Hotel New Otani’s Garden Pool
Hotel New Otani
This urban “resort” hotel is the perfect place to hit if you want to get tropical; the large outdoor pool looks right out of a brochure for a Tahiti advert. The large body of water is surrounded by poolside palm trees and facilities such as private cottages, which can be reserved for the exclusive use of two people, and come complete with a sofa, bed and internet access. Check the Hotel New Otani website for detailed rates.
Meguro Citizens Center Gymnasium Pool
This gorgeous 50-by-25-meter pool and adjacent toddler pool is a prime city swimming spot. The outdoor pools here are part of a bigger complex that includes a range of facilities. Meguro Pool wins the vote for most conveniently located (a 12-min walk from Meguro station), and while it’s a prime spot for families with children, the weekends are populated with a young crowd, making it a top place for people-watching. Visit the Meguro Ward website for more information.
Park Hyatt Tokyo Sky Pool
Undoubtedly the Rolls Royce of pools, you don’t know the true meaning of pool until you’ve navigated your way across Park Hyatt Tokyo‘s members-only 8-by-20-meter sky pool, exclusive to staying guests and Club members. Located on the 47th floor of one of the city’s finest establishments, this one is not outdoors but the giant wall-to-ceiling windows offer a grand view of Tokyo, and even snow-capped Mount Fuji on a clear day. After a luxury swim or workout with a resident fitness trainer, you can enjoy drinks and light refreshments from the poolside menu.
Aqua Field Pool
This large 50-meter outdoor pool has a stunning view of Tokyo Tower, as it’s located literally steps away from it. A large wide terrace (complete with chairs and tables to relax under the sun) gives an excellent view of the lush Shiba Koen, which boasts Zozoji Temple. A few lanes are reserved for serious swimmers, and the rest of the pool is open for playing around. The pool is surrounded by the beautiful traditional aspects of our capital, and the space feels very open and large, especially for Tokyo. See the Aqua Field Pool’s official homepage for more information.
Keio Plaza’s Sky Pool (image via Keio Plaza Hotel)
Keio Plaza Hotel
Who would have thought taking a plunge in the middle of Shinjuku was possible? The outdoor pool of the Keio Plaza Hotel is located on the seventh floor of the building, and not only does it offer an impressive view of everything Shinjuku and skyscraper-related, but it’s also open to the public. You can even turn your swim into an event, complete with a meal — pick from a few different plans combining access to the pool and a meal.
Wadabori Outdoor Pool
The residential pool par excellence, Wadabori Pool, located a few minutes walk from Nishi-Eifuku Station (Keio Inokashira Line) is the lesser-known option and a favorite of locals. Located in the shade of rows of trees, adjacent to a stunning forested temple and Zenpukuji River, it feels far away from all the Tokyo hustle and bustle. Far from being fancy or modern, it’s the embodiment of the expression ‘community pool’. Don’t expect bikinis or beach buffs strutting about, or luxury showering facilities. For business hours and other information, visit the Suginami city website.
Hydropolis (image via Toshima-en)
Hydropolis
Perhaps the closest you can get to an actual water park without going out of Tokyo. Although the Toshimaen Amusement Park is not the most exciting around, its Hydropolis water park won’t disappoint. The large, family park is the perfect place to take the kids for a fun-filled day, as they won’t get tired of the networks of slippery slides, a surf pool, a lazy river, two wave pools, not to mention an Olympic-sized swimming pool that comes with three professional diving boards. And there’s an onsen, too.
ANA InterContinental Tokyo
The Garden Pool is known as an “urban oasis” for the green of the ANA InterContinental Tokyo’s surrounding Ark Hills area, enhanced with an exceptional view looking out towards the Tokyo Tower. Offering a luxurious and relaxing poolside space fashioned in the style of beach clubs in resort destinations, complemented by palm trees, sunbeds, and parasols. The outdoor decor is embellished with large floats upon the water and special lighting designed to make the pool scene highly Instagrammable.
Rainbow Pool and Water Playland (image via Showa Kinen Park)
Rainbow Pool at Showa Kinen Park
A hit with families every summer, Rainbow Pool is the biggest waterpark in the Tokyo Metropolitan area, featuring 9 pools covering a staggering 63,000 square meters. With a lazy river, several slides, and a wave pool, Rainbow Pool has plenty of exciting things to offer to escape the summer’s unbearable city heat. Conveniently located inside the enormous Showa Kinen Park, visitors may suntan anywhere in the park and re-enter the pool area as many times as they like within one day. Right next to Rainbow Pool you’ll also find a Waterplayland specifically made for small kids, ideal for a day out with the whole family.
