6 Accessible Pool Facilities for Enjoyment in a Wheelchair

When it comes to leisure facilities to enjoy in the hot summer, pools are a top choice.

Every summer, many people visit pools seeking relief from the heat. However, for those in wheelchairs, the concern about steps might make it difficult to visit, even if they want to.

Fortunately, Japan has numerous facilities where wheelchair users can fully enjoy pools.

This time, we introduce six barrier-free pool facilities where wheelchair users can enjoy themselves with peace of mind. If you're considering visiting a pool this summer, please use this as a reference.

1. Enjoy with a Pool Wheelchair! Uminonakamichi Seaside Park "Sunshine Pool"

Located in Higashi-ku, Fukuoka City, Uminonakamichi Seaside Park's "Sunshine Pool" is a pool facility designed with universal design in mind.

Located in Higashi-ku, Fukuoka City, Uminonakamichi Seaside Park's "Sunshine Pool" is apool facility designed with universal design in mind.

Open seasonally from July to September, they offer three types of wheelchairs—self-propelled, assisted, and bed-type—for free.

The pool is equipped withramps, allowing comfortable access for wheelchairs. Additionally, there are barrier-free restrooms, a first-aid room with a nurse on standby, and rest areas around the pool, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience.

参照：国営 海の中道海浜公園 サンシャインプール｜海の中道海浜公園サンシャインプール管理所

2. A Leisure Facility with Universal Design for Everyone to Enjoy: Tsujido Seaside Park "Jumbo Pool"

Located in Tsujido Seaside Park, Kanagawa Prefecture, "Jumbo Pool" is a limited-time leisure facility open from mid-July to mid-September each year. The facility is divided into six pool areas, including a wave pool and a 270-meter-long lazy river.

As part of their universal design initiative, they offer wheelchair rentals that can go directly into the water and priority changing rooms.

Wheelchair users can enjoy the wave pool and lazy river, and there are dedicated rest areas and lifts for people with disabilities.

The park is barrier-free, with priority parking, restrooms, and shower rooms for people with disabilities.

Reference: Kanagawa Prefectural Tsujido Seaside Park｜Tsujido Seaside Park Management Office

3. Enter the Pool with a Wheelchair via a Ramp at "Nagasaki Civic Comprehensive Pool"

The Nagasaki Civic Comprehensive Pool is located in the "Sports Zone" within Peace Park. Indoors, there are a 50m pool, a 25m pool, and a pool for infants and children, with the 25m pool featuring seven lanes and a ramp.

They offer swimming wheelchairs that allow users to enter the water directly. On the first floor, there are two dressing rooms for people with disabilities, one for men and one for women, equipped with toilets, bathtubs, and showers, allowing for use without concern for others.

The Nagasaki Civic Comprehensive Pool is also used as a venue for swimming competitions, including the "Nagasaki Ganbaranba Tournament" for athletes with disabilities.

Additionally, there is a dedicated space for wheelchairs in the spectator seating of the 50m pool, promoting the participation of people with disabilities in sports.

Reference: Nagasaki Civic Comprehensive Pool｜Nagasaki Civic Comprehensive Pool
Reference: [Barrier-Free] Nagasaki Civic Comprehensive Pool｜Nagasaki City Official Tourism Site

4. Facility with i-swim Pool Lift: "Okudo Comprehensive Sports Center"

Located in Katsushika Ward, Tokyo, Okudo Comprehensive Sports Center is a rare facility in Japan where a pool lift is available. The pool lift, introduced from Abilities, a company dealing in welfare and nursing care products, is utilized in swimming classes for people with disabilities.

The pool lift has gained popularity from swimming classes, and now individuals wishing to use it are also welcomed, aiming to create a facility where everyone can swim with peace of mind through "reasonable accommodation." The pool is heated and available year-round, allowing for swimming regardless of the season.