1. Overview
This article explores the top water parks and swimming attractions in Japan, perfect for cooling off during the hotter months. Discover exciting destinations from Tokyo to Nagoya that promise fun for the whole family.
Although Japan doesn’t get nearly as hot as parts of the United States during the summer months, there’s still nothing quite as refreshing as hanging out at a water park or public pool. There are a number of great water-based attractions to visit on your summer vacation to Japan.
Most of Japan’s outdoor swimming pools and water parks open in late June and close in early September. They can get quite crowded during school summer holidays from late July through August; however, you should be able to find at least one place to swim or cool off with a relatively small crowd. The parks are elaborate, featuring specialty pools for both children and adults. Many are part of larger amusement complexes.
As with all popular tourist attractions, checking the associated websites for these pools and attractions is critical for more information about hours of operation, special holiday closures, and pricing. Most pools have rules posted, including bans on tattoos, which are not unusual in bathhouses and public pools in Japan.
2. Yomiuri Land Water Amusement Island (WAI)
Yomiuri Land is a popular amusement park located in the suburban area of Tokyo, offering five great swimming pools and three huge water slides.
Located at 4015-1 Yanokuchi Inagi-city, Tokyo, the park is easily accessible via the Keio Railway Line at Yomiuri Land Station or the Odakyu Railway Line at Yomiuri Land-mae Station.
Other popular attractions at Yomiuri Land include gondola rides over cherry blossoms, the Jewellumination lighting display park, and the Goodjaba amusement area.
3. Tokyo Summerland
The outdoor area called “Adventure Lagoon” is known as the most fun water park in Tokyo, open only during the summer. However, the indoor pool called Adventure Dome is open throughout the year with varying hours per season.
Located in Akiruno-city, Tokyo, visitors can access Tokyo Summerland via the JR or Keio Rail Line to Hachioji Station or the JR Line to Akikawa Station.
Along with the massive indoor and outdoor pools, Tokyo Summerland features large water slides, inner tubing flumes, and a variety of other water activities. It’s important to be mindful of the strict policies regarding what can be brought into the park; thus, checking the website for further details before your visit is advisable.
4. Nagashima Spaland Jumbo Pool
Nagashima Spaland near Nagoya is renowned for its thrilling rides and the Jumbo Pool, which includes a variety of water slides and pools, plus a natural hot spring open-air bath. It stands as one of the largest water parks globally.
Located at the Nagashima Resort in Nagashima-cho Urayasu Kuwana-city, Mie, visitors can catch a bus from JR Kuwana/Nagoya to Nagashima onsen. There are special direct buses running from Nagoya that require reservations.
Visiting the park’s website enables you to better plan your trip, download an English guide, and even view a large-scale map to navigate the park efficiently.
5. Tobu Zoo Super Pool
The Super Pool features a large kids pool, wave pool, and more at Tobu Zoo, located at 110 Suka Miyashiro-machi Minami-saitama-gun, Saitama, easily accessible from Tokyo via the Tobu Line at the Tobu Dobutsu Koen Station.
While the Super Pool (including its children’s pool and wave pool) is only operational during the summer, the zoo remains open year-round and features over 120 species and more than 1,200 animals, including a rare white tiger. There are also exciting rides, offering hours of entertainment even for those who prefer to stay dry.
6. Toshima-en Water Park
The Toshima-en Amusement Park in Tokyo offers numerous pools and thrilling water slides in its water park.
The Toshima-en Water Park has a special “night pool” for adult guests to enjoy after sunset. Thus, if you’re looking to swim into the evening, this is the perfect destination for you.
Located at 3-25-1 Kouyama Nerima-ku, Tokyo, visitors can access this vast complex via the Seibu Ikebukuro Line, the Seibu Shunjuku Line, or the Toei Subway Oedo Line to Toshima-en Station.
7. Hokkaido Rusutsu Resort Super Jumbo Pool
Located within the Rusutsu Resort Amusement Park, the Super Jumbo Pool features various pools, including an aqua coaster, a slide pool, a fountain pool, and a covered Olympic-sized competition pool.
To reach this famous resort and amusement park, catch a two-hour bus from Sapporo-city to Rusutsu-mura Abuta-gun Hokkaido.
8. Uminonakamichi Kaihin Koen (Seaside Park) Sunshine Pool
Uminonakamichi Seaside Park is a large leisure park that was previously a military base, now hosting a variety of flower gardens, sports facilities, a hotel, and a sunshine pool with a 100-meter slide.
Uminonakamichi Sunshine Pools offers six different types of pool experiences to choose from, including areas for infants and toddlers and a pool named Water Play Land, which includes many surprises for exploration.
Located in Fukuoka-city in Fukuoka, visitors can access this unique park via the JR Umino Nakamichi Station. Additionally, Marine World Uminonakamichi, a modern aquarium, is located just across the road from the park.
9. Spa Resort Hawaiians Water Park
Spa Resort Hawaiians is a sizable theme park, complete with various facilities, hotels, and attractions. It features a hot spring dome where adults can bathe without clothing, with separate pools for men and women, alongside spa services.
The main pool area is equipped with water slides and a large swimming pool. Kids can enjoy a Hawaiian-themed area with rivers and coves. Additionally, there is an aquarium cave that allows you to observe aquatic life while you swim.
Located at 50 Warabidaira Joubanfujiwaramachi Iwaki-city, Fukushima, this well-known resort further offers various shops and services to enhance your visit.
