Inokashira Onshi Park, Tokyo Complete Guide | History, Highlights, Access, Facility Information
What is Inokashira Onshi Park
Inokashira Onshi Park (井の頭恩賜公園) is a metropolitan park spanning Musashino City and Mitaka City in Tokyo. It opened on May 1, 1917 (Taisho 6) as Japan’s first suburban park and celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2017. With an area of approximately 420,000 square meters, the park is centered around Inokashira Pond, one of the three major springs of Musashino.
The name “Onshi” (恩賜) derives from the fact that the land was granted to Tokyo City by the Imperial Household. While the park was originally considered a suburban park at the time of opening, it has become a valued green space adjacent to residential areas today, beloved by locals and tourists alike.
The park is divided into four districts: the area around Inokashira Pond, Gotemba-yama with its mixed woodland, Nishi Park with sports facilities, and Daini Park, each with its own unique charm. Visitors can enjoy nature through the four seasons, and the park also features cultural facilities such as the Inokashira Natural Culture Garden and the Studio Ghibli Museum in Mitaka, making it a full-day destination.
History of Inokashira Onshi Park
Inokashira Pond before the Edo Period
The history of Inokashira Pond is ancient, with archaeological remains of Jomon-era pit dwellings discovered in the area. It was known as a scenic spot before the Edo period and was blessed with abundant spring water. While there are various theories about the origin of the pond’s name, the theory that “Inokashira” means “source of water” is most widely accepted.
In 1590 (Tensho 18), on the order of Tokugawa Ieyasu, Inokashira Pond became the water source for the Kandajo, Japan’s first water supply system, created to secure drinking water for Edo. This made Inokashira Pond play an important role as a vital water source supporting Edo’s development.
The Tokugawa Shogunate and Inokashira
Throughout the Edo period, the Inokashira area was used as a hunting ground for successive Tokugawa shoguns. Managed as the shogunate’s private domain, ordinary citizens were not easily permitted entry, but this preserved the area’s abundant natural features.
Inokashira Benzaiten (井の頭辯財天), the shrine said to have been rebuilt by the third shogun Tokugawa Iemitsu, has been worshipped since the Edo period. Today, many visitors come to this important cultural heritage site within the park.
Opening as Japan’s First Suburban Park
After the Meiji Restoration, the Inokashira area became Imperial property. With the advent of the Taisho period and increasing urbanization of Tokyo, there grew a need for places where citizens could enjoy nature. Eiichi Shibusawa, who served as director of the Tokyo Municipal Yoikuin and Inokashira School, also supported the park’s establishment, and on May 1, 1917 (Taisho 6), Inokashira Onshi Park opened as Japan’s first “suburban park.”
From its opening, the park served as a cherished place of rest for citizens, and in the early Showa period, boat rentals on Inokashira Pond began. Though its use was temporarily restricted during wartime, the park was revived after the war as a place of rest for citizens and continues to be loved as one of Tokyo’s representative parks to this day.
Highlights of Inokashira Onshi Park
Inokashira Pond and Boating
Located at the center of the park, Inokashira Pond boasts an area of approximately 43,000 square meters and is one of Musashino’s three major spring-fed ponds. Once known for abundant spring water, the volume has decreased due to urbanization. Nevertheless, the rich nature spreading around the pond continues to captivate visitors.
The signature attraction of Inokashira Pond is boating. Various types of boats can be rented, including rowboats, pedal boats (swan boats), and cycle boats. The view from the water is exceptional, and it’s popular as a dating spot. The boat rental area is on the south side of the pond; operating hours change seasonally and with weather, so advance confirmation is recommended.
Walking paths have been developed around the pond, offering approximately 1.5 kilometers of scenic trails. Many locals are seen jogging and walking here.
Nature Through the Four Seasons
Inokashira Onshi Park is renowned as a place to enjoy nature’s beauty throughout the year.
