Daikan'yama Supōtsu Puraza | 代官山スポーツプラザ

I love this pool. It’s centrally located, well-lit with big windows, and usually not very crowded during the week. It's my go to pool when I can't make my way over to the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium pool. Just remember that the same rules as most pools in Japan apply - swim caps required, no tattoos (or must be covered), no jewelry or watches. The lifeguards are pretty laid back and you can do flip turns at either end. Most people are pretty courteous and will stop at the end of the pool to let you pass. Kickboards and pull buoys are available and there are nice hot showers. Don't forget to have a ¥100 coin to use for the refundable lockers.

This may be the best place to swim in Tokyo. The pool is less than two meters deep throughout, but unlike many pools in Tokyo, swimmers may do flip turns. In other pools (often less than a meter deep) swimmers are expected to change lanes (go under the ropes) at each end. Here, you are allowed to actually swim more than one length without stopping. They have a ten-minute break every two hours. Early morning it is very crowded and during summer school breaks it is also very crowded.

The pool is inexpensive. The staff is friendly. And the locker rooms have minimal amenities, but there is a swimsuit spinner.

This is one of my favorite pools in central Tokyo. It’s pretty quiet in the late morning/early afternoon. A large window lets in light, and you are allowed to do flip turns (some Japanese pools don't let you do this). The usual Japanese public pool rules apply - no tattoos (or cover them with a rashguard, leggings or a bandage), no wristwatches (even smartwatches), no jewelry, and no fins. Kickboards and pull buoys are available.

The pool tends to be quiet between 1 and 3 PM on weekdays, but can be crowded on weekends. Passing in the lanes is not permitted, but people are courteous and will wait at the end of the pool to let you go ahead. There are ten-minute breaks every two hours or so, where everyone has to get out of the pool. The water is warm, as is true for most Japanese community pools.

Be sure to bring a swim cap and to cover any tattoos with a bandage or rash-guard/leggings. No smart watches or rings are allowed.

Buy your ticket at the vending machine and make sure that you keep it, as you give it to the attendant on your way out. There are coin lockers that you can use with a ¥100, returnable deposit.

The sports plaza is literally right across from the Daikanyama train station and a ten-minute walk from Ebisu station.

This pool is excellent for serious lap swimmers: unlike many pools in Japan, lanes are labeled by speed and the crowds were very manageable on a weekday early evening. The locker room is clean but sparse. Staff has instructions in English. Keep your ticket to show on the way out: if you stay longer than 2 hours, you'll have to pay extra.

The water is not too cold.

The Daikanyama Sports Plazas is easy to find; it's only a one-minute walk from Daikanyama Station on the Toyoko Line; it's the first stop from Shibuya Station.

I have visited this pool several times over the last few years, when visiting Tokyo. I agree with the previous comment - it's very decent for lap swimmers. Expect to share the lane with one or two more swimmers. There are two pace clocks, conveniently located, and kickboards and pull-buoys are available.

Daikanyama Sports Plaza is cheap and the facilities are fine. The staff is fine too. Lap discipline is well taken care of. The pool is occasionally full because there are some classes held. There is a schedule at the reception desk. It is normally not full after six. The pool is cleared a couple of times a day for 10 minute sanity checks.