The heat continues day after day, making it feel like our bodies are melting.
While the air-conditioned indoors is comfortable, don't you feel like it's time to play outside to your heart's content?
In the height of summer in August, at Boat Race Kojima, a water play event where you can get completely soaked was held.
We will introduce the event where participants took full advantage of the heat to have fun.
What is the water activity "Midsummer Water Battle"?
The water activity "Midsummer Water Battle" is a sports event held at Boat Race Kojima.
The event requires reservations and is open to participants from the age of 5 (preschoolers must be accompanied by a guardian).
A battle format using "water guns" instead of "matchlock guns" allowed participants to enjoy the fight while getting completely soaked with smiles on their faces.
The event day
On the day of the event, the maximum temperature reached 37 degrees, a scorching day.
At the entrance of the venue, a mist shower welcomed visitors coolly.
Participation is free, but those aged 20 and over are required to pay an entrance fee of 100 yen.
In the space just after passing through the gate, participants eagerly awaited the start of the battle.
There were many pairs of preschoolers and elementary school students with their guardians, creating a friendly atmosphere at the venue.
The sight of children posing as samurai with their water guns was both reassuring and heartwarming.
About the rules of the water battle
Participants are provided with three pieces of equipment.
- Armor-designed vests
- "Soul" (special processed patch)
- Matchlock gun-shaped water guns
The rules are simple: just aim for the opponent's "Soul" with your water gun.
The "Soul" has a unique mechanism where a fallen warrior rises when it gets wet.
Divided into yellow and green teams, the time for departure finally arrived.
Various battle formats
The water battle was mainly conducted in three formats.
- Elimination battle (team battle; the team with the most survivors wins)
- General battle (a strategic battle to protect the general and "hidden soul" chosen within the team)
- Battle Royale (a survival battle without regard to friend or foe)
One must be careful not only of attacks from enemies. The event staff also mercilessly douses participants with water using hoses.
There are also stray shots from allies' water guns, so you may be attacked from unexpected directions.
When I unexpectedly got splashed in the face, I couldn't help but laugh.
Frequent breaks and hydration time
Each battle lasts about 5 minutes. After each battle, frequent breaks are provided.
While I was engrossed in playing, I seemed to have sweated a lot, and the drink I had prepared went down my throat comfortably.
The event was held in the shade of a tent, avoiding direct sunlight, but the wind against my soaked body felt a bit chilly.
At that moment, the blazing sun felt pleasantly warm.
Conclusion
In these days of oppressive heat, I was feeling a bit fed up.
But on this day, I participated in an event that could only be enjoyed because of the heat, and it became a day where I could honestly think, "Summer is great."
At the event venue "Boat Race Kojima," various events are held mainly on weekends and holidays.
Honestly, I had the image of a boat race venue as an "adult playground." However, I was surprised to find that there are also plenty of activities and play areas for children when I actually visited.
It is a spot that can be enjoyed enough as a family outing.
I plan to keep checking event information regularly and visit again.
Articles about Boat Race Kojima
Data on Water Activity "Midsummer Water Battle"
| Name | Water Activity "Midsummer Water Battle" |
|---|---|
| Date | August 2 (Sat) and 3 (Sun), 2025 ・From 10:00 AM ・From 12:00 PM ・From 2:00 PM |
| Location | Boat Race Kojima |
| Participation Fee (including tax) | Free ※ However, those aged 20 and over are required to pay an entrance fee of 100 yen |
| Website | Official Website of Boat Race Kojima |
