Inokashira Park

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Inokashira Park (井の頭恩賜公園, Inokashira Onshi Kōen^?) straddles Musashino and Mitaka in western Tokyo, Japan.

Inokashira Pond (井の頭池) and the Kanda River water source (神田上水, Kanda jōsui^?), established during the Edo period, are the primary sources of the Kanda River.

The land was given to Tokyo in 1913. On May 1, 1918, it opened under the name Inokashira Onshi Kōen (井の頭恩賜公園), which can be translated as, "Inokashira Imperial Gift Park." Thus the park was considered a gift from the emperor to the general public. This was the first time in Tokyo that a park was founded in such a manner.^{[citation needed]}

[edit] Data

• Date opened: May 1, 1918
• Area: 383,773 m2
• Addresss: Gotenyama 1-chōme, Kichijōji Minami-chō 1-chōme, Musashino city, Inokashira 3~5-chōme, Shimorenjaku 1-chōme, Mure 4-chome, Mitaka city, Tokyo
• Nearest stations: 5 min walk from Kichijōji (JR Chūō line), 1 min walk from Inokashira Kōen (Keiō Inokashira Line)
• Number of trees: Tall trees: 11,060 / shrubs: 12,800 / lawn: 10,000 m2
• Variety of plants: Cherry trees, cypresses, red pines, azaleas

[edit] Attractions

The Park contains a small temple dedicated to Benzaiten, a vengeful goddess of love. Benzaiten is said to have cast a spell on courting couples, bringing love affairs to an untimely finish. This spell is rumored to particularly take effect on couples which venture out on the pond in boat.^{[citation needed]}

The park has a petting zoo and a small aquarium, and is a place where vendors, musicians, artists and street performers gather. The park is bustling with crowds who arrive to take in the lively environment on weekends and holidays, especially during the cherry blossom season when the entire park is overrun with visitors for hanami.

On the southwest end of Inokashira Park is the Ghibli Museum, a popular destination dedicated to the animated productions of Studio Ghibli.

[edit] Links

• Inokashira Park at Japan Reference
• Photographs of the park by Kensuke Kazama. Accessed 9 September 2007.