This is the kind of thing Voluntary Japan is about.
The sign reads "Aquapark Niigata."
WHAT IS AQUA PARK?
Aqua Park is a swimming facility/water park/public bath located on the outskirts of Niigata City, here in Japan. The facility is unique in that the water for the attractions is heated by a large building next door, which is a giant garbage incineration facility. Some of the energy/power for running the park is also provided by this facility. A Japanese friend told me that this is why the entrance the to the park is so affordable (about 4 USD per adult and 3.50 USD for kids).
The incineration facility.
WHAT'S INSIDE
I was surprised at the luxury of the place. The inside resembles an onsen or hot spring bath facility, with large, comfortable sprawling spaces, massage chairs, vending machines, a café overlooking the park on the first floor, and even an onsen-like bathing facility of it's own, and sauna on the 2nd floor. The colors, motif, and atmosphere are calm and open. And, of course, there is the water park!
The main water park area consists of a small "lazy river," a kids pool with a water slide and "mushroom water fall," a series of several jacuzzis, individual, ergonomically shaped water jet massage areas (for feet, back, etc), an outdoor jacuzzi, and a snack area where you can buy refreshments with the barcode on your wristband (locker room key holder). Sadly, photography within the park itself is prohibited, so if you want to see what it looks like, CHECK HERE!
Isaiah about to mow down on his ボリューム定食, or "volume meal" after our swim. I told him it was too big for him, but he insisted! HAH!
My son and I had a great time here, and even made a friend from the states!
If you would like to learn more about Aquapark Niigata, you can check the homepage here, or see the excellent article written by @boxcarblue on the facility right here on Steem!
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~KafkA
Graham Smith is a Voluntaryist activist, creator, and peaceful parent residing in Niigata City, Japan. Graham runs the "Voluntary Japan" online initiative with a presence here on Steem, as well as Facebook and Twitter. (Hit me up so I can stop talking about myself in the third person!)