Spring Cherry Blossoms
Inokashira Onshi Park is one of Tokyo’s finest cherry blossom viewing spots. Approximately 500 Somei Yoshino and Yamato cherry trees are planted around the pond, and when spring arrives, the pond’s edge is surrounded by cherry blossoms. At peak bloom, a cherry blossom tunnel forms, attracting many flower-viewing crowds. Enjoying the blossoms while boating is popular, and the beauty of cherry blossoms reflected on the water is exquisite. Peak season is typically late March through early April.
Summer Fresh Greenery
In summer, the trees’ foliage deepens, and the atmosphere becomes refreshing. The area around the pond has much shade, creating a cool retreat that makes one forget the heat of the city center. Early morning and evening strolls are especially recommended.
Autumn Foliage
As late autumn arrives, ginkgo, maple, and zelkova trees change color, and the entire park is painted in reds and yellows. The mixed woodland in the Gotemba-yama area, in particular, offers the calm, refined autumn foliage characteristic of Musashino’s nature. Peak season is mid-November through early December.
Winter’s Tranquility
In winter, water birds such as ducks and grebes flock to Inokashira Pond. Birdwatchers can often be spotted. The winter light filtering through the bare trees creates serene beauty.
Gotemba-yama Area Mixed Woodland
Located south of Inokashira Pond, the Gotemba-yama area features mixed woodland that retains traces of old Musashino. With deciduous trees such as Kunugi oak, Konara oak, and Egonoki, this area offers a nature-rich space that makes one forget being in the city center.
Hiking trails wind through the woodland, allowing visitors to enjoy forest bathing as they walk. The area is also known as a bird-watching spot where one can observe species like Japanese tit, Japanese white-eye, and Japanese pygmy woodpecker.
Inokashira Benzaiten Shrine
Sitting on a small island at the west end of Inokashira Pond, across the Benzaiten Bridge, Inokashira Benzaiten is formally the subtemple of Taisho-ji Temple. It is said to have been founded by Minamoto no Tsunekiyo during the Tengyō period (938-947) and rebuilt by Tokugawa Iemitsu.
Benzaiten is worshipped as the deity of music, performance, and prosperity, attracting many worshippers. Each September, the annual festival features the “water procession,” where a sacred palanquin crosses the pond, drawing large crowds. Stone monuments and lanterns from the Edo period remain in the grounds, evoking a sense of history.
Facilities at Inokashira Onshi Park
Inokashira Natural Culture Garden
Located on the west side of Inokashira Onshi Park, the Inokashira Natural Culture Garden is a zoo and aquarium that opened in 1942 (Showa 17). It is divided into two areas: the zoo (main garden) and the aquarium (branch garden).
Zoo (Main Garden)
The zoo houses approximately 170 species and was known for the Asian elephant “Hanako” (died in 2016). Currently, the Squirrel Path (komichi) is popular, where visitors can observe Japanese squirrels up close in a semi-natural environment. There’s also a guinea pig interaction area, and visitors can see various animals including wildcats, capybaras, and fennec foxes.
Aquarium (Branch Garden)
Located along the Kandagawa River, it displays freshwater fish and other aquatic creatures. Otters and penguins are also popular. There’s also a sculpture hall where works by Seibu Kitamura can be viewed.
Admission is 400 yen for adults, 150 yen for junior high school students, 200 yen for seniors 65 and older, and free for elementary school students and junior high school students living or studying in Tokyo. Hours are 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (admission until 4:00 p.m.), closed Mondays (or the following day if Monday is a holiday).
Studio Ghibli Museum in Mitaka
Adjoining the West Park area of Inokashira Onshi Park is the Studio Ghibli Museum in Mitaka, where visitors can experience the world of Studio Ghibli’s works. With director Hayao Miyazaki serving as curator, it opened in 2001.
Inside, visitors can learn about the animation production process, watch original short films from Ghibli works, and see the giant Catbus display. The building itself expresses the world of Ghibli works, with details and tricks throughout to enjoy.
Advance reservation is required, with purchase through Lawson Ticket necessary. Tickets for the following month go on sale on the 10th of each month, but due to high demand, they often sell out quickly. Early reservation is recommended. Admission is 1,000 yen for adults, 700 yen for high school students, 400 yen for elementary school students, and 100 yen for preschoolers (ages 4 and up).
