Japanese swimming pool - A naked truth !!

Do you like swimming? Are you interesting going for swimming? Are you willing to follow discipline in pool? if all the above questions your answer is yes then you are welcome to Japanese swimming pool. These pools are not very different from the pools which are there in other countries. but yes rules are quite different and very much disciplined.

Almost all the pools in Japan are Olympic length pools (50 m) and yes they are heated pools due to the cold climate. Due to heated pools it is very comfortable swimming in it. To get an entry to any of the pools you need to fill up a paper based form/web based form (all in japanese) and pay initial fees and charges. Once you register for the pool then you need to visit the actual center where you will be issued a membership id and and they will explain all rules (again everything in japanese). Here most of the pools are unisex in the sense no separate timings for men and women. There are few pools where you will have separate timings as well. Also in some of the pools there is specific timing for general members and specific timing for courses (training or advanced course).

Below are some of the rules or disciplines you need to bear in mind before entering pool

1. No photos allowed inside swimming pool or changing areas

2. Viewing gallery is separate place where visitors can sit and view swimmers

3. You get towels/swimming cap/goggles/swimming costume on rent

4. First you need to goto the locker room. Please make sure you remove your shoes and take it in hand before entering locker room.

5. Inside locker room you have ample of lockers with various sizes to keep your belongings there including shoes.

6. In locker room itself you need to remove your clothes and keep it in locker. Nothing is allowed to take at swimming pool. In japan people are not shy and its kinda tradition that people roam naked inside locker room. If you are too shy then wear your swimming costume.

7. From locker room there will be an entrance to showers. Again there are private showers and general public bath. there will be some compartments outside bathrooms where you need to keep your towels etc. Inside bathroom again you need to enter naked. Before entering swimming pool you need to wet your body. But please mind no shampoos or body soap/gels to be used before entering pool.

8. Inside bathroom only you can wear your swimming costume and get ready. Some pools here dont require swimming costume also. You can enter naked in the pool. I know you may be thinking how can anyone enter in pool naked. But it is the fact. (thats why my title says naked truth). You have to follow these rules. But many of the city pools need swimming costume to wear.

9. Also if you are super fan of tattoos then pool is not a good choice for you. You cant enter into pool with tattoos. Every single tattoo (even if its small) you have to cover with protector. This is to avoid spreading any contagious diseases.

10. Another mandatory thing is you should have swimming cap wearing on your head before entering pool area. Swimming cap is the must to have thing for swimmers. (Thankfully then dont ask to shave your beard)

11. Inside swimming pool, there are 4/5 lanes depending on the facility. 2 lanes are usually assigned for 2 way swimming. (i.e. in single lane you have to go and come back). 2 lanes are for one way swimming. (i.e. one lane for going and one lane for coming back). One lane is specifically kept for fast swimmers without disturbance of others. So if its your first time then first please watch the signs mentioned outside pool and just watch for couple of minutes how people are doing and then enter into the pool.

12. You are not allowed to stop in between in the pool. Either ends you can stop or you can go out and sit on relaxing chairs.

13. Swimming pools in japan are strictly for exercise so dont do any kinda TP inside pool or pool area.

14. There are normal swimming pools/walking pools/massage pools anywhere you can enter.

15. Every hour everyone has to get out of the pool for 5 mins. This is mandatory break. in that break pool in charge will quickly investigate the pool.

16. Once you are done with the swimming you should again visit bathrooms to take wash. This time you can take wash with soap/shampoos kept over there. There are make up rooms and hair dryers as well. You can use everything for free.

So overall swimming pools are very much disciplined. You can of course enjoy swimming there.