Tokyo Summerland — Attraction in Tokyo

A Tale of Exclusion at Summerland, Japan: A Review

Prelude

I've always been fascinated by the harmony of tradition and modernity that is intrinsically Japanese. This unique cultural blend is reflected in everything from the towering skyscrapers of Tokyo to the serene tea ceremonies in Kyoto. However, during my recent visit to Summerland, a popular water park in Japan, I was confronted with an aspect of Japanese culture that was less than harmonious.

Initial Impressions

Upon entering Summerland, I was met with a vibrant panorama of water-based attractions. The park boasted an array of thrilling water slides, a massive wave pool, and a meandering lazy river, all set amidst beautifully landscaped gardens. The atmosphere was electric with the laughter and screams of visitors, seemingly promising a day of unbridled fun.

The Unwelcome Surprise

However, the promise was short-lived. As I prepared to dive into the enticing water, a park employee approached me. The individual, although polite, informed me that I would not be allowed to partake in the park's activities due to my visible tattoos.

I was taken aback. As a foreigner, I was aware of the cultural connotations tattoos hold in Japan, often associated with yakuza or criminal activities. However, I did not anticipate this stigma to extend to a recreational setting, particularly one that thrives on attracting international tourists.

Seeking Clarification

Seeking to understand this prohibition, I asked the employee for an explanation. They patiently explained that the water park adheres to traditional Japanese norms, which perceive tattoos as intimidating or inappropriate, particularly in a 'family-friendly' environment like Summerland. Despite my tattoos being a form of personal expression and art, the park's policy remained unwavering.

Forced Departure

With no room for negotiation, I had no choice but to leave Summerland. I walked away, not just from a day of anticipated fun, but also from an experience that had allowed me a peek into a cultural divide that still holds strong in Japan.

Conclusion

While my experience at Summerland was jarring and disappointing, it was a stark reminder of the cultural nuances that persist in societies, even as the world becomes increasingly globalized. This incident highlights the need for a broader discussion on balancing traditional norms with the changing perceptions of self-expression, especially in multicultural spaces like international tourist destinations.

The discomfort of my experience at Summerland is a reminder that, as travelers, it is essential to research and respect the cultural norms of the places we visit. However, it's equally important for establishments like Summerland to consider adopting more inclusive policies that reflect the diverse backgrounds and lifestyles of...

Tokyo Summerland is an amazing spot to spend the day with family and friends in a water park experience that only Japan can provide. We started off in the nearby parking lot and took a shuttle bus to the Summerland main park. It's safer to buy your tickets in advance. Advance ticket sales open up 7 days prior and can be bought through the Tokyo Summerland website.

We scanned our QR codes and although the website said they would check the contents of our bags, scan us for tattoos, and no personal carts, tents, etc., our bags were not checked, they didn't make us roll up our sleeves or undress looking for tattoos, and everyone else in the park had coolers, carts, and tents.

There is an indoor and an outdoor section, and although the indoor portion is protected from the sun, it has a greenhouse effect and keeps the area pretty hot...uncomfortable enough to make you want to go outside. All over the park there are sectioned off spots that are marked on the corners where people can put a tent or a towel down and claim a little territory. They are first come first serve, so it's best to come early and establish your little plot of the park.

There are also VIP seating places where you get a little table, four chairs, and an umbrella. They're usually on elevated wooden platforms and a little segregated from the rest of the crowd. They're a little pricey but if you're with a bunch of adults it could be worth it for you! It was 7100 yen for an average spot and you get to use it for the rest of the day. You can reserve one of these spots at any Information Booth at the park.

The lazy river is impressively long and a great way to navigate around the park. You can leave your shoes pretty much anywhere in the park and no one will take your shoes (only in Japan!). There are water slides, playgrounds, obstacle courses, random hoses and spouts, water everywhere!

Definitely ride the Dekasla, even if you have to wait an hour.

They have food stands available and they sell beer as well. Prices are marked up due to amusement park/water park demand.

Don't forget to...

So first of all, there is no depth at all (max 1m40) perfect for child... but not for teenager/adult trying to actually swim at a pool, too cramped with way too many people, basically you spend your entire time waiting for the big stuff (1+hours line for the good attraction) or spend the whole time walking in a slow pace stream with thousands of others,

Secondly The time i went there, no wave event at the big pool (the main one) only some fever time event where people throw some water at you like you werent already submerged by water (lol purpose of going to the pool), then some lifeguard (respect to them) were too worried about safety that they spent multiples hours saying "be carefull, do not move too much when its cramped, dont swim when there is too mich people, be carefull, do not stay under water etc etc" its like having 8 mom monitorikg every movement at every time, cool your kids are safe there, but you end up basically talking stading in water for hours, waiting for that fever time then what ? they ask you to leave the pool to get back in 5m later (they will do it multiple time in a day to be sure no one lost something in the pool or stuff like that)

Finally i must say, the jaccuzzi was good, great place for family with kids, if you are a tourist trying to have some fun with friends, i recommand going to the sea, less restriction, way cheaper, and also less restriction about how you act in a pool (im totally respectfull of other i just hate when lifeguard scream at me and other or sign me to stop when im just refreshing my head under water for a sec)

sorry for the bad english, Thats all...