Sports Facilities
The West Park area of Inokashira Onshi Park features various sports facilities.
Tennis Courts
Eight tennis courts are available by advance reservation. The hourly rate is 1,200 yen for regular courts and 1,800 yen for all-weather courts.
Baseball Field
One softball baseball field is available for youth baseball and softball. Advance reservation is required; rental is 2,400 yen for two hours.
Sports Facilities Management Center
Located within the West Park, the Sports Facilities Management Center handles facility reservations and inquiries. Phone: 0422-43-0811.
Other Facilities
Inokashira Onshi Park Information Center
The park’s general information office distributes park maps and answers inquiries. Address: 1-18-31 Gotenyama, Musashino City, Tokyo; Phone: 0422-47-6900.
Shops and Cafes
Multiple shops and cafes throughout the park offer light refreshments and beverages. Cafes along the shore of Inokashira Pond offer a chance to enjoy leisurely time while taking in the scenery.
Restrooms and Rest Areas
Restrooms and rest areas are located throughout the park, with many benches available for comfortable resting during exploration.
Access Methods
By Train
Inokashira Onshi Park offers convenient access from the city center via multiple train lines.
JR Chuo Line / Sobu Line
- About 5 minutes on foot from Kichijoji Station (South Exit / Park Exit)
- About 15 minutes from Shinjuku Station to Kichijoji Station
- About 30 minutes from Tokyo Station to Kichijoji Station
Keio Inokashira Line
- About 1 minute on foot from Inokashira Koen Station (closest to the park’s south entrance)
- About 17 minutes from Shibuya Station to Inokashira Koen Station
Kichijoji Station is near the park’s north entrance, while Inokashira Koen Station is near the south entrance. Choosing which to use depends on which area you plan to visit. To visit the Studio Ghibli Museum in Mitaka, Kichijoji Station offers convenient access.
By Bus
From Kichijoji Station
- Operated by Odakyu Bus, Kanto Bus, Keio Bus, and others
- Bus stops such as “Wasukebashi” and “Bunka-en mae” are near the park
Community buses (Mitaka City Bus) operate from Kichijoji Station South Exit to the Studio Ghibli Museum in Mitaka.
By Car and Parking
By Automobile
- Chuo Expressway: About 15 minutes from Chofu IC
- Metropolitan Expressway Route 4 Shinjuku Line: About 20 minutes from Takaido IC
Parking
Inokashira Onshi Park has dedicated paid parking areas.
- First Parking Lot (South of Inokashira Pond): 60 spaces
- Second Parking Lot (West Park): 100 spaces
Operating hours are 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (hours vary seasonally). Rate is 400 yen for the first hour, then 200 yen per 30-minute period thereafter. Weekends, holidays, and cherry blossom season are crowded, so public transportation is recommended.
Private coin parking is also available in the surrounding area at varying rates.
Tourist Spots Around Inokashira Onshi Park
The Town of Kichijoji
Kichijoji consistently ranks high on “Most Wanted Neighborhoods” lists. Within walking distance of the park are unique shops, cafes, and restaurants.
Harmonica Alley
A retro-Showa-era pub alley north of Kichijoji Station with about 100 small shops lined up. Many open from daytime, offering a unique atmosphere.
Kichijoji Sun Road Shopping Street
An arcaded shopping street from Kichijoji Station leading to Inokashira Onshi Park with various shops.
Musashino Municipal Kichijoji Art Museum
Located near Kichijoji Station, this museum displays the copper-plate print collection of Yoji Hamaguchi and hosts regular special exhibitions.
Mitaka Municipal Art Gallery
Located in the Mitaka Arts and Culture Center, this gallery primarily hosts contemporary art special exhibitions.
Events at Inokashira Onshi Park
Regular Events
Inokashira Park Art Markets
Held every weekend on the shore of Inokashira Pond, this art sales event features handmade accessories, paintings, craft works, and more. Visitors can speak directly with artists while purchasing works.
