In this outrageous heat I would like to cool down with the kids but don’t want to go in some crowded indoor pool. Are there places in western Tokyo, like in Nerima, Saitama, etc, that have rivers where you can wade in with kids? I know the further out the more likely you are to find some swimming holes but am not sure.
The real trick is finding a swimming hole close to a station, preferably on the Tobu-Tojo line. That line goes waaay out west but I’d like to know where I could get off with the kids to cool off. Bonus for a place where I could fish as well.
12 comments
Okutama
Best place is Chichibu which means taking the Tojo-sen all the way to its end at Yorii.
If you’re really motivated you can then take the Chichibu-sen further upriver (I had a secret spot at Higuchi station) but there’s like 2 trains per hour so it can be challenging.
There are tons of places along the Sagami river especially under that Ogura Bridge. Don’t know about train access though. Highway 63 crossing and the Sagamigawa park also see a fair bit of wading.
Musashi Ranzan station on the Tobu Tojo line has a swimming hole, but it is a long walk from the station. A taxi ride would not be too expensive, however.
Try Kinchakuda 巾着田 just over the border in Saitama if you have a car. Lots of kids everywhere. There is a famous American style Vegan restaurant called Alisan overlooking the water there as well.
Thanks for the replies, people. I wasn’t clear in my post that I’m looking for something as close to the city as possible. Yeah Okutama and Chichibu have countless places to swim, but I don’t plan on spending 2 hours on a train one way. Just wondering about swimming holes still in the burbs, but not way out in the *inaka.* And unfortunately I have no car so proximity to a train station is a must.
Ome has some river spots but actually never been in all my years here
Uenohara right off the Chuo line has excellent fishing and some good wading spots along Katsura river or the Tsuru river. That or Akiruno is nice as well and has several swimming spots that you can get to via bus.
Yomiuri lando. Keio yomiuriolando station. Direct from Shinjuku.
Busy but not crazy as its a large place.
[This is in Saitama](https://www.parks.or.jp/shirakobatosuijo/) went there last weekend and had a great time. The food stalls there are pretty good too. You gotta buy the entrance tickets from 7-11, and parking tickets if you want to use the parking. I only bought the entrance tickets and there is an old lady that sits with a sign near the entrance. You can park at her parking lot for 800 yen all day. Her parking is 2 minutes from the main entrance so that was really convenient.
Akigawa valley in akiruno, Tokyo
I think it depends on “when”. They are quite empty in working hours of weekday. Web site of sport center in Sumida-ku can tell you how crowded it is. I think web site of other sport centers may have similar function.
Go to Musashi-Itsukaichi station. Walk straight out and down Itsukaichi-Kaido for 500m or so. Head down under the first bridge. You’re welcome.