Asakusa Hanayashiki, Japan's oldest amusement park, is opening a new summer-only "Water Play Zone" (水あそび広場) from July 19 (Sun) to September 14 (Mon), 2026. Running for 57 days, the zone lets visitors cool off with water activities before heading back to the rides — and back to the water — as many times as they like throughout the day.
The summer lineup, part of the "Asakusa Natsuyashiki 2026" season, also includes the returning Hanahana Bon Dance show and a roving Water Splash Squad, offering three distinct ways to get soaked this summer.
Water Play Zone
The Water Play Zone is set up in the park's Panda Car Plaza. A day-pass ticket (¥800, tax included) grants unlimited re-entry to the zone throughout the day, letting visitors alternate between water play and the park's regular attractions freely.
The zone features three activities:
- Beetle & Stag Maze: Explore a mist-filled maze inhabited by beetles and stag beetles.
- Penguin Hover Ball: Use a water gun to knock floating balls off their perches — a quick-fire cooling game.
- Bubble Car Wash: Walk through a tunnel of mist and wind and experience being "washed" like a car.
Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Age requirement: Children age 5 and up may participate on their own. Children age 4 and under require a chaperone who is at least middle-school age. Children age 4 and under enter the zone for free (chaperone ticket required).
Unlimited ride passes and individual ride tickets cannot be used for the Water Play Zone.
Advance Ticket: "Water Play Zone One-Day Pass"
A bundled advance ticket combining the standard one-day pass (park entry + unlimited rides) with the Water Play Zone day ticket is available at ¥300 off the combined regular price.
| Category | Price (tax included) |
|---|---|
| Adult (Jr. high school age – age 64) | ¥5,100 |
| Child (age 5 – elementary school) / Senior (age 65+) | ¥3,900 |
On sale from: July 1 (Wed), 2026 at 12:00 PM (noon)
Where to buy: Official ticket site (tickets available until 11:59 PM the day before your visit)
Hanahana Bon Dance
Hanayashiki's resident entertainment troupe, Hanayashiki-za, returns with the "Hanahana Bon Dance" (ハナハナ盆ダンス) — a Hanayashiki-style take on the traditional Bon dance festival. The show incorporates a surprise "Water Sprinkling Festival" (水撒き祭り), during which the audience gets a sudden, full-on soaking.
Two performances run daily:
- ① 1:00 PM — Hanahana Bon Dance Show: A Bon dance arranged in Hanayashiki style, praying for good health. Midway through, the "Water Sprinkling Festival" kicks off and both children and adults get drenched.
- ② 3:00 PM — Endless Hanahana Bon Dance: An approximately 8-minute Bon dance that loops continuously. Dance, cheer, and celebrate summer together with Hanayashiki-za.
Period: July 18 (Sat) – August 31 (Mon), 2026, two shows daily at 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM (some rest days apply)
Venue: Flower Stage (inside the park)
Admission: Free to watch (park entry required)
Water Splash Squad
A team of "Water Splash Squad" members patrols somewhere in the park twice a day, giving willing visitors a refreshing splash. The first daily appearance is at 2:00 PM; the time of the second appearance is a day-of surprise.
Period: July 18 (Sat) – August 31 (Mon), 2026
Event Overview
Water Play Zone
- Period: July 19 (Sun) – September 14 (Mon), 2026
- Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Ticket: ¥800 (tax included) — all-day unlimited re-entry
- Location: Panda Car Plaza, Asakusa Hanayashiki
- Special page: https://www.hanayashiki.net/events/event/mizuasobi2026/
Hanahana Bon Dance / Water Splash Squad Period: July 18 (Sat) – August 31 (Mon), 2026
Venue: Asakusa Hanayashiki
