Inokashira Park in Tokyo

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Facts & Figures

Inokashira Park (Inokashira Onshi Koen) is a spacious public park of more than 380000 square metres in the popular Kichijoji neighbourhood of western Tokyo. Connected to the Kanda and Tama rivers, it’s one of the city’s favourite green retreats, with a large central pond surrounded by over 500 cherry trees. During the sakura season in spring (late March to early April), visitors come to enjoy the blossoms and rent swan-shaped pedal boats for a peaceful ride across the water. Experience the Ultimate Japanese Hospitality at a Tokyo Ryokan.
 Find Your Perfect Ryokan Now > Hanami parties in the park are legendary, making it one of the best places in Tokyo to celebrate the cherry blossom season. Inokashira Park also includes a zoo, a duck pond, an aquarium, a Benzaiten shrine, sports facilities, ice-cream shops, and the world-famous Ghibli Museum. In autumn, the vibrant maple foliage turns the park into a photographer’s dream from November to December. Following the 3.5 km loop trail at a relaxed pace takes about an hour. Many Japanese films have used the park as a backdrop.

• Inokashira Boat Rental
• Opening Hours
• March: 9:30am - 5:20pm
• April - July: 10:00am - 5:00pm
• August: 10:00am - 6:20pm
• September: 10:00am - 5:50pm
• October: 9:30am - 5:20pm
• November: February: 9:30am - 4:50pm
• Closed - every Wednesday in December – February
• Rental Fee - Swan 800yen (30min), Pedal boat 700yen (30min), Rowing boat 500yen (30min)

• Inokashira Park Zoo
• Opening Hours - 9:30am - 5:00pm (last entry at 4:00pm)
• Closed - on Mondays (if public holiday fells on a Monday also Tuesday is closed)
• Admission Fee - 400yen (Adults), free for Children (0 -12 years)

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History

The land that became Inokashira Park was donated by Emperor Taisho (1879 to 1926) to the city of Tokyo in 1913. In 1917 the park, Japan’s first Onshi (Imperial Gift) Park, opened to the public. The area had also once served as Edo’s (old Tokyo’s) original water source. In 2017 a large celebration was held to mark its 100th anniversary.

Sightseeing spots in Inokashira Park

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Benzaiten Shrine - Benzaiten is the goddess of luck, love, education, and the arts. She is one of the Seven Lucky Gods. The red shrine itself dates to 1197. It was rebuilt after a devastating fire. Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu (1543 to 1616) was a tea lover, and his grinding stone can be found here.

Inokashira Boat Rental - After a long renovation, the boat house reopened in 2024 and is open from 10:00 to 16:30. Try the swan-shaped pedal boats, which can carry up to two adults and two children.

Inokashira Park Zoo - The zoo is divided into two parts: the Aquatic Life Park and the Zoo Area, which includes a Sculpture Museum. More than 170 animal species, with a focus on native Japanese wildlife, can be found here. It is a great place for a family outing.

Ghibli Museum - You must reserve tickets in advance, typically a month ahead. The museum is a joyful celebration of the magic of animation.

Festival & Events at the shrine (dates can change without notice)

May

Kichijoji Music Festival (3rd - 5th of May)
You can enjoy live music on many different stages across the area (including the Inokashira Park).

September

Kichijoji Music Festival (13th - 14th of September)
It is the grand annual festival of the Musashino Hachimangu Shrine. It is one of the highlights of the year, featuring a procession of eleven mikoshi (portable shrines). The food stalls are amazing, and the energetic atmosphere with huge crowds makes it a must-see event.