Tokyo's hotel pools 2015

Tokyo has plenty of great public pools open to all comers, but those of you who'd rather avoid the hoi polloi during your swim might want to explore a different option: the many exclusive pools found in hotel gardens all over our fine city. These mini-resorts provide everything from gorgeous views to nighttime light-ups and cocktail service, and are open to both hotel guests and visitors. If you have the time and the cash, why not take the opportunity to swim in the heart of Tokyo?

Keio Plaza Hotel Sky Pool

Jun 27-Sep 13 | Keio Plaza Hotel
Take a break and swim in the midst of Shinjuku's concrete jungle. Prices vary by the hour – it's a bargain to come on weekdays after 5pm and enjoy the 7th-floor 'Sky Pool' for only ¥1,200. Ladies get half off (¥2,000) and a free mini bottle of body lotion from L'Occitane every Tuesday (except for Aug 11).
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ANA InterContinental Tokyo Garden Pool

Jun 27-Sep 30 | ANA InterContinental Tokyo
The ANA InterContinental Hotel at Roppongi's Ark Hills opens up its luxury garden pool for the summer months, providing a rare opportunity for aquatic entertainment with views of Tokyo Tower and the surrounding skyscrapers. The 20x13m pool is spacious on Tokyo standards, while the surrounding deck area is great for hanging out and enjoying a few drinks in the sun. Finally, the nighttime light-up is a worthy combo of big-city aesthetics and a resort atmosphere.
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Garden Pool at Tokyo Prince Hotel

Jul 1-Sep 6 | Tokyo Prince Hotel
Fancy a dip in the shadow of Tokyo Tower? The Prince Hotel's 25m outdoor pool is your destination, as it's appropriate for both serious swimmers and those looking for a more laid-back spot. When you're done with the two-lane pool, spread out over the spacious lawn and soak up the sun.
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Grand Prince Hotel Diamond Pool

Jul 1-Sep 6 | Grand Prince Hotel New Takanawa
For a luxurious dip, try the Grand Prince Hotel New Takanawa's Diamond Pool, which comes complete with a well-equipped restaurant zone during the day and turns into an upscale beer garden from 6pm, with the lit-up pool adding to the atmosphere at night. Keeping with the exclusive vibe, the pool is only open for visitors aged 16 or above.
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Hotel Okura Green Oasis

Jul 3-Aug 31 | Hotel Okura Tokyo
The agelessly classy (and soon to be gone) Hotel Okura's pool is equipped with stylish wooden deck chairs, making it a nice spot for some exclusive book-reading or other relaxing activities. The prices are steep to say the least, but become slightly more reasonable after 3pm. There's a food-serving terrace by the pool, allowing you to grab a bite in bikini.
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Hotel East 21 Garden Pool

Jul 10-Sep 6 | Hotel East 21Tokyo
Swim like royalty in one of the most gorgeous garden pools in Tokyo. On top of the two open-air pools, you can also dip in a warm jacuzzi and enjoy nibbles and cocktails at the garden café.
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Grand Pacific Le Daiba Grand Blue Pool

Jul 11-Aug 30 | Grand Pacific Le Daiba
Swim while marvelling at the Rainbow Bridge – this Odaiba pool is one of the most luxurious in Tokyo. It's equipped with food and drink stalls, and provides gorgeous views of the entire Odaiba area and Tokyo Bay.
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Tokyo Dome Hotel Garden Pool

Jul 18-Sep 6 | Tokyo Dome Hotel
Feel like a relaxing swim before watching the game? Head up to the rooftop of the Tokyo Dome Hotel, which opens up its outdoor pool for the summer. The shiny white poolside should provide for a few laid-back moments in the sun, too. Swimwear is available for rental.
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Hotel New Otani Garden Pool

Jul 18-Sep 13 | Hotel New Otani
Forget you’re in the big city at the New Otani’s expansive (and expensive!) outdoor pool, decorated like a tropical resort and featuring a fun poolside restaurant serving Hawaiian-style burgers and fruity cocktails. The opening hours are extended at the height of summer, giving you a chance to swim in the lit-up pool until 10pm or hang out on the lawn while sipping on a drink and taking in some mellow DJ tunes.
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