The dog days of summer are here, and Tokyo’s heat is making even the most avid explorers crave some respite. While the city’s iconic sights may be tempting, sometimes the best way to beat the heat is to take a plunge into a refreshing water park.
From sprawling amusement parks with thrilling slides to smaller, family-friendly pools, Tokyo has a water wonderland for everyone. Let’s dive in and discover the best ways to cool off and have a blast this summer!
Tokyo Summerland: A Water Paradise for All Ages
Located just a short train ride from Shinjuku, Tokyo Summerland offers a full-day escape from the urban heat. This vibrant amusement park boasts thrilling roller coasters, a whimsical Ferris wheel, and an expansive water park with something for everyone.
Thrill Seekers: Soar down exhilarating slides, ride the waves in the wave pool, and take on the challenge of the giant inflatable ring ride!
Family Fun: The Adventure Dome provides indoor pool fun, perfect for when the sun gets too intense. And for those looking for a relaxing break, there’s a lazy river to drift down and soak up the sun.
Need a break? Conveniently located on-site, a hotel offers a comfortable stay for those who want to maximize their water park experience.
Getting There: Hop on the JR Chuo Line [JC] or Keio Line [KO] to Hachioji Station. From there, a convenient city bus service will take you straight to the park gates.
Ticket Prices: For the most up-to-date prices, check the Tokyo Summerland website. Remember, a “Free Pass Ticket” gives you access to everything, including the thrilling DEKASLA slide!
Yomiuriland: Thrills and Splashes in a Vibrant Setting
About an hour from central Tokyo, Yomiuriland is a beloved amusement park known for its adrenaline-pumping rides and captivating water park.
Water Wonderland: The heart of Yomiuriland’s summer fun is the Water Amusement Island (WAI). This aquatic oasis boasts a vibrant array of pools, including a delightful Anpanman-themed pool for little ones.
Epic Sliders: The highlight of WAI is the Giant Sky River, a towering 24.5-meter slide with a thrilling 386-meter downhill runway. Ride with friends or family on a four-seater inflatable ring for a truly exhilarating experience.
More Than Just Slides: Throughout the summer, Yomiuriland hosts special events like dazzling water shows, synchronized swimming performances, and exciting water races.
Getting There:
- Keio Line [KO] Keio-Yomiuri-Land Station: Cross the street and take the charming Gondola Sky Shuttle to the park’s entrance.
- Odakyu Line [OH] Yomiuri Land-Mae Station: Transfer to buses headed towards Yomiuriland.
Ticket Prices: Enjoy a day of fun for JPY 1,800 for adults, JPY 1,500 for middle and high school students, and JPY 1,000 for children and seniors.
Tobu Dobutsuen-Koen: Where Zoo Fun Meets Water Park Thrills
Escape the Tokyo heat and head north to Saitama prefecture, home to Tobu Dobutsuen-Koen. This expansive park combines the excitement of an amusement park, the wonder of a zoo, and the refreshing fun of a water park.
Water Park Oasis: While the zoo and amusement park offer year-round fun, Tobu Dobutsuen-Koen’s water park opens its doors during the summer months, providing a welcome escape from the heat.
Slide into Adventure: The water park features a variety of thrilling slides for all ages, a lazy river for relaxing floats, and a wave pool with massive fountains. Let the cool water wash away your worries and create unforgettable summer memories.
Getting There: Take the Tokyo Metro’s Hanzomon line [Z] or Hibiya line [H] and connect to the Tobu Skytree line [TS] to Tobu-Dobutsukoen Station. From there, a convenient shuttle service takes you directly to the park.
Ticket Prices: For the latest prices, visit the Tobu Dobutsuen-Koen website.
This summer, escape the Tokyo heat and dive into these fantastic water parks. Whether you’re seeking thrilling slides, family-friendly fun, or a relaxing day by the water, these destinations offer a cool escape from the city’s summer heat.
