Nobody anticipates the summer season more than children and students. This is because the summer season typically indicates a long break from school wherein students are able to go to the beach and swimming to their hearts’ content. Furthermore, they could also visit various water theme parks in order to cool down the heat caused by the season. In Japan, there are various water theme parks all over the country that people can visit. They are especially popular during summer wherein the place is just packed with tons of people. One of the most popular water theme parks in Japan is none other than Tokyo Summer land.
Tokyo Summerland, Akiruno, Japan: Overview, Hours, Weather, and Tattoos
A massive water theme park, Tokyo Summer land is located in Akiruno, Tokyo, Japan. Summerland is typically packed with people during the summer season. Because of this, for people who would not want to touch elbows with the crowd while swimming and enjoying the cool water, it would be best to visit Tokyo Summerland on a weekday morning and on off-season.
The address of the water theme park is 600 Kamiyotsugi, Akiruno-shi, Tokyo with the postal code 197-0832. Tokyo Summerland operates in varying hours and days depending on the month or season. It is closed in the months of January, February, and December because of the winter season. The water theme park begins to open in March this year.
In the months of March, April, and May, it was open every day except for Thursdays. Pools were open from 9 AM to 5 PM on weekdays and from 10 AM to 4:30 PM on weekends. In the month of August, it was open everyday and its pools could be used from 9 AM to 8:30 PM. In the months of October and November, it is closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays. On open days, the pools can be used from 10 AM to 4:30 PM.
The water theme park implements strict guidelines when it comes to people who can enter the park. Persons who are linked or associated to crime syndicates are not allowed to enter the water theme park. Furthermore, people who have tattoos on their bodies, even though they are non-permanent body stickers or paint, are also not allowed to enter Tokyo Summerland. Should people ignore these rules, they would be asked to leave the premises. Note that fees paid for admission are actually not refundable.
There are also certain objects that cannot be brought inside the premises of Tokyo Summerland for safety reasons. These items include glass bottles, cans, and other dangerous objects. The management of the park may decline to keep any of these items. To ensure the safety of the visitors inside the park, bags would have to be inspected prior to entering Tokyo Summerland. This is just to make sure that prohibited items would not be brought into the park.
The management of the park would also like to avoid any mishaps, hazards, or accidents happening in the park. Hence, as of March in the year 2017, certain items were also prohibited to enter Tokyo Summerland. These objects include cargo wagons and carrier carts. Cooler boxes that contain castors would also not be allowed to enter. Furthermore, these cooler boxes should also not exceed 90 centimeters in length, 50 centimeters in height, and 70 centimeters in width. Prams for moving belongings would also no longer be allowed to enter Tokyo Summerland.
Even behavior of the guests of the water theme park would be checked. If any behavior displayed obstructs the smooth operation of the park, the said person may be asked to leave the premises in order to avoid disrupting the flow of Tokyo Summerland. Terms of use and instructions of Tokyo Summerland should be followed to ensure the enjoyment of everyone visiting the park. This is also for the safety and security of every guest of Tokyo Summerland.
While it is ideal that the park is open on schedule, it may close due to inclement weather. The safety of its guests is more important than continuing operation despite bad weather. For visitors exiting the park but would like to re-enter, it is important to remember to have one’s hand stamped. Another option would be to ask for a re-entry ticket at the front gate of the park. Moreover, visitors can only smoke in the designated areas. Pets are also not allowed inside the park.
Theme Park Ticket Prices and Discount Coupons
There are two types of tickets offered by Tokyo Summerland. The first type is the Admission Ticket while the second type is the Free Pass Ticket. The Admission Ticket includes admission to the water theme park; use of Adventure Lagoon, which includes the Outside Pool that is only open during summer; use of Adventure Dome, which includes the Indoor Pool; and use of Water Slides, which excludes DEKASLA. The Free Pass Ticket includes all that is included on the Admission Ticket; unlimited rides excluding those that are coin-operated; and use of DEKASLA, though this is only open during summer. Summer season is only from 1st of July to 1st of October.
The ticket rates also vary depending on the season when it would be used as well as the age of the guest. During the summer season, for adults aged 13 to 60, Admission Ticket costs 3,500 yen while Free Pass Ticket costs 4,500 yen. For children aged 7 to 12, Admission Ticket costs 2,500 yen while Free Pass Ticket costs 3,000 yen. For infants aged 2 to 6 and senior citizens aged 61 and above, Admission Ticket costs 1,800 yen while Free Pass Ticket costs 2,000 yen.
These prices differ on regular days. If it is offseason, the regular price is lower. For adults aged 13 to 60, Admission Ticket costs 2,000 yen while Free Pass Ticket costs 3,000 yen. For children aged 7 to 12, Admission Ticket costs 1,000 yen while Free Pass Ticket costs 2,000 yen. For infants aged 2 to 6 and senior citizens aged 61 and above, Admission Ticket costs 1,000 yen while Free Pass Ticket costs 1,500 yen.
