- Address: 1 Chome-18-31 Gotenyama, Musashino, Tokyo 180-0005, Japan
- Phone: +81 422-47-6900
- Foundation date: May 1, 1918
- Area: 38,377.3 hectares
- Official website: www.kensetsu.metro.tokyo.jp
In Japan, in the Tokyo metropolitan area, on the border of two neighboring cities of Mitaka and Musassino is the Inokashira Park.
Description of sight
The territory of the reserve is quite large, its area is 38 377.3 hectares. Here is a large pond with the same name, the source of which is the river Kanda. Around the pond stretches a beautiful forest.
In general, Inokasira is an artificial lake created in the time of Edo, and the park was founded much later. The official opening occurred on May 1 in 1918, when the emperor Taise gave it to his people.
The name of the park and surrounding area gave the 3rd shogun Tokugawa Iemitsu. The monarch often came here to hunt falcons and other game.
What is in the territory of Inokasira Park?
Here grow cypresses, cherry, red pine and bright various flowers, for example, azaleas. The park is among the 10 best places in Japan for beauty during the cherry blossom. On the territory of the institution is the Hindu temple of Bendzeiten. It is dedicated to the goddess of love Saraswati, who was considered jealous and very vindictive.
Holidaymakers can visit a small children's zoo, where the oldest elephant lives in a country called Hanako. She was born in 1947. The institution is home to guinea pigs and squirrels, they can be fed and ironed. Peacocks walk freely on the territory.
A few days in the middle of February, the entrance to the zoo is free. At this time, guided tours with English speaking guides, which introduce tourists to the marital behavior of animals and the features of their reproduction. Also, local legends associated with Japanese mammals are told.
In the park there is a large aquarium, a souvenir shop and a stage where various musicians and street performers perform. In the south-western part of Inokasira there is a museum dedicated to the Japanese anime. There is also a funny Hare Cafe where you can have a delicious and satisfying lunch.
What can I do in Inokasira Park?
The most popular entertainment among holidaymakers is:
- Skating on the lake. Walking can be done on a variety of boats and catamarans in the form of snow-white swans. The latter are considered the visiting card of Inokasira Park. On weekends, fun competitions are organized here, in which both men and women of different ages take part.
- The rental of a ship depends on the time and varies from 2.5 to 6 dollars. In the pond there live large carp and various ducks, watching them with pleasure. In the center of the lake there are several fountains, refreshing holidaymakers in the summer heat.
- Those who wish can go to the flea market , organized by local artists and craftsmen. They sell paintings, brushes, easels and various professional accessories.
- You can also arrange a picnic in nature. There are special places in the park for this purpose.
- Visitors of Inokasira are offered to rent a bicycle, you can visit the children's playground or go for a run.
How to get there?
From Tokyo to Inokasira Park, you can take the subway line Tozai. The station is called Kagurazaka, from there you should walk to the main entrance within 7 minutes. Also, before the institution you will reach by car along the street Expressway or Shinjuku. The journey takes up to one hour, taking into account traffic jams.