For the first time in three years, the Shirakobato summer pools will open in 2022. So long as there is not a State of Emergency! They planned to open in 2021 too, but just before the opening date, the prefecture announced a State of Emergency and the pools never did open. However, it looks promising for 2022. But do be careful: you need to purchase a ticket in advance and you can’t do that on site. More below.
Shirakobato Aqua Park / Summer Pools
Shirakabato Aqua park is one of the three remaining prefecture run pools. The other two are Kawagoe and Hanasaki. They generally all operate under the same system. There are also municipal and privately run seasonal pools in some areas. You can see which ones are open and which ones are closed here.
Shirakobato was named after the prefectural bird, a collared dove. Located in Koshigaya, it is one of the most popular water parks with families as the park offers a lot more than just pools. One of the parks unique features is an imported beach of white sand from Australia. A full list below under “Facilities”. They also normally organize many events, including kids programs and beach sports. However, in 2022, although the pools are opening, special or additional events are limited.
Facilities:
9 pools in total, including a wave pool, a pool with sliders and a decent sized children’s pool with 2 low sliders. Plus:
- Beach
- Wading river and splash pools
- Heated tub
- BBQ areas that you can book in advance
- Food Corner
- Bikes for rent
- Table tennis
- Miniature Golf
- Battery cars
- Ball pool
- Playground
Shirakobato is listed as the 13th most popular pool / aqua park in all of Japan in the 2022 Walker Pool Awards List. The number one spot is also in Saitama – check it out here!
Shirakobato Summer Pools Hours
Dates: July 16th to 18th, July 23rd to August 28th 2022.
Normally the pools open from 9 am for the day. But in 2022 they will open at 10 am. Moreover, they are working to a scheduling system. You will be allocated a time in which you can enter the aqua park. Even if you have a ticket, you will not be able to enter the aqua park until your designated entry time. The admission time slots in 2022 are:
- 10 am
- 11 am
- Noon
- 1 pm
Cost
In 2022, you need to purchase a dated ticket in advance from a 7-11 convenience store. In 2021, you could only buy the tickets in a 7-11 in Saitama Prefecture, but in 2022 you can purchase from any 7-11 nationwide. You can also use “Seven Ticket” online. However, you need to be a member or register to use “Seven Ticket”. Tickets are non-refundable unless a State of Emergency is announced and the prefecture force the closure of the pools.
A ticket costs 730 yen for adults, 210 yen for primary and Junior High School students, children under 6 are free. They have a family pass for 2 adults and 2 school age children for 1670 yen. You can also normally buy a book of 6 tickets for 3,600 yen for adults, 1,050 yen for children. However, this is not available in 2022. Parking costs 840 yen, which can also be bought in advance at 7-11.
Shirakobato Summer Pools Access
Address: 985 Osogawa, Koshigaya, Saitama 343-0802.
Plus Code: WP7X+GJ Koshigaya, Saitama. On Google Maps.
Phone number: 048-977-5151
Take a bus bound for “Suijo Kouen” (水上公園) from Tobu Skytree Line’s Koshigaya Station.
As per above, parking for 1900 cars, which costs 840 yen for the day.
Other:
The park is wheelchair accessible and has 12 parking spaces for wheelchair and/or lower mobility users and wheelchair friendly ticket gates. There are 7 toilets for wheelchair users.
Like most water parks in Saitama, visible tattoos are forbidden. In 2021 alcohol was also forbidden, so that maybe the case in 2022 too.
Featured image from Mappuru “Summer Holidays with Family” available on Amazon.
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there is so much on offer in Japan for kids, it’s incredible they do it so well!