When it comes to leisure facilities that can be enjoyed in the hot summer, pools are a top choice.
Every summer, many people visit pools seeking relief from the heat, but for those in wheelchairs, concerns about steps may prevent them from going. Are there many people with disabilities who feel this way?
However, in Japan, there are numerous facilities where wheelchair users can fully enjoy pools.
This time, we will introduce 13 barrier-free pool facilities that wheelchair users can enjoy with peace of mind. If you're considering going to 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 "Sunshine Pool" is a pool facility designed with universal design in mind.
In 2026, it will be open on weekends and holidays from July 4 to July 20 and September 5 to September 23, as well as daily during the summer vacation period from July 22 to August 27. Visitors can enjoy six pools, including a flowing pool and a water jungle.
For those with disabilities, pool-specific wheelchairs are available for free rental.
There are three self-propelled wheelchairs, three for caregivers, and one for severely disabled individuals. Users can enter the pool using a slope with their caregivers.
Additionally, there is a dedicated entrance for wheelchair users at the flowing pool.
The facility also includes accessible changing rooms, barrier-free toilets, and a pool management building with a first-aid room, ensuring a safe experience for wheelchair users.
By presenting a disability certificate, the individual and one accompanying person can enjoy discounted rates (adults 500 yen, children 300 yen, infants free).
The certificate can be verified not only in its original form but also as a copy, photo, or via the smartphone app "Mirairo ID".
2. A Leisure Facility with Universal Design for Everyone to Enjoy: Tsujido Seaside Park "Jumbo Pool"
Located in Tsujido Seaside Park in Kanagawa Prefecture, the "Jumbo Pool" is a seasonal leisure facility open from the second Saturday in July to the second Sunday in September (from July 11 to September 13 in 2026).
The facility is divided into six pool areas, including a wave pool and a 270-meter-long flowing pool.
As part of its universal design efforts, it offers wheelchairs that can enter the water directly.
Additionally, wheelchair users can enjoy the wave pool and flowing pool, with priority rest areas also available.
Reference: Kanagawa Prefectural Tsujido Seaside Park｜Tsujido Seaside Park Management Office
3. Enter the Pool with a Slope: Nagasaki City Comprehensive Pool
The Nagasaki City Comprehensive Pool is a pool facility located in the "Sports Zone" within Peace Park.
Indoors, there is a 50m pool, a 25m pool, and a pool for infants and children, all available year-round.
During the summer, outdoor pools with a flowing pool and water slides are also open.
The operating period is generally from mid-June to mid-September, but the outdoor pool is only available daily during the peak season from late July to the end of August.
Outside of this period (mid-June to mid-July, early to mid-September), the outdoor pool is only open on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, and is closed on weekdays.
Before visiting, please check the "Operating Information" page on the official Nagasaki City Comprehensive Pool website for the latest operating hours on your planned visit date.
The indoor 25m pool, with seven lanes, has a slope, allowing users to enter the water directly using a swimming wheelchair (one available).
The water depth ranges from 1.2m to 1.4m, so please use it with a caregiver.
On the first floor, there are two changing rooms for people with disabilities, one for men and one for women, equipped with toilets, bathtubs, and showers, allowing for worry-free use.
Additionally, the 50m pool's spectator seating includes a dedicated space for wheelchair users, promoting participation in sports for people with disabilities.
The Nagasaki City Comprehensive Pool is also used as a venue for swimming competitions, and in 2014, it hosted the swimming events for the "Nagasaki Ganbaranba Tournament," which included athletes with disabilities.
Residents of Nagasaki City can have their usage fees waived for themselves and one caregiver by presenting a disability certificate.
Reference: Nagasaki City Comprehensive Pool | Nagasaki City Comprehensive Pool
Reference: [Barrier-Free] Nagasaki City Comprehensive Pool | Nagasaki City Official Tourism Site
4. Facility with Pool Lift i-swim: Okudo Sports Center
Details of Facilities in the Sports Center for the Disabled｜Nagoya City
10. "Yokohama Rapport" with Raised Pool for Easy Access
Located in Kohoku Ward, Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture, "Yokohama Rapport (Sports and Cultural Center for the Disabled)" serves as a hub for sports and cultural activities for people with disabilities.
