Welcome to Aqua Dome Kumamoto

Hello there! This is “Kurubushi” (which means “ankle” in Japanese) — your Sarukuma writer who spent the entire summer wearing cropped pants without any sun protection,
and ended up with a perfectly tanned set of ankles to show for it.

Today, I’m taking you to a place you’ll find heading from central Kumamoto City toward Kumamoto New Port,
located in Arao, Minami Ward — Aqua Dome Kumamoto.

This facility was originally built as a competition venue when Kumamoto hosted the National Sports Festival.

So, just as the name suggests, it’s a facility specialized in everything water-related.

Because of its strong image as a sports arena, many people might not think of it as a place to drop by for a fun day out.

But here’s the thing!
It’s actually a hidden gem for families with kids!

Why We Recommend Aqua Dome Kumamoto

Ta-da!
Believe it or not, this impressive pool is just the SUB-pool!

And take a look at the bottom left!
That’s the “Relaxation Pool” — only 0.3 meters deep, perfect for little ones to splash around in!

I bet a lot of locals didn’t even know about this!

Note that swim diapers aren’t permitted — regular swimsuits are required — but children who aren’t fully potty-trained are still welcome as long as they’re wearing a swimsuit.

The 25-meter pool is divided into a free-swim area and lap-swimming lanes, making it a great spot for elementary-aged kids to practice their strokes ♫

The spectator seating is in the same open space as the pool — there’s no glass partition.
That means it can get pretty warm up there, so we recommend dressing for the heat if you plan to watch from the seats.

Please note that filming or photography from the spectator area is not allowed.

The ceiling is made of glass, letting in plenty of natural light — it’s a wonderfully bright pool.
In fact, the staff member who showed us around warned us, “Yes, you’ll definitely get a tan!”

The other main pool is primarily used for competitions, and during our visit it was closed for conversion work.
In autumn, it transforms into a multi-purpose floor, and in winter it becomes an ice skating rink — pretty cool, right?

Payment is made through a ticket vending machine.

You hand your ticket to the receptionist before entering the changing rooms.

Pool hours:
10:00 AM – 9:00 PM (last entry at 8:20 PM)

Closed:
Every Wednesday (or the next weekday if Wednesday is a holiday), and during the New Year period

Admission fees
(includes a 2-hour slot with changing time):
Adults: 620 yen (additional 200 yen per extra hour)

High school students and younger: 310 yen
(additional 100 yen per extra hour)

Children 3 and under: free

There’s also a prepaid card available that gives you a 10% discount.

Your exit time will be printed on your ticket, so be sure to check it!

Swim caps are required for everyone in the pool.

The lockers in the changing rooms require a 50-yen coin to operate.

Don’t worry — there’s a 50-yen coin change machine on site! (laugh)

The changing rooms are spacious, with plenty of room around the wash basins.

There are also private changing booths with curtains for added privacy.

You’ll find both regular lockers and shoe lockers available.
To help maintain water quality, please remove all makeup and hair products before entering the pool.

For our coverage, we were given special permission to take photos before opening hours, but as a rule, please refrain from using smartphones or mobile phones at the poolside.

There’s also a multi-purpose changing room, so guests with disabilities can use the facility with peace of mind.

The shower rooms even have baskets for your clothes — super convenient! ♪

Just outside the pool reception area, you’ll find vending machines too.

And there’s a shop on site! (It hadn’t opened yet during our early-morning visit.)

They even sell sports goods, which means you can probably grab anything you forgot to bring.
And when the kids inevitably shout “I’m hungry!” after a swim, you’ll be covered there too! (laugh)

The restrooms come equipped with diaper-changing stations, baby keepers, and toddler-sized toilet seats — everything a parent could need, and beautifully clean too.

As you’d expect from a competition venue, the parking lot is huge — and there’s a bus stop nearby too, making access easy.

And here’s something I just discovered for the first time: there’s an outdoor water play area called the “Water Terrace”!

I would love to show it to you in action…

…but it was off-season! (haha)

If only we’d done our coverage just a bit earlier — what a shame!

Diapers aren’t allowed here either, so make sure to bring a swimsuit or clothing suitable for water play.

I’m pretty sure water comes shooting out from under this bench, right?

That looks like SO much fun!

There’s also a grassy lawn and a running course on the grounds, making this a wonderfully versatile spot for the whole family ♪

Aqua Dome Kumamoto is an all-around indoor pool facility that visitors of all ages can enjoy with peace of mind. Why not check it out on your next visit to Kumamoto? ♪

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We’d love for you to follow along(*´∀｀*)

Frequently Asked Questions

※Information is current as of the time of coverage. Prices and hours are subject to change. Please check before visiting.