Sayama Ski Area in Tokorozawa, Saitama will hold the "2026 Water Festival" under the theme "The Ocean Comes to Tokorozawa! Sea Creatures Gather!" from Saturday, April 25 to Sunday, September 27, 2026.
The 2026 edition builds on last year's ocean concept and offers five themed areas to explore: the Thrill Area, Soaking Area, Dragon Palace Area, Ocean Floor Area, and Cool Area.
New attractions have been added across the zones. The Dragon Palace Area's inflatable play equipment has been renewed with a "Turtle Slider", while the Soaking Area welcomes "Water Fireworks"—a fountain that shoots water skyward like a fireworks display—and a "Surprise Bucket" that unpredictably tips and drenches visitors. The Ocean Floor Area features a ball pool suitable for younger children. The event takes place entirely indoors, creating a cool space to beat the summer heat.
New Attractions for 2026
Turtle Slider – A Giant Turtle Arrives in the Dragon Palace Area
The "turtle," known as a guide to the Dragon Palace in Japanese folklore, has been reimagined as a large inflatable play structure. Children can slide down while the turtle watches over them.
Water Fireworks – A New Kind of Summer Play
The Water Fireworks shoot water upward like fireworks, letting visitors cool off in a refreshing splash. Guests of all ages can enjoy getting soaked.
Surprise Bucket – Unpredictable Drenching Fun
Two colored buckets are ready to tip at any moment—providing thrills and a sudden douse of water to cool down from the summer heat.
Golden Week Special Event: "GREAT WATERFES"
From April 25 (Sat) to May 6 (Wed, Holiday), the venue hosts the "GREAT WATERFES" with a full schedule of sea-themed events and activities, available only during this period.
April 25 (Sat) & 26 (Sun) – "World Penguin Day Pen-Pen Event ♬"
❶ Visitor Gift
Children in elementary school and younger who bring penguin merchandise receive a pin badge (with a chance to win a game corner play ticket).
- Target: Elementary school children and younger
- One per person (while supplies last)
❷ Pen-Pen Slope Climbing Race
Participants try to carry a penguin plush toy on a sled up to the top of the ski slope without dropping it. Those who succeed receive a prize!
- Fee: Free
- Time: 1:00 PM–2:00 PM (free participation within time slot)
- Location: Upper ski slope
- Capacity: Approximately 50 participants
- Target: Elementary school children and younger
❸ Ocean Music Adventure Show
A singing and performance show by "Mahomusica" featuring sea creatures and penguins.
- Fee: Free
- Time: ① 12:00 PM – Parade-style show; ② 2:00 PM – Stage show
- Location: ① Throughout the ski slope; ② Dragon Palace Area (slope stage)
- Target: Elementary school children and younger
❹ Foam Treasure Hunt – Penguin Version
A limited edition "Foam Treasure Hunt" in a penguin-themed version.
- Fee: ¥500 (includes 1 game corner play ticket)
- Time: 11:00 AM–
- Location: Dragon Palace Area (slope stage)
- Capacity: 50 participants
- Target: Elementary school children and younger
April 27 (Mon) – May 6 (Wed, Holiday) – Visitor Gift
During this period, children in elementary school and younger receive a pin badge (with a chance to win a game corner play ticket).
- Target: Elementary school children and younger
- One per person (while supplies last)
April 29 (Wed, Holiday) – "Fish Shaker Workshop & Singing and Drawing Show"
Participants make a fish-shaped shaker (maracas) using a plastic bottle and use it to join a stage show.
- Fee: Free
- Time: 1st session: 11:30 AM workshop / 12:00 PM show; 2nd session: 1:30 PM workshop / 2:00 PM show
- Location: Dragon Palace Area (slope stage)
- Capacity: 50 per session (workshop)
- Target: Elementary school children and younger
May 2 (Sat) & 3 (Sun, Holiday) – "Fluffy Circus Show & Circus Experience"
A mini circus show themed around unicorns and a restaurant in the fluffy clouds, featuring singing, dancing, and aerial performances. After the show, guests can try an aerial circus experience.
- Fee: Free
- Time: 1st session: 12:00 PM show / 12:30 PM experience; 2nd session: 2:00 PM show / 2:30 PM experience
- Location: Dragon Palace Area (slope stage)
- Capacity: 20 per session (circus experience)
- Target: Elementary school children and younger
May 4 (Mon, Holiday) – "Giant Cardboard Painting"
Visitors can freely paint on giant cardboard pieces with a Dragon Palace theme. The completed artwork will be displayed on stage and used as decoration in the Dragon Palace Area during summer 2026.
