Nakajima Park River Pool (中島公園河川プール)

Flow of the course

About this spot

Nakajima Park River Pool in Iruta, Taketa City, sits beside Kawauda Spring, the highest-volume spring among the Taketa Springs, one of Japan's Top 100 Famous Waters, and was built to make the most of the natural terrain. In 2026 it's open from Sunday, July 19 to Sunday, September 6. Its biggest draw is the flowing slide fed by spring water, and the sensation of sliding down together with the cold water is something a man-made pool can't offer. A toddler pool is also provided, so even little ones who can't swim yet can safely enjoy the shallow water. There are changing rooms on the midstream sandbar, with parking for 113 vehicles (including 5 spots for mid-size buses and visitors with disabilities). Admission is free; parking costs 500 yen for cars and 200 yen for motorcycles. Managed by Taketa City, with accompanying facilities set by city ordinance, it's a summer play spot that the community has looked after.

Season & hours

Tips

Admission is free, the only cost is parking (500 yen for cars, 200 yen for motorcycles). Since the water comes straight from the spring, it's very cold, and little ones can get chilled if they stay in too long. Take a break on the bank every 30 minutes, and bring extra bath towels and something warm to put on. It's open from Sunday, July 19 to Sunday, September 6, 2026. It may close due to weather or high water, so check Taketa City's official information before you head out. Some spots in the pool are slippery on the stones, so water shoes are reassuring. There's likely no shop, so prepare drinks and snacks in advance and take your trash home with you.

Best time to visit

About 2 hours 40 minutes. Going in the afternoon, when the temperature rises, makes the coldness of the spring water feel just right

Access & map

8 Iruta, Taketa City, Oita 878-0033