The 2026 Aqua Park and summer pool season is here

Today, more than half of the summer outdoor pools and aqua parks in Saitama Prefecture opened for the first time this year. They are due to open again tomorrow and again next weekend, weather permitting.

They will not open daily until later in July. In Japan, the summer outdoor pools and aqua parks generally only open daily during the summer holidays, which is usually around the time of "Marine Day", a public holiday in the second half of July annually. They generally stay open until the end of summer holidays, which is late August or early September depending on the area. 

This time last year was really hot, but last year many of the aqua parks and pools didn't start until the second weekend of July. This year, ironically, it is much cooler. Moreover, it is overcast and rain is lingering. There may have even been pools that decided last minute not to open today after all, due to the weather. 

Have the pools and aqua parks started for the 2026 season in your area?