Musical Events
Street musicians perform at various locations throughout the park. Especially on weekends, many artists gather, and music fills the park.
Seasonal Events
Cherry Blossom Festival
Coordinating with cherry blossom bloom, illumination and events may be held. Night cherry blossom viewing is possible.
Inokashira Benzaiten Annual Festival
Held each September, this festival features the water procession of the sacred palanquin as its main highlight. Many worshippers and spectators gather.
Autumn Foliage Illumination
Limited-period illumination may be offered during fall foliage season.
Usage Information for Inokashira Onshi Park
Operating Hours and Closures
Inokashira Onshi Park is generally open 24 hours, though some facilities have specific hours.
- Park: Open continuously
- Inokashira Natural Culture Garden: 9:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (closed Mondays)
- Boat rental: 10:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m. (varies seasonally; closed Wednesdays Dec–Feb)
- Sports facilities: Vary by facility
Admission Fees
Admission to Inokashira Onshi Park is free, though some facilities are paid.
- Park: Free
- Inokashira Natural Culture Garden: 400 yen for adults, 150 yen for junior high students, 200 yen for seniors 65+
- Boating: Rowboat 700 yen/60 min, cycle boat 600 yen/30 min, swan boat 700 yen/30 min
- Tennis courts: 1,200 yen and up/hour
- Baseball field: 2,400 yen/2 hours
Rules and Precautions
- Pet walks are permitted, but leashes are required
- Barbecuing and open flames are prohibited
- Please remove all trash with you
- Bicycles cannot be ridden except in designated areas
- Swimming and fishing in the pond are prohibited
- Drone flight is prohibited
Barrier-Free Information
Inokashira Onshi Park continues improving accessibility for wheelchair users.
- Major paths are paved for wheelchair access
- Multi-purpose restrooms are installed at multiple locations in the park
- Wheelchair rental is available at the Inokashira Natural Culture Garden
- Some trails remain unpaved, so assistance may be needed
Natural Conservation Activities at Inokashira Onshi Park
Pond Water Draining (Kaibori)
To improve water quality and restore ecosystems, “kaibori” (draining and sun-drying the pond) is periodically conducted at Inokashira Pond. Beginning in 2014, this initiative has advanced eradication of non-native species and protection of native species.
Citizen volunteers participate during kaibori efforts, capturing fish and cleaning the pond bottom. Through this activity, the endangered species Inocashira flosciculosa algae was revived for the first time in about 60 years, achieving major success.
Mixed Woodland Conservation
In the Gotemba-yama area’s mixed woodland, volunteer organizations conduct conservation activities. Efforts to preserve Musashino’s natural heritage continue through brush clearing and dead wood removal for the next generation.
Bird Protection
Despite being in the city center, Inokashira Onshi Park offers a valuable environment where diverse bird species live. Approximately 60 bird species have been confirmed, including kingfishers, goshawks, and wild ducks. To protect nesting birds, some areas are occasionally restricted during breeding season.
How to Enjoy Inokashira Onshi Park
Strolling and Jogging
The approximately 1.5-kilometer course around Inokashira Pond is perfect for strolling and jogging. Early morning offers particularly clear air, crowded with local runners and walkers.
Picnicking
You can spread a sheet on the grass or by the pond for a picnic. Bringing a bento or sweets purchased from Kichijoji shops for a leisurely time is also recommended.
Photography
Abundant photo spots include seasonal scenery, wildlife, and boats. Peak seasons for photographers are cherry blossom and fall foliage times. The area around Inokashira Benzaiten and views from the Nanaido Bridge are popular shooting spots.
Dating
Inokashira Onshi Park is one of Tokyo’s representative dating destinations. Boating, strolling, and cafe breaks offer all-day enjoyment. However, there is an urban legend that couples who ride boats at Inokashira Park will break up, so those concerned may want to take note.
For Families with Children
The park offers abundant child-friendly activities including animal observation at the Natural Culture Garden, playground fun, and boating. Nursing rooms and changing tables are equipped, allowing worry-free visits with young children.
