Complete Guide to Tokyo Summerland for Families: Essentials, Spot-Picking, and Recommended Attractions
Planning a family trip to Tokyo Summerland? You might be wondering, “What should I bring?” or “Where can the kids have fun?” and perhaps those questions are slowing down your preparations.
This article provides a comprehensive guide for families with children to fully enjoy a whole day at Tokyo Summerland. We’ve compiled all the essential information you need, from using strollers and rules about swim diapers, to recommended attractions by age. Reading this guide will help you plan a day that the whole family will enjoy.
1. Essential Checklist for Families with Children
Tokyo Summerland permits a wide variety of outside items, so it’s a good idea to prepare your essentials in advance. We’ll also share some items that are easily forgotten but prove very useful.
Swimsuits/Rash Guards: A rash guard is a must to protect your children’s skin from the sun.
Swim Diapers: Children who are not potty-trained must wear a swimsuit in addition to a swim diaper. (These are also sold at the park.)
Towels: It’s handy to have two: one for use by the pool and one for changing into your clothes at the end of the day.
Sandals: While going barefoot is allowed in the park, sandals make moving around easier. They are especially essential for small children during the summer when the ground can get very hot.
Floats (Inner Tubes): You are permitted to bring your own. However, note that excessively large floats, flippers (fins), snorkels, and bodyboards are prohibited.
Sunscreen and Hats: Reapply sunscreen frequently when playing in the outdoor pools and on the lazy river.
Drinks and Snacks: While you can buy these inside the park, it’s safer to bring your own bottled drinks for heat stroke prevention, and simple snacks like onigiri (rice balls) or bread that children can eat right away. Be sure to properly manage any food brought in, as items can spoil quickly in the summer heat.
Plastic Bags: Useful for putting wet swimsuits and towels in.
Leisure Sheets (Ground Mats): Essential for reserving a spot.
2. Tips for Claiming a Spot and Recommended Areas
Tokyo Summerland gets crowded, but securing a good spot can significantly boost your comfort level.
Tips for Efficient Spot-Claiming
We recommend arriving right when the park opens on anticipated busy days. To ensure you can claim a good spot quickly, purchase your tickets online in advance for smoother entry.
Recommended Areas for Families
Adventure Dome (Indoor Pool): This all-weather dome is perfect for infants and toddlers, as you can avoid the strong sun and don’t have to worry about the rain. We particularly recommend spots near the shallow “Fruit Island” and the main kids’ pool.
Adventure Lagoon (Outdoor Pool – Summer Only): Aim for rest areas with roofs or shaded spots. The areas near the lazy river are very popular, especially in the morning.
Consider Reserved Seating: If your budget allows, reserving paid seating is an option. This secures you a table and chairs with a parasol, allowing you to leave your belongings and play with peace of mind.
3. Recommended Attractions by Age
Choose pools and slides that suit your child’s age and height.
Infants and Toddlers (Ages 0–3)
Fruit Island: A kids’ pool with shallow water and lots of fun features, including colorful slides. It’s enclosed by a safety fence, letting you relax while your child plays.
Kids Bay: A spacious area with water depths of 0–30 cm. It’s great for floating and playing in the water. The shallow depth makes it ideal for a child’s first pool experience.
Young Children and Early Elementary (Ages 4–8)
Cobalt Beach (Wave Pool): An artificial wave pool that gradually gets deeper from the shore. Kids can have a blast playing at the water’s edge or riding the waves on a float.
Kiddy Slide (Summer Only): Perfect for children who are not yet ready for the big water slides but want to have fun on a slide. There are multiple slides to enjoy.
Rock Beach: An area packed with water play features, including water guns and 600 liters of water pouring down from above.
Older Elementary (Ages 9–12)
Water Slides: Challenge the thrilling water slides like “Towers Rock,” “dobon,” and “Tiki Slide.” Be sure to check the height restrictions (110 cm to 130 cm and above) on the official website in advance.
DEKASLA (Summer Only): A spectacular attraction where 4–5 people ride down in a rubber raft. It’s a perfect way to make memories as a family, as everyone can ride together.
Great Journey (Lazy River – Summer Only): A long, leisurely river. Relax on a float and enjoy the scenery as you drift along.
MONSTER STREAM (Summer Only): A new type of pool that combines a wave pool and a lazy river. Experience the powerful current while riding a dedicated float. (Height restriction: 130 cm and above.)
Yes, you can. However, some areas on the poolside and inside the dome can be crowded, so please be cautious when moving around. Stroller parking areas are also available.
Yes, there are. They are located in several spots throughout the park. The nursing spaces are curtained off for privacy. Diaper changing tables are available in the men's, women's, and universal restrooms. It's a good idea to check the map beforehand.
Yes, there are. In addition to the pool areas, there is an amusement park area with rides like a merry-go-round and a Ferris wheel, as well as an arcade. These are great options when your kids need a break from the water or want a change of pace.
Yes, you can. However, glass bottles, cans, and alcoholic beverages are prohibited. Bringing in light snacks is convenient, as park restaurants can get crowded during lunch hours.
Tokyo Summerland is packed with features for everyone from children to adults. Use the information in this article to plan and prepare thoroughly, and make the best memories with your family!
This article is brought to you by the editorial team of “Another TOKYO TAMA,” which is run by the Tama Tourism Promotion Council and shares tourism information for the entire Tama region, including Akiruno City, where Tokyo Summerland is located.
Tokyo Summerland Official Website https://www.summerland.co.jp/english/
Tama Region Tourism Information: “Another TOKYO TAMA” https://at-tama.tokyo/lang_en/
