Inokashira Park, Tokyo

Inokashira Park is Japan’s first suburban park that spans Mitaka-shi and Musashino-shi, Tokyo. The official name is “Inokashira Onshi Park” (Imperial Park) and opened in 1917.
In the center there is “Inokashira Pond”, which was used as a source of water for “Kanda Josui” (Kanda water supply), the first water service in the Edo period. The park covers an area of 42.8 hectares, divided into four areas, Inokashira pond, Gotenyama with a miscellaneous forest and natural cultural park, west park where exercise facilities are installed, and a second park. In each area, various plants change their appearance every season to entertain visitors.
Inside the park there are zoos that can be brought into close contact with animals, a boat site, a tennis court, an outdoor stage and so on, so you can enjoy a variety of ways. Entrance free, but some facilities require reservation and usage fee.
Inokashira Park is located within walking distance from the nearest station, and it is recommended to come by train. There are 2 nearest stations, a 5-minute walk from the JR Chuo Line “Kichijoji Station” and a 1-minute walk from Keio Inokashira Line “Inokashira Park Station.”
Inside the vast grounds of the park is an environment rich in nature, you can see different sceneries every season. In spring, about 250 cherry trees planted around Inokashira pond are in full bloom, and you can enjoy the cherry blossoms while walking around the pond. The cherry blossoms you see from the boat floating in the pond are exceptional. There are about 500 cherry trees in the garden and it is also known as a place famous for its cherry blossoms. Every year from late March to early April the cherry blossoms will be at their best. In the summer, green leaves grow thick and you can stroll through the cool shade of the trees. Also, in autumn many people visit to see colorful autumn leaves reflected on the surface of the pond. The period of autumn leaves is from mid-November to mid-December every year. In winter, you can see the snow scene like ink painting at the Japanese garden in the park.
Inokashira Park, which has been loved by many people for over 100 years since Taisho Period. Inside the vast grounds there is a space of rest to be surrounded by rich nature and to interact with the animals. You can enjoy sports and boating while watching the beautiful scenery of the seasons. Why do not you visit an oasis near the city center once?

The vast site, full of nature

Inogashira Park is the park of the vast site which is full of nature. The Inokashira pond which exists at the center of the park has a long and slender form, and is flowing out as the Kanda-gawa River from the southeast end. There are cherry blossoms around the pond, and many people visit in the spring in order to see the beautiful appearance blooming out towards the pond. Moreover, many migratory birds pass the winter in a pond in winter.

Indispensable source of water for people’s lives since ancient times

The rich spring water of the Inokashira pond has been an indispensable source of water for people’s lives since ancient times. This neighborhood is the area where the Tokugawa successive generation general enjoyed falconry. There is also an opinion that Ieyasu praised it as noted water, or Iemitsu named the Inokashira pond.

Often used for filming dramas and movies

There are mini amusement parks, stadiums and outdoor stages, and various events are also held. It is a 1-minute walk from Inokashira Park Station and a 5-minute walk from Kichijoji Station. This is also a place for lovers date and a place for relaxation with families. It is the park that is often used for filming dramas and movies.

Great sightseeing spot

In addition, there are zoo and water biology garden in the park, if you extend a little foot, there are spacious lawn, ground, tennis court. Furthermore, there is also the famous “Mitaka no Mori Ghibli Museum”, it is a great sightseeing spot.

Many people visit here to see the cherry blossoms

All the year round, whenever you may go out, the Inogashira Park has various pleasure, but the most popular season is spring when a cherry tree blooms. It is also chosen as “one of the best Cherry Blossom 100 Selections in Japan”.
Especially the cherry tree reflected in the pond is very brilliant, and many people visit here during this period to see the cherry blossoms. Since it is located in a suburb of Tokyo, it is also attractive that there is less congestion than the Ueno Park which is a famous place of a cherry tree.

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