- Fee: Free
- Time: 11:00 AM–4:00 PM
- Location: Next to the dining area
- Capacity: 100 (rotating)
- Target: Elementary school children and younger
May 5 (Tue, Holiday) – "Paper Airplane Competition"
Throw paper airplanes from the top of the ski slope for a chance to win prizes.
- Fee: Free
- Time: 1:00 PM–2:00 PM
- Location: Upper ski slope
- Capacity: 100 participants
- Target: Elementary school children and younger
May 6 (Wed, Holiday) – "Obstacle Race"
Participants tackle obstacles and aim for the top of the ski slope.
- Fee: Free
- Time: 1:00 PM–2:00 PM
- Location: Upper ski slope
- Capacity: 50 participants
- Target: Elementary school children and younger
For details on additional events, visit the official event website.
Annual Regular Events Are Back This Year Too
| Event | Description | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Treasure Hunt | Search for colored balls in foam and win prizes. | Paid |
| Foam Time | Get covered head-to-toe in foam for a unique, out-of-the-ordinary experience. | Free |
| Soaking Time | Get completely soaked from head to toe and cool off from the summer heat. | Free |
| Splash Battle | Two teams compete in a water gun battle to hit targets—fun for parents and kids alike. | Free |
- "Soaking Time" and "Splash Battle" are held July through September only.
- Queue tickets may be distributed during busy periods.
- Each event runs approximately 15–20 minutes.
- For event times and fees, check the official website.
"Drawing Aquarium" Workshop – Create Your Own Sea Creature
A workshop where participants paint white ceramic sea creature figures, creating their own three-dimensional coloring experience. Visitors can let their imaginations run wild to make a one-of-a-kind sea companion.
- Fee: ¥500
- Time: 10:00 AM–5:00 PM (free participation within time)
- Location: Play corner in the Ocean Floor Area
- Capacity: Unlimited
- How to join: Purchase a ticket from the ticket vending machine inside the venue
Seasonal Limited Menu Available at the Food Area
A kitchen car will be serving new and returning ocean-themed food items. New this year is the "Ocean Curry (with beef tendon)", with colorful seasonal flair. Other offerings include the limited-quantity "Grilled Rice Ball with Sea Friends", as well as Sayama Ski Area staples like sausages and bone-in bacon from Saiboku.
- Time: 11:00 AM–5:00 PM
- Location: Dining area
Menu Highlights
- Grilled Rice Ball with Sea Friends is available on weekends and holidays only.
- The included "Ocean Animal 3D Puzzle" comes in approximately 20 varieties, distributed randomly.
Paid Seating Options – New Weekday Pricing Available
A new weekday-only pricing plan has been introduced for paid slope seating, making it easier to enjoy a private relaxation space.
| Weekday | Weekends & Holidays | Special Days | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Slope paid seating | ¥3,300 | ¥5,500 | ¥6,600 |
| Indoor paid seating | ¥2,200 | ¥2,200 | ¥3,300 |
- Two slope seating types are available: "Camp Seat Area" and "Relaxation Seat Area" (approx. 6 people per section).
- Admission ticket is required separately.
- Advance purchase available via Asoview. Sales begin Thursday, April 16 at 10:00 AM.
2026 Water Festival – Overview
Operating Days
- April 25 (Sat) – May 6 (Wed, Holiday): Daily
- May 9 (Sat) – July 6 (Mon): Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays
- July 10 (Fri) – August 31 (Mon): Daily
- September 5 (Sat) – September 27 (Sun): Saturdays, Sundays, Holidays, and Mondays
Hours
10:00 AM–5:00 PM (Last entry: 4:00 PM)
Admission (per person, per day)
| Weekday | Weekends & Holidays | Special Days | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adults (middle school and older) | ¥1,500 | ¥1,600 | ¥1,900 |
| Children (ages 3–elementary school) | ¥1,300 | ¥1,400 | ¥1,700 |
- Re-entry is permitted.
- Children aged 2 and under enter free.
- Special Days: Saturdays and Sundays in August, and August 10 (Mon) – August 14 (Fri)
Ticket Sales
Tickets are available for advance purchase on Asoview. Starting this season, tickets can also be purchased through the Seibu Line App. Sales on both platforms begin Thursday, April 16 at 10:00 AM.
Access
- By Train: Approximately 3-minute walk from Seibu Railway Sayama Line / Yamaguchi Line (Leo Liner) "Seibu Kyujomae" Station
- By Car: Approximately 12 km from Tokorozawa IC on the Kan-etsu Expressway (approx. 30 min); approximately 10 km from Iruma IC on the Ken-O Expressway (approx. 20 min)
- Address: 2167 Kamiyamaguchi, Tokorozawa, Saitama 359-1153
