Escape the heat with the splash factor!

It is really quite difficult to "escape" the heat in Japan. But finding places where you can cool down are always popular in summer. Cue the splash factor.  I don't know if this is a 'thing' in other countries, but I had never heard of the splash ranking until I came to Japan. Moreover, it wasn't until I had kids that I kept seeing travel magazines ranking locations by their splash factor. The more splash, the higher the rank!

The Splash Factor

What is the splash factor? The splash factor is rating an attraction by how wet you will get at it. Typically, aquarium's shows are what is listed in travel magazines. But there are also other attractions, such as boat rides or aqua park rides. We tried out a few aquariums over the years. In all honesty, while the water splashing over you is great fun, it really only cools you down for a few minutes! So if you are not good with the heat, I wouldn't recommend it for the hottest days of summer.

Hakkejima Sea Paradise

Of the aquariums we've visited to date, Hakkejima Sea Paradise, in Yokohama, wins for giving the best splash! Their main aquarium has several different type of live shows, including a dolphin show and a whale show. Both of those shows have a high splash ranking! 

We were lucky enough to get a front row seat and got drenched there on one of our visits, much to my kids delight. We were actually at an aquarium once where they gave out disposable raincoats for people in the front row! That was many years ago and I doubt they do it now due to SDG (sustainable development goals) guidelines.

There are actually several different aquariums and dozens of attractions at Hakkejima Sea Paradise. Their 'fureai lagoon' is brilliant and you can get up close and personal with many of the animals. And actually you get some cooling splashes here too. You get to pet belugas (among other animals) and they will often make a nice splash for you! 

If you are going to be in the Yokohama area of Kanagawa Prefecture, I highly recommend a visit. Its a good bit out from the main tourist area, at the port, but well worth the journey. You may want to bring a change of clothes and / or a raincoat, just in case!

Mito Sea Paradise

Another place we got really wet at an aquarium show was at Mito Sea Paradise in Numazu City (Shizuoka). Again, we were fortunate enough to get a front row seat for the dolphin show. But the seating at Mito Sea Paradise is done quite well so that you can even get a bit of a splash in the back row. It is no secret I am not a huge fan of this aquarium, but their shows are really good. 

Have you been to a dolphin or whale show in Japan? Did it have a good splash factor!?