Diving into the Many Pools of Tokyo

Jun 28, 2022

Diving into the Many Pools of Tokyo

As you may have already noticed, summers in Tokyo can be pretty sweltering. The heat brings with it many questions, such as how to deal with hot and sticky public transport, which new and improved sports drink will quench your eternal thirst, or how to drag yourself away from the air-conditioned havens of your office or home.

Another problem in Tokyo’s summer heat, particularly if you have a young family, is finding entertainment activities that won’t leave everyone feeling hot, sticky, and tired when you head home. In such a case, might I recommend some of the Tokyo area’s outdoor swimming pools and water parks?

Summerland

Summerland is an amusement destination that offers summer all year round, which possibly means that, with it being summer right now, it is twice the summer experience! It also means that the outdoor ‘Adventure Lagoon’ area is open, and you can enjoy giant waterfalls and floating down ‘the Looooong Lazy River.’ The more adventurous of you can try the ‘Screamer Water Slides.’ Be warned that the park can get crowded during the peak season. 

• Where: 600 Kamiyotsugi, Akiruno, Tokyo
• Cost: Varies throughout the year. Check the website for details.
• Website: www.summerland.co.jp

Yomuri Land

Billed as “a taste of the South Pacific in Tokyo” and part of an enduringly popular amusement park, the Pool WAI at Yomiuri Land has a whopping five pools and three water slides, including the rubber ring ride ‘The Giant Sky River’ that stands at 25m high and runs for 386m. You can play it safe in the Anpanman pool if that is too thrilling for your disposition. There are special events throughout the summer, including music performances and synchronized swimmers, after which adults can enjoy the nighttime beer garden on the nearby lawns.

• Where: 4015-1 Yanokuchi, Inagi-shi
• Cost: Pool tickets: varies throughout the season and must be pre-ordered. See the website for more details. 
• Website: www.yomiuriland.com

Meguro Citizens Center Gymnasium Pool

If you check with your local ward office, you will probably find that there is a cheap and convenient pool somewhere in your community. However, whether you live in the area or not, the residential pool at Meguro Citizens Center is definitely worth visiting. It is just a short walk from Meguro Station, has a toddler pool and a large 50x25m pool with lanes for swimmers, and an area for frolicking with floating devices and beach balls. Popular with families and, on weekends, particularly, a young adult crowd.

• Where: 2-4-36 Meguro, Meguro, Tokyo
• Cost: Adults 200 JPY; Junior high school students and younger/age 65 and older 100 JPY
• Website: www.city.meguro.tokyo.jp (Japanese)

Aqua Field Pool

Perhaps you are after something a little more serene and calm. Somewhere away from the wave machines and boisterous teens. If this is the case, then Aqua Field Pool may be more what you have in mind. With a fantastic view of the nearby Tokyo Tower, this 50m outdoor pool has two lanes for swimming lengths and a further section for general frivolity. After your swim, you can enjoy the view of Zojoji Temple as you dry off from a chair on the raised terrace.

• Where: Shiba-Koen 2-7-2, Minato-ku
• Cost: Adults 400 JPY for two hours; Children 200 JPY. An Additional 200 JPY per further hour.
• Website: www.city.minato.tokyo.jp (Japanese)

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