Jump into these cool and cheap local pools in the city – they are open to all swimmers
Summer is here, which means Tokyo's many great (and cheap) public pools are now open. Admission is usually around ¥600 or less, the atmosphere is laidback and everyone's welcome, from old-timers to families with small children.
While some public pools can only be used by the residents of that particular ward or city, our picks are all open to the general public, so there's no stopping you from swimming into shape this summer. Unfortunately, tattoos are prohibited at all pools – however, here are some hacks to help you cover up your tattoos.
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Sendagaya's Metropolitan Gymnasium has two pools: a 50m, eight-lane Olympic one and a 25M, six-lane pool. You can use them plus the weight training room for ¥700. Fitness classes cost extra, with prices starting from ¥550.
Open: 9am-11pm, Sat until 10pm, Sun and hols until 9pm
Admission: Two-and-a-half-hour gym pass ¥700, junior high school students and younger children ¥300
Make sure to bring a swimming cap.
This facility offers both a 25m indoor pool, and a 50-m outdoor and kids' pool. Beach balls and other toys are allowed in the outdoor pools as long as it's not super crowded. Note that they tend to close when the weather turns foul.
Indoor pool: 9am-10pm
Admission: Two hours ¥400, free for junior high school students and younger children
Outdoor pools: Jul 1-Sep 10, 10am-8pm
Admission: Two hours ¥200, junior high school students and younger children ¥100
Outdoor kid's pool: Jul 1-Sep 10, 10am-5pm
Admission: ¥100 for second grade primary school students and younger children as well as accompanying adults (junior high school students and older)
Make sure to bring a swimming cap for the indoor pool.
Offering nice views of nearby Tokyo Tower, this city-run, summer-only pool is one of the more popular swimming spots in central Tokyo. The 50m, eight-lane pool is open from July to September, while the facility also includes a second-floor terrace equipped with deck chairs. Crowds notwithstanding, this one rivals many hotel pools at a fraction of the price.
Open: Jul 1-Aug 31 9am to 8pm, Sep 1-15 9am to 5pm
Admission: Two hours ¥600, high school students and younger children ¥100
Located inside of Setagaya Park, this swimming pool is a good option for an outdoor swim. The pool can get busy on weekends, holidays and the Obon period (August 13-16), so it’s recommended to make a reservation via Setagaya City’s official Line account during those times. (You can reserve a spot up to five days in advance.)
Open: July 1 to September 10, 9am-6.30pm (Jul 1-Aug 31), 10am-5pm (Sep 1-Sep 10)
Admission: Two hours ¥390, ¥100 for junior high students and young children, free for infants
Sports facility close to Tamachi Station, complete with pools, a sauna, weights gym and aerobics classes. Activities like water dancing and water walking can also be attempted.
Open: 8.30am-10pm (last entry 9.30pm), closed first Mon of the month
Admission: Two hours ¥800 (¥500 for those who reside, work or study in Minato ward), students ¥100
Make sure to bring a swimming cap.
Opened in 2010, this Kinshicho facility houses a 25m, seven-lane pool plus a 50cm-deep kids' pool and a jacuzzi. Swimming classes are also offered – in Japanese only, natch.
Open: 9am-10.30pm, closed third Mon of the month
Admission: Two hours ¥550, junior high school students and children aged three and older ¥270
Make sure to bring a swimming cap.
If you happen to find yourself out west and fancy a dip, Wadabori’s 50m or 25m pool in Suginami wouldn’t be a bad choice (there’s a kids’ pool too). After you’re finished swimming, have a leisurely stroll along the Zenpukuji River, located only a few minutes’ walk away.
Open: July 1 to September 10, 9am-6pm
Admission: Two hours ¥500, ¥250 junior high students and young children, free for children under three
Edogawa-ku's Sports Land opens as a pool during summer and an ice skating rink during winter. It also boasts two children’s pools (one of which has a slide attached), tennis courts, an area for five-a-side football and a weight training/fitness room.
Open: Jul 1-Aug 31, 9am-5pm and 6pm-9pm (until 8pm on Thu)
Admission: ¥210, junior high and primary school students ¥50, free for younger children
Make sure to bring a swimming cap.
Tama City's indoor swimming centre houses a 50m pool, a wave pool, water slides and kids' pools, making it a fun destination for visitors of all ages. There's also a steam sauna, a training room and a small 'sports hall' on the premises. Note that the entrance fee is for two hours in July and August – stay longer and you'll need to pay extra.
Open: 9am-9.45pm, Sun and hols until 7.45pm, closed Tue (Wed if Tue is hols)
Admission: ¥620, junior high and high school students ¥310, free for younger children
Make sure to use a swimming cap in the 50-metre pool.
The Shinjuku Sports Center is decked out with all manner of amenities beyond standard gym equipment, including a martial arts area, an archery area and of course, its heated swimming pool. To access the pool, or any other part of the center, purchase a ticket from the machine on the first floor, then head to your facility of choice.
Open: 9am-9.50pm daily, closed last Mon of the month
Admission: Two hours ¥400, ¥100 for junior high school students and younger
Situated close to the Kanamachi water purification plant, the oldest public park in Katsushika hosts a playground, a small natural pond and this outdoor pool open during the summer months. The main pool is 11m wide and 25m long, and also includes a shallow area for small children.
Open: July 20-August 31, 9.30am-11.30am, 12noon-2pm, 2.30pm-4.30pm, 5pm-7pm
Admission: Two hours ¥240, junior high and primary school students ¥40, free for younger children
Make sure to bring a swimming cap.
The Ikebukuro Sports Center’s pool is located on the 11th floor of the facility, offering a nice view of the city for your swim sesh. Take a quick soak in the jacuzzi while you’re at it, or make use of the sauna or gym, all of which are included in the ¥400 entrance fee.
Open: 8.30am-10pm, Sun 8.30am-9pm
Admission: Two hours ¥400, ¥200 junior high students and young children
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