Beach & Pool

Hit the beach and get cool in the pool

Enjoy Tokyo's hot and steamy summer days by relaxing in the water

Tokyo bristles with skyscrapers and urban life, but there are some lesser-known beaches and resort-like pools that make for perfect destinations during the summer.

Sand between your toes

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.

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 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. There are attractions for everyone, with the "Dekasla" ride for thrill-seekers and gentle waterslides for kids.

Note: the new "Monster Stream" pool will open on June 29, 2024.

Tokyo Summerland

Tokyo Summerland

Yomiuriland

Yomiuriland is a large-scale leisure facility with over 40 attractions and games 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 the South Pacific. On some evenings they open an illuminated night pool.

*Tattoos (including temporary tattoos) are not permitted at WAI, and people with tattoos will be refused entry. Those who are refused entry or ejected from the park will not receive a refund or compensation.

Yomiuriland's Pool WAI

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." It is one of the most lavish, with lighting and background music which evokes that resort atmosphere. The ANA InterContinental Hotel Tokyo (located near Roppongi, Akasaka, 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 reservation-only terrace pool called the "Grand Blue" which offers beautiful views of Tokyo Bay by day and the Tokyo skyline by night. Check the hotel websites for opening times and fees. Be aware that tattoos are generally prohibited at public pools and baths.

Hotel New Otani Tokyo

ANA InterContinental Hotel Tokyo

Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba in Odaiba