Beaches & Pools in Tokyo

From urban pools to island beaches: Tokyo's summer waters

Tokyo bristles with skyscrapers and urban life, but it also has a surprising number of beaches and pools that offer a respite from summer's heat and humidity. These range from resort-like urban pools to remote island beaches facing clear seas. The water-based leisure activities of Tokyo's summer offer something for every traveler.

Things to know before visiting Tokyo's beaches and pools:

Beach swimming season is generally limited to July and August
Check the water quality before swimming in Tokyo Bay and be aware that some beaches like Odaiba don't actually allow swimming
Check out the major hotels, which open their swimming pools to the public in summer—for a fee
Much like an onsen, you should shower before you enter a swimming pool and in some cases wear a swimming cap

Have fun at the beaches in the bay

Tokyo is not known for its extensive beaches. For decent waves, serious surfers usually head out to Chiba, Kanagawa, or down to Izu. Closer to the city, you can enjoy a variety of water sports at Odaiba Marine Park as long as you have a permit. Swimming, however, is not allowed. Odaiba's beaches are also a popular spot to watch the sunset. You can walk around and cool off while enjoying the setting sun and city lights. Over at Kasai Marine Park, you can swim in seawater during certain times of the year. There are changing sheds and foot-washing areas available. There is also the Nagisa Barbecue area, which visitors can reserve to enjoy a barbecue and other activities without needing to bring any supplies in advance. Also, at Kasai Rinkai Park there is an aquarium, bird sanctuary, and more.

Odaiba Marine Park

Kasai Kaihin Park

Explore Tokyo's islands

They're not exactly close to the city, but Tokyo has its own chain of islands, offering beautiful, clean beaches and outdoor hot springs. Oshima Island is the closest, just under two hours by boat, with stunning geological formations. Surfers should head to Niijima for good waves, while the turquoise waters around Shikinejima are popular with scuba divers.

Oshima Island

Oshima Island, the largest of Tokyo's islands, is dominated by the active volcano at its center, and a walk along the coast reveals geological marvels. The surrounding water is deep and clear, making it perfect for scuba diving or snorkeling. Go below the surface and experience a colorful world of fish and plant life.

©Oshima Navi

Niijima Island

Habushi Beach, on Niijima Island's east side, boasts 6.5 kilometers of white sand. It's an internationally renowned surfing destination that attracts professionals from all over the globe. The island also offers boardsailing, fishing, and swimming. Explore its coast further, and you can see mysterious carved stone heads dotted around the beach.

Niijima

Niijima Moyai Carving

Shikinejima Island

Shikinejima Island is a kaleidoscope of color, with turquoise water, white sand, and green forested trails. Many of its seafront rock pools are actually hot springs, and the iron content of the rock turns some of them a rusty orange. The ocean view is as impressive underneath the water as it is above, making this a popular destination for scuba divers.

Tokyo's other islands

Tokyo's islands are spread out hundreds of kilometers into the Pacific, offering a huge variety of views and experiences. Click the links for more information on Izu and Ogasawara, and to find out how to visit the islands yourself.

Tokyo's cool pools

Many Tokyo residents visit one of the city's major waterparks to cool off in the warmer months. These aquatic theme parks are truly impressive, with Tokyo Summerland and Yomiuriland's WAI being two of the best known.

Tokyo Summerland

Tokyo Summerland is vast in scale, with pools, rides, and its own 650-meter lazy river—one of the largest in Japan. "Monster Stream," a wave river that opened in 2024, lets visitors have fun riding the waves. There is also the "DEKASLA" waterslide for thrill-seekers and gentle waterslides for kids, too, so there are plenty of attractions for everyone.

Note: Persons with tattoos (including temporary tattoo stickers and body paint) are not permitted to enter Tokyo Summerland. If tattoos are discovered after entry, visitors will be required to leave the premises and will not be eligible for a refund or compensation.

Tokyo Summerland

Yomiuriland

Yomiuriland is a large-scale leisure pool complex with over 40 attractions and activities for people of all ages. In summer, it's home to a water park called "WAI", which recreates the crystal-clear water and palm trees of a southern resort. On some evenings they open an illuminated night pool.

Note: Persons with tattoos (including temporary tattoo stickers and body paint) are not permitted to enter Tokyo Summerland. If tattoos are discovered after entry, visitors will be required to leave the premises and will not be eligible for a refund or compensation.

Yomiuriland's Pool WAI

Hotel Pools

Many of Tokyo's major hotels open their pools to the public in summer, though the cost for non-guests can be high. The Garden Pool at the Hotel New Otani Tokyo is regarded by some as "the original Tokyo night pool," and is one of the most lavish night pools. On select dates in August, the Midnight Pool event—held from 21:30.—allows guests to spend an elegant summer night accompanied by DJ music as background tunes. The ANA InterContinental Tokyo (located near Akasaka, Roppongi, and Tokyo Tower) offers a garden pool with a resort-like atmosphere in the heart of the city. The Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba has a pool with beautiful views of Tokyo Bay by day and the Tokyo skyline by night. Check the hotel websites for information about reservations, opening times, and fees. Be aware that tattoos are generally prohibited at public pools and baths.