9/3まで！#川越水上公園 pic.twitter.com/mGFDsEuRBo
Kawagoe Aquatic Park (川越水上公園) at Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture has several outdoor activities facilities including swimming pools, water slides, a wave pool, and a lazy river. There is also a boating lake and lawn for non-swimming activities. Other recreational facilities include soccer and futsal fields, tennis courts, jogging courses, basketball courts, and gym. The entire area is surrounded by greenery making it a peaceful and leisurely escape from your daily lives.
Date: July 13th～September 1st, 2024 (close on some days)
Ticket: 730 Yen for Adults
Official Site
※ Advance purchase of entry tickets is required. No onsite tickets will be available.
※ Family set ticket for 2 adults and 2 children available at 1,670 Yen.
8. [Kanagawa] Oiso Long Beach
Oiso Long Beach (⼤磯ロングビーチ) is a facility operated by Oiso Prince Hotel at Oiso-machi, Kanagawa Prefecture. The outdoor leisure pool is only open during the summer. Located right next to Oiso Prince Hotel, it is also located along Sagami Bay. Guests can enjoy the wonderful view as well as breath in the summer sea breeze.
Oiso Long Beach has a lineup of 10 pools including a waterslide, diving pool, wave pool, children’s pool, a regular swimming pool, and a lazy river. 8 of these pools are open to the public, while 2 are reserved for hotel guests.
Date: July 6th～September 16th, 2024
Official Site
※ Tickets are set at different rates ranging from 4,300 Yen to 4,700 Yen.
No Tattoos at Water Parks and Pools in Japan?!
Despite the growing acceptance of tattoos, the long-standing stigma against tattoos in Japan still remains strong. Tattoos are generally banned at gyms, water parks, pools, beaches, and the like. Depending on how strict the regulations are at the place, you may be allowed to enter and use the facilities provided your tattoos are concealed, or you may be completely denied entry to avoid causing discomfort to other guests.
※ Check the facility’s official website or contact them to inquire about rules regarding tattoos.
Another rule to keep in mind when visiting water parks and pools in Japan is that alcohol is generally prohibited.
To Close
As Tokyo heats up this summer, these seven water parks and pools offer the perfect escape for cooling off and having fun. Whether you're seeking thrilling slides, serene pools, or family-friendly activities, each destination promises a refreshing experience amidst the city's bustling energy.
So grab your swimsuit, gather your friends and family, and dive into the excitement these Tokyo water parks and pools have to offer. Make the most of your summer with unforgettable aquatic adventures right here in the heart of Tokyo.
