Once the iris blossoms in Shobunuma Park fade away, the summer air quickly takes over the neighborhood of Kita-Ayase.
During the sweltering heat, letting kids play outside makes you worry about heatstroke, yet keeping them cooped up in an air-conditioned room all day feels a bit disappointing. In times like this, having "Higashi-Ayase Park" within a short bike ride is a huge privilege of living in this area.
Stretching in a U-shape from Kita-Ayase to Ayase, this park is far more than just a patch of green. It offers a pleasantly cool, shaded walkway, a free splash pond for toddlers, and a budget-friendly public pool. Here is a local’s guide on how to make the most of Higashi-Ayase Park this summer.
💦 Two Great Water Play Spots in Higashi-Ayase Park for Every Occasion
The water play options in the park are broadly divided into two: the free Jabu-Jabu splash pond where toddlers can splash around safely, and the inexpensive "Suisui Land Ayase" pool facility. You can easily choose between them depending on your child's age, energy level, or budget.
1. Ideal for Toddlers: Free "Jabu-Jabu Pond" (Splash Pond)
If your child is still too young for a standard pool and making their water-play debut, start here. This shallow splash pond is opened exclusively during the summer season. Here are the basic rules for using it:
- Open Period: July 1 to September 23 (*Weekends and national holidays only after August 31)
- Operating Hours: 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM (Shifts of 50 minutes of play followed by a 10-minute safety/rest break)
- Eligibility: Toddlers who are out of diapers
- Admission Fee: Free
With swimwear and sandals, it is a highly popular spot for a safe splash. It is perfect for a quick, refreshing play session during the relatively cool morning hours before heading home for a midday nap.
2. Great for School Kids: Budget-Friendly "Suisui Land Ayase" Pool
"Jabu-Jabu pond is not enough anymore" or "I want my older school-age kids to swim too" — if so, the heated pool facility "Suisui Land Ayase" is the classic choice. From July 1 to September 15, the outdoor pool opens up under the bright summer sun!
- Outdoor Pool Period: July 1 to September 15 (Indoor heated pool is open year-round)
- Hours: 9:30 AM to 8:30 PM (Last admission at 8:00 PM)
- Fees: Adults (high school students & older) 550 JPY, Children (junior high & younger) 100 JPY (*Ticket machine accepts cash only. If you visit as a family, the average cost is around 200 to 400 JPY per person, which is incredibly cheap.)
- Eligibility: Ages 2 and up, completely toilet-trained (water play diapers are not allowed)
While it is a public facility with cheap fees, the equipment is excellent. The outdoor pool is split into three water depths (30 cm, 70 cm, and 100 cm), allowing elementary schoolers to practice swimming and toddlers to wade around safely at their own pace. Returnable 100-yen coin lockers (over 200 units) and warm showers are available, making it easy to visit empty-handed.
💡 Essential Tips Before You Go
- **Swim caps (swimming caps) are mandatory** for everyone entering the pool area, including supervising guardians who do not plan to swim. You won't be allowed in without one.
- A 10-minute rest break is held every hour from the 20th to 30th minute. It is the perfect time to stay hydrated.
- Smartphones and cameras are strictly prohibited inside the pool area.
🌳 Shaded Walkways: Shady strolls and walking courses (approx. 2km)
The highlight of this park is the narrow, U-shaped "Green Corridor" stretching about 2 km from Ayase Station to near Kita-Ayase Station.
Unlike ordinary open plazas, the pathway itself is a tree-lined avenue that blocks out most of the harsh summer sun. Stepping into the shade immediately drops the felt temperature, and you can feel a refreshing breeze passing through.
The paved road is completely flat with no steps, making it perfect for pushing a stroller. It avoids the heat radiating from hot asphalt, providing peace of mind when walking small children or pets. Along the way, you’ll encounter the fenced "Wakuwaku Hiroba" (with a sandbox and spring riders) and the "Boken Corner" (Adventure Zone) with wooden structures, keeping kids excited as you walk. Looking to the side, you can see ducks and carp swimming in a small creek, offering a peaceful connection to nature right in the city.
🌳 From Families to Seniors: Why Higashi-Ayase Park is Loved by Locals
Walking through Higashi-Ayase Park, you’ll be struck by the diverse mix of people: seniors jogging, mothers pushing strollers, and residents walking their dogs. Here is why it has become the heart of the local community:
- Safety-First Design for Kids: For instance, the "Wakuwaku Hiroba" is fully enclosed by a safety fence, preventing toddlers from suddenly running out onto the main path. Parents can relax on a bench while keeping a close eye.
- Having Shady Green Space Nearby: Wide grassy clearings lie adjacent to the paths, ideal for a spontaneous picnic. On a nice weekend, you can simply pack some rice balls and a picnic mat and head out. This simple, relaxing weekend is available right at your doorstep without needing a car.
- Easy-to-Read Signboards: Guide maps and pool entry guidelines feature clear illustrations and pictograms. Regardless of language barriers or age, anyone can easily understand the rules, contributing to the park's warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Our bilingual team will search the real-time databases and send you pre-screened properties directly on LINE.
🍱 The Landmark "Tokyo Budokan" and Picnic Lunches
As you walk along the path, you’ll encounter the striking "Tokyo Budokan," featuring a futuristic design resembling origami or metallic crystals. Designed by the renowned avant-garde architect Kijo Rokkaku, its sharp angles contrast beautifully with the surrounding lush greenery, making it a very photogenic spot.
The lawns surrounding the Budokan are spacious and perfect for a picnic. A popular local routine is to pick up takeout from "LaLa Terrace Kita-Ayase" right in front of Kita-Ayase Station, or buy fresh bread from a small local bakery, and enjoy it on a bench in the shade. Eating lunch outdoors while watching the clouds pass by makes even the simplest meal feel special.
🗺️ Summer Day Out: A Perfect 1-Day Model Course at Higashi-Ayase Park
Enter the park from Kita-Ayase Station and let the kids splash around in the free splash pond during the cooler morning hours.
Change clothes and take a leisurely walk along the tree-lined path. Spread a mat on the lawn near Tokyo Budokan and enjoy a bakery or takeout lunch in the shade.
During the hottest part of the day, head to the pool! You can swim under the open sky or seek shelter from the intense sun in the indoor pool.
After drying off, grab a cool sweet treat at a cafe near the station. Alternatively, visit the nearby natural hot spring "Oyada Onsen Myojin-no-yu" to wash off the sweat and relax before heading home.
🍉 Summary: Spend Your Summer at Our Local Resort \"Higashi-Ayase Park\"!
With pools, splash ponds, and rich greenery, Higashi-Ayase Park is one of the best local recreational assets for residents of the Kita-Ayase and Ayase areas.
This summer, you don't need to plan a long, tiring trip to make lasting memories. Dress in cool clothes, put on a hat, stay hydrated, and enjoy a wonderful summer day with your family at Higashi-Ayase Park!
💡 Helpful Hints from the Editorial Team
The outdoor pool at Suisui Land Ayase opens on July 1. Because you cannot enter the pool deck without proper swimwear, supervising parents must bring their swimsuits even if they don't plan to swim. To avoid crowds, we recommend visiting during the morning or early afternoon hours.