Summer in Tokyo is hot, hotter than hot, and even the air feels thick! The humidity makes it feel like you’re walking through a sauna. But don’t worry, Tokyo has plenty of ways to stay cool and have fun. Splash parks and wading pools, known as “jabujabu” in Japan, are the perfect way to beat the heat.
A Splashing Adventure in Setagaya
We kicked off our summer adventures at a charming park in Setagaya, where we met up with some fellow moms. This park is a true gem for a scorching summer day. It boasts a delightful rock pool and a bubbling stream, ideal for kids to cool off and play. The best part? These water features are shaded by lush trees, providing a welcome respite from the sun.
The water was crystal clear, and a dedicated staff member was diligently removing leaves from the pool and stream, ensuring a clean and enjoyable experience. We arrived around 10 a.m., and the park was fairly empty. As the day progressed, more families joined the fun, but everyone was still maintaining a safe distance due to ongoing COVID concerns. We brought along a picnic lunch to enjoy, allowing us to spend a leisurely afternoon splashing in the water. The park also boasts other play areas, which we’ll explore on our next visit!
Planning Your Meguro Pool Adventure
Next on our list was the Meguro Pool, which, despite being a public facility, offers a unique experience. While smartphone photos are prohibited in the pool area, you can bring your camera into the toddler pool. Navigating the pool’s system can be a little confusing at first, but once you get the hang of it, it’s a smooth process.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, you must book your pool entry online on the day of your visit. You can’t choose a specific time slot; you simply book online, and the system places you in a virtual queue. During the week, there’s usually no wait, but weekends are a different story! The pool opens at 9:30 a.m., and you’ll often find hundreds of people waiting in line. We learned this the hard way, attempting to book at 9:35 a.m. on a weekend only to find the system closed due to the overwhelming number of people waiting. The next weekend, we logged in at 9:30 a.m. sharp and were number 305 in line! We received our acceptance email at 2 p.m., confirming our entry into the pool.
Navigating the Meguro Pool Rules
Once you’ve been accepted, you have a two-hour window to enter the pool. However, it’s important to note that your acceptance can be revoked, so head to the pool as soon as you can. When you arrive, there are three checkpoints to navigate.
Japan is known for its adherence to rules, and the Meguro Pool is no exception. Before you dive in, make sure to familiarize yourself with the regulations on their website. One important rule is that you must remove all jewelry, including earrings, when using the main outdoor pool. I was also advised to remove my Apple Watch while swimming laps, which I cleverly circumvented by using a sports band.
With its abundance of splash parks and pools, Tokyo offers a refreshing escape from the summer heat. So grab your swimsuit, sunscreen, and a towel and get ready to make a splash!
