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Japan's first imperial gift park with a history of 100 years.
Inokashira Park, stretching across Musashino City and Mitaka City in Tokyo, opened in 1917 as the first imperial gift park in Japan, and celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2017.
The park covers an area of about 380,000 square meters, approximately the size of nine Tokyo Domes. The vast park is divided into four areas: "Inokashira Pond", "Gotenyama", "Nishi-en", and "Dai-ni Park". It features baseball fields, an outdoor stage, a boating area, and the Mitaka Ghibli Museum, attracting many visitors for events and sightseeing.
The Inokashira Pond, which stretches east to west, is known as one of the "Seven Wells Pond" along with Zenpukuji Pond and Sanpoji Pond, due to its numerous spring water sources, and it is also recognized as the source of the Kanda River. Around the pond, there are about 200 cherry trees, and in the whole park, there are about 400, earning it a place in the "Top 100 Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots in Japan". The spectacle of cherry blossoms extending their branches over the pond and scattering petals on the water surface creates a beautiful and scenic landscape.
In addition, the park is frequently visited by waterfowl and migratory birds, and a bird sanctuary has been established for the preservation of wild bird habitats, making it a popular spot for bird watching.
Inokashira Park, One of Japan’s Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots
Autumn at Inokashira Pond
Ideal day for a stroll in autumn.
Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.
Q
Do you have signs or pamphlets in foreign languages? (If you do, which languages are available?)
Brochures and signs are only available in English.
Q
Is free Wi-Fi available in the area?
TOKYO FREE Wi-Fi is installed at the boat field shop, but the use has been suspended from June to December of Reiwa 5 due to the renovation work of the boat field shop.
Q
Are coin lockers available?
Not available.
Q
Are there toilets in the park?
There are 15 toilets within the park.
Q
Can I use a tent or tarp?
Tents and tarps that require pegging are prohibited. Simple tents less than 2m in length and width can only be used in the Triangle Square.
Some reviews are AI-translated.
On my first visit to Inokashira Park, what I looked forward to most was visiting the Ghibli Museum, Mitaka! As a fan of Hayao Miyazaki's animated films, this is definitely a pilgrimage site that movie fans should visit. The museum is tucked away amid the greenery of the park, surrounded by trees, making it feel as though you've actually stepped into the forest from My Neighbor Totoro. The museum building itself is also full of thoughtful touches. The stained-glass windows cast colorful light and shadows, and when you look up, you can see a ceiling covered with animated characters. In the central hall, spiral staircases and elevated walkways intertwine to create a maze-like space.
The permanent exhibition, "Where a Film Is Born," recreates an animation studio, with manuscripts, art supplies, and all kinds of inspirational materials scattered across the desks, offering a glimpse behind the scenes of animation production. On the second floor, there is also a furry Cat Bus, where children happily climb in and out, as if you can see adorable little Mei among them. The rooftop garden is the one thing you absolutely shouldn't miss. The giant Robot Soldier from Castle in the Sky stands quietly there, with the Laputa stone monument nearby, creating a mysterious atmosphere. Adults and children alike can temporarily leave their worries behind, rediscover their inner child, and immerse themselves in the magical world created by Hayao Miyazaki, making it hard to leave~
Inokashira Park, near Kichijoji in Tokyo, is an urban park that’s perfect for slowing down and enjoying a relaxing time. The biggest attraction is the large pond in the center, surrounded by lush trees. Together with the reflections on the water, the entire view has a wonderful atmosphere. Once you enter the park, it feels as though you’ve temporarily escaped the bustle of central Tokyo and found a sense of peace and relaxation.
While walking along the path beside the pond, you can see many people relaxing by the water, as well as others leisurely rowing boats across it. When a gentle breeze blows, ripples spread across the pond and the leaves along the shore sway in the wind. You can also occasionally hear birds singing, making the whole setting feel very pleasant.
If you’re visiting Kichijoji, of course you should also make time for a walk around Inokashira Park! As soon as I entered the park, I was drawn in by all the greenery. Tall trees surround the area, along with beautifully maintained plants, making the whole environment feel especially pleasant.
This park, which has a history of more than 100 years, was Japan’s first park gifted by the Imperial Family. After walking around it, I really loved the relaxed atmosphere. Along the way, I saw many locals walking, jogging, and exercising, while others sat leisurely in the shade to rest. It feels like this place is simply part of their everyday lives.
The park is quite large and very well maintained. It’s relaxing just to stroll around and take photos. There are also temples, shrines, and plenty of restaurants nearby that you can visit at the same time.
Compared with Tokyo’s busy, bustling streets, I prefer places like this that are full of greenery and let you slow down. You don’t need any special plans. Simply taking a walk here feels very soothing!
Kichijoji has long been voted by Japanese people as one of the most desirable places to live. Besides the famous Ghibli Museum, the enormous Inokashira Park is definitely one of the main reasons people want to live here. As soon as you enter the park, you’ll be amazed by the vast, lush surroundings, and there’s even a beautiful lake where you can enjoy a leisurely boat ride.
That day, we followed the local custom and rented a cute swan boat to pedal across the water. Seeing this green park from a different angle felt both romantic and relaxing. It’s not only a great place for adults to take a walk and unwind, but also a paradise for children, with plenty of wide-open lawns where they can run around, jump, and burn off energy. When you get tired of walking, you can simply find a bench under the shade of a tree and enjoy a comfortable picnic. One side of the park also leads directly to the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka, and the surrounding area has a relaxed and charming atmosphere. No wonder it’s such a dreamy park that makes people long to be here and never want to leave once they step inside.
A great spot for a walk or a picnic. You can enjoy the sunshine and all the fallen leaves under the trees, or sit by the pond and just watch the water while you reflect and meditate.
It’s a nice place to get away from the city’s busy pace, clear your head, and ease some stress.
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