Inokashira Park & Kichijoji
井の頭恩賜公園・吉祥寺
A pond park next to Kichijoji. In spring, cherry blossoms hang over the water and swan boats glide across it. At its southern end is the Ghibli Museum, and it is one of Tokyo residents’ favorite places to relax.
Inokashira Park opened in 1917 and is centered on the long, narrow Inokashira Pond. In spring, about 400 cherry trees are reflected in the water, and cherry blossom viewing from a swan boat is a classic Tokyo scene. The park includes a shrine dedicated to Benzaiten, the small Inokashira Natural Zoological Garden (which keeps native Japanese animals and is closed on Mondays), and street performers on weekends. At the southern end of the park, the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka Forest is within walking distance. To the north is Kichijoji, one of the neighborhoods Tokyo residents most want to live in. It is home to Harmonica Yokocho, a snack alley, SUN ROAD shopping street, and many vintage and coffee shops. The famous Ogasawara yokan shop, Ogasa, has a line of customers every morning. Admission to the park is free all day. It is about a 5-minute walk from the south exit of Kichijoji Station on the JR or Keio Inokashira Line.
Opening hours
Open all day (natural and cultural park 09:30–17:00; closed Mondays)
Nearby sights
- Ghibli Museum, Mitaka
- Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo – The Making of Harry Potter
- Shimokitazawa
- Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observatory
- Omoide Yokocho
- Meiji Jingu
- Kabukicho, Shinjuku
- Shibuya Crossing & Shibuya Sky