Dining Around Inokashira Onshi Park
Cafes in and Around the Park
Cafes Along Inokashira Pond
Several cafes overlook the pond for dining and tea. Terrace seating allows leisurely time while enjoying nature.
Kichijoji Restaurants
Within walking distance of the park, Kichijoji offers restaurants of diverse genres including Japanese, Western, Chinese, and ethnic cuisines. Visiting before or after park exploration is recommended.
Satou
A famous Kichijoji Western-style restaurant where hearty fried minced meat patties are the specialty.
Iseya Park Branch
An established yakitori grill house founded in 1926, offering delicious grilled chicken at reasonable prices.
Conclusion
Since opening in 1917 (Taisho 6), Inokashira Onshi Park has been loved by Tokyo residents for over 100 years as a metropolitan park. Spanning approximately 420,000 square meters across Musashino and Mitaka cities, the park contains diverse attractions centered on Inokashira Pond: abundant nature, cultural facilities like the Inokashira Natural Culture Garden and Studio Ghibli Museum in Mitaka, and sports facilities.
As a park where nature can be enjoyed through the seasons—spring cherry blossoms, summer greenery, autumn foliage, and winter waterbirds—the park shows different faces depending on when you visit. Its excellent accessibility, just a 5-minute walk from Kichijoji Station, makes it easily reachable from the city center.
Offering diverse enjoyment options including strolling, boating, picnicking, dating, and family outings, Inokashira Onshi Park is a historic park well worth visiting. When visiting Tokyo, be sure to spend relaxed time here, away from the city’s hustle and bustle.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is the admission fee for Inokashira Onshi Park?
A1: Admission to Inokashira Onshi Park itself is free. However, the Inokashira Natural Culture Garden within the park is paid: 400 yen for adults, 150 yen for junior high students, and 200 yen for seniors 65+. Boat rentals and sports facility use carry separate fees.
Q2: How do I access Inokashira Onshi Park?
A2: It’s about a 5-minute walk from the South Exit of Kichijoji Station on the JR Chuo/Sobu Line, or about a 1-minute walk from Inokashira Koen Station on the Keio Inokashira Line. Kichijoji Station is near the park’s north entrance, while Inokashira Koen Station is near the south entrance.
Q3: When is the best time to see cherry blossoms at Inokashira Onshi Park?
A3: Peak season is typically late March through early April. Approximately 500 Somei Yoshino and Yamato cherry trees bloom magnificently, surrounding the pond’s edge. Flower-viewing by boat is particularly popular.
Q4: Can I walk my pet at Inokashira Onshi Park?
A4: Yes, pet walks are allowed. However, leashes must always be used, and owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets. Entry to some facilities may be restricted for pets.
Q5: Where can I purchase tickets for the Studio Ghibli Museum in Mitaka?
A5: The Studio Ghibli Museum in Mitaka requires advance reservation and purchase through Lawson Ticket. Tickets for the following month go on sale on the 10th of each month, but due to high demand, they often sell out quickly. Early reservation is recommended.
Q6: Are there parking facilities at Inokashira Onshi Park?
A6: Yes, there are two paid parking lots: the First Parking Lot (60 spaces) and Second Parking Lot (100 spaces). The rate is 400 yen for the first hour, then 200 yen per 30-minute period. Weekends, holidays, and cherry blossom season are congested, so public transportation is recommended.
Q7: Can I barbecue at Inokashira Onshi Park?
A7: No, barbecuing and open flames are prohibited in the park. However, picnicking is allowed, so feel free to bring along a bento box or other food.
Q8: What are the main highlights of Inokashira Onshi Park?
A8: Major highlights include boating on Inokashira Pond, seasonal nature (especially spring cherry blossoms and autumn foliage), Inokashira Benzaiten Shrine, mixed woodland in the Gotemba-yama area, the Inokashira Natural Culture Garden, and the Studio Ghibli Museum in Mitaka. Each offers distinct appeal, making for a full day of enjoyment.