There are also discount coupons that one may find when purchasing tickets. There are 3 choices of discount coupons available. The first choice is the “Summerland Entrance + Pool Special Discount Coupon,” which is called “Nyuen tokubetsu waribiki ken” in Japanese. This pass includes the entrance fee and use of pools. Admission fee costs 3,000 yen per head for adults, 2,200 yen per head for children aged 6 to 11, and 1,800 yen for toddlers aged 2 to 5 and seniors aged 61 and above.
The second choice is the “Free Pass Special Discount Coupon,” which is also called “Free Pass Tokubetsu waribiki ken” in Japanese. This pass includes the entrance fee, use of pools, and 20 attractions. Admission fee costs 3,900 yen per head for adults, 2,700 yen per head for children aged 6 to 11, and no discount for toddlers aged 2 to 5 and seniors aged 61 and above.
The third choice is the “Special 3-9 pm Discount Coupon,” which is also called “San kyu ticket” in Japanese. This pass includes the entrance fee, use of pools, and 20 attractions. Admission fee costs 2,900 yen per head for adults, 1,800 yen per head for children aged 6 to 11, and 1,800 yen per head for toddlers aged 2 to 5 and seniors aged 61 and above. These discount coupons can only be availed for a certain period and also correspond to a certain time.
Rides Review: Going to Summerland and Various Facilities Like the Wavepool
For people who would be commuting to Tokyo Summerland, the option is to take the train then the bus. Coming from Shinjuku Station, ride the train on the Chuo line going to Ome or Okutama Station. Get off the train at Haijima Station. This route would only take around 40 minutes. From there, ride the train on the Itsukaichi line going to Akigawa Station, which is the 3rd stop from Haijima. This route would only take around 10 minutes. Go to the nearest bus station and take one heading to Tokyo Summerland. This route would only take around 10 minutes.
Tokyo Summerland has main facilities that in itself house several areas and rides. The first facility is the Adventure Dome. This facility consists of an indoor pool area and a dry area. The water temperature in Adventure Dome is maintained at 30 degrees Celsius. This means that no matter the season, visitors would still be able to enjoy the temperature.
The Indoor Pool area consists of the following rides or facilities:
1. Cobalt Beach – It consists of a shallow pool that produces waves every two hours. These waves typically reach 70 centimeters in height.
2. Tiki Slide – It is the water slider of Adventure Dome. Its concept is based on a tiki stone that is recognized as a guardian god in Hawaii.
3. Rock Beach – It consists of a barrel that expels 600 liters of water. These barrels were renewed in March of the year 2011. It is also seen as a smaller version of Aquafan, which is a facility in Adventure Lagoon.
4. Fruit Island – It is a swimming pool for children. As the name suggests, it also consists of several fruits.
5. Soft Water Jacuzzi – It is a Jacuzzi facility where people can relax in.
6. Yu Yu Cave – Located under the Adventure Dome, it is a huge hot spring meant for relaxation.
On the other hand, the Dry area consists of only three attractions, namely, the Adventure Train, the Mirashima, and the Game Paradise. Adventure Train basically provides a locomotive type of ride while the Mirashima is a maze of mirrors. Game Paradise is a game corner that consists of around 100 machines.
The second main facility of Tokyo Summerland is the Adventure Lagoon, which houses outdoor pools and facilities. Because it is outdoors, the Adventure Lagoon is only open during the summer season. The rides and attractions in Adventure Lagoon include:
1. Beaver Lake – It consists of a pool that is 40 meters in length. It also contains the Basshaus House located in its center, which expels water from its chimneys and windows.
2. Fountain Archway – It creates an arch of water with the use of fountains. It is especially beautiful at night when it is illuminated.
3. Great Journey – It is one of the main attractions of Tokyo Summerland. It is the biggest and the longest flowing pool in the world at 650 meters in length.
4. Rock Splash – It features three rocks with humans. These rocks expel water at certain periods of time.
5. Fountain Beach – It consists of shallow water. Its main feature is water that blows out from the ground.
6. Aquafan – It is a bigger version of the Rock Beach. Its overhead barrel spews 1.2 tons of water.
7. Dobon – Also known as Dong Bong, this attraction is a new water slider in Tokyo Summerland. It can also be used by people with a height of at least 140 centimeters, weight of not more than 105 kilograms, the age of 60 or under, and with swimming capability.
8. DEKASLA – It is one of the most popular rides in all of Tokyo Summerland. A massive slider, DEKASLA is recognized by its black and white color. It can only be used by people with a height of at least 130 centimeters. The total weight of the private circular boat that would be sliding down the giant funnel should not be more than 454 kilograms. DEKASLA is basically the highlight of Tokyo Summerland.
There are plenty more rides and attractions that one can check out in Tokyo Summerland. Also, do not forget to check out the outdoor amusement park of the facility known as the Thrill Mountain.
Staying in A Hotel After A Long Day at Summerland
After a long and tiring but fun day at Tokyo Summerland, most people would be too tired to commute or drive home. Visitors can opt to stay at a nearby hotel instead of trying to go home weak and tired. Some of the hotels or accommodations that one can check out near Tokyo Summer land include Toyoko Inn. Situated in Western Tokyo, this hotel is only 2.3 kilometers away from Summerland. Other hotels that one can check out though may be a bit farther from Summerland include Forest Inn Showakan and Hotel S&S Mori Town.