The indoor heated pool, measuring 25m x 6 lanes, maintains a comfortable temperature of 31°C for both air and water, allowing year-round swimming.
The pool is designed to be 45cm higher than the floor (the same height as a wheelchair seat), making it easier for wheelchair users and those with lower limb disabilities to enter and exit the water.
For those with severe disabilities, a lift is available for entering and exiting the pool using a pool wheelchair, which is also available for loan.
A shuttle bus equipped with a wheelchair lift operates from Shin-Yokohama Station, providing convenient access.
参照：プール｜横浜ラポール
11. "Tokyo Metropolitan Sports Center for the Disabled" with Shallow Lane Options
Located in Kita Ward, Tokyo, the "Tokyo Metropolitan Sports Center for the Disabled" is a sports facility exclusively for those with a disability certificate and their caregivers.
The indoor heated pool is 25m long with 6 lanes, and the water temperature is maintained around 31°C.
The poolside is designed for easy access from a wheelchair, and some lanes are set to a shallow depth of 0.7–0.9m, making it accessible for those who are not confident swimmers.
The facility also includes a warming room and barrier-free changing rooms that can be used by caregivers of the opposite sex.
With an indoor pool and accommodation facilities, it can be used year-round regardless of the season.
However, it is closed every Wednesday (or the following day if it's a public holiday), the day after a public holiday, and during the New Year holidays (December 29 to January 3).
12. "Adachi-ku Swim Sports Center (Ukiuki-kan)" Offers Assistance for Entering and Exiting the Pool
Located in Adachi Ward, Tokyo, the "Swim Sports Center (Ukiuki-kan)" is a ward-operated sports facility featuring a 25m, 9-lane heated pool.
As an indoor heated pool, you can swim year-round without worrying about the weather.
Priority changing rooms, showers, and toilets for the disabled are available, and caregivers of the opposite sex can also enter. Wheelchairs for poolside use are available for loan.
Assistance is also available for entering and exiting the pool, ensuring peace of mind for those who need help.
The facility has minimal steps up to the entrance, and barrier-free toilets and elevators are also available.
Residents, workers, or students in Adachi Ward with a disability certificate can use the facility for free.
13. "Mizumoto General Sports Center Gymnasium" Offers Wheelchair Loans and Entry Assistance
Adjacent to Mizumoto Park in Katsushika Ward, Tokyo, the "Mizumoto General Sports Center Gymnasium" features a 25m x 8-lane (Japan Swimming Federation certified) heated pool.
It also includes a walking pool, a children's pool, a jacuzzi, and a warming room, making it comfortable to use year-round.
The facility features loaner wheelchairs that can be used in the pool and shower.
Guidance to the poolside and assistance with entering the water are available upon request, tailored to the needs of individuals with disabilities.
In conjunction with the Okudo General Sports Center in the same ward, swimming classes for people with disabilities are also held.
Introducing Initiatives for Creating Safe Pool Environments for People with Disabilities
So far, we have introduced pool facilities where wheelchair users can enjoy swimming, but the reality is that there are still many hurdles for people with disabilities to visit pools.
In response, the "Certified NPO Pool Volunteer" aims to create a society where people with disabilities and the elderly can go to the pool just like everyone else, through various activities.
For example, they offer one-on-one swimming lessons for people with disabilities to introduce the joy of swimming. These lessons are tailored to each individual's specific disabilities and personal goals.
Additionally,
Summary
This time, we introduced pool facilities that can be enjoyed even by wheelchair users and organizations promoting pool environments for people with disabilities.A while ago, it was challenging for wheelchair users to enjoy leisure activities as a matter of course. However, recently, the concepts of universal design and normalization have spread from the perspective of recognizing diversity, and pool facilities where everyone can enjoy themselves safely are increasing.
This summer, why not venture out to the pool, even if you are a wheelchair user?
At Flat, we also have articles summarizing information on universal beaches and marine leisure nationwide. If you are interested, please take a look at those as well.
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