Edogawa Pool Garden

The phrase 'cheap and cheerful' was created for places like Edogawa Pool Garden. There aren't many spots in Tokyo where you can swim outdoors for ¥500, and, coupled with easy access (it's just 15 minutes on foot from Nishi-Kasai Station), it's easy to see why it's popular. Don't expect paradise, however. While the grounds boast five separate pools and two rocket-fast slides, the water is too shallow and too crowded for a decent swim. It's not a bad choice for readers with kids, though, and there's plenty of space around the pools for a bit of sun soaking if a lazy day is all you're after.