What animals can be seen at Inokashira Park Zoo?

The zoo houses a variety of animals, with the main zoo featuring monkeys, birds, and raccoons, while the squirrel park is home to numerous Japanese squirrels.

What is the significance of the Benzaiten Shrine in Inokashira Park?

The Benzaiten Shrine is dedicated to Benzaiten, the goddess of everything that flows. It's a popular spot for artists and musicians who come to seek blessings.

When is the best time to visit Inokashira Park?

The park is beautiful year-round, but it's especially stunning during the spring when the cherry blossom trees are in full bloom.

Is there an entrance fee for Inokashira Park?

Entrance to the park itself is free. However, there may be fees for certain activities or attractions within the park, such as the Ghibli Museum or the zoo.

Can I rent a boat in Inokashira Park?

Yes, visitors can rent boats, including swan-shaped paddle boats, to enjoy the park's beauty from Inokashira Pond.

Tokyo

Inokashira Park, Musashino

4.4 (13288)ParkTourist AttractionPoint Of InterestEstablishment

Inokashira Park, located in the western suburbs of Tokyo between Musashino and Mitaka cities, is one of the capital's most beloved green spaces. The park was established in 1917 as Japan's first suburban park and has served as a popular recreational area for over a century. Its centerpiece is Inokashira Pond, a natural water source that historically supplied drinking water to Edo, the former name of Tokyo, during the early 17th century under the Tokugawa shogunate.

The park covers approximately 43 hectares and offers a diverse landscape combining natural woodlands, manicured gardens, and cultural facilities. The pond itself attracts visitors year-round, particularly during spring when over 500 cherry blossom trees create spectacular pink canopies along the water's edge. The park is also home to the Ghibli Museum, dedicated to the acclaimed animation studio Studio Ghibli, which draws anime enthusiasts from around the world. Additionally, the Inokashira Park Zoo, officially known as Inokashira Natural Cultural Park, houses various animal species in a compact setting and includes a small aquatic life section.

Visitors can rent swan-shaped paddle boats and rowboats to explore the pond, a quintessential Tokyo experience especially popular among couples and families. The park features walking paths that wind through wooded areas, open lawns suitable for picnicking, and a small shrine called Benzaiten on an island within the pond. Street performers and musicians often gather near the park's main entrance on weekends, adding to its vibrant atmosphere. The autumn foliage season in late November provides another peak visiting period when maple and ginkgo trees display brilliant colors.

Inokashira Park is accessible via the Kichijoji Station, served by the JR Chuo Line and Keio Inokashira Line, approximately 5 minutes walk from the park's main entrance. Entry to the park grounds is free, though the Ghibli Museum requires advance reservations and charges admission, while the zoo has a separate entrance fee of 400 yen for adults. The park's proximity to Kichijoji, consistently ranked as one of Tokyo's most desirable neighborhoods, makes it easy to combine a park visit with exploration of the area's shopping streets and dining establishments.

Phone

+81 422-47-6900

Website

www.kensetsu.metro.tokyo.lg.jp

The area

Address

1-chōme-18-31 Gotenyama, Musashino, Tokyo 180-0005, Japan

What other travelers are saying about Inokashira Park, Musashino

Very beautiful and well-laid-out urban park with everything you’d expect for a relaxing escape. Public toilets are easy to find, there’s a small temple in the middle, and a lovely lake with swan pedal boats that adds to the charm. It’s within walking distance from the station and conveniently connected to the zoo and the Ghibli Museum. The atmosphere is very tranquil and feels like a true pause from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo. I can easily imagine how stunning this place would be during autumn. A perfect spot to slow down and breathe.

Nearby attractions to see

A large Totoro figure sits inside a curved yellow building with a big window, surrounded by lush greenery and colorful architecture at the Ghibli Museum in Japan.

Ghibli Museum

Jindai Botanical Gardens

A group of people with backpacks walk along a forest trail surrounded by tall trees and sunlight filtering through green and yellow leaves. Exposed tree roots cover parts of the dirt path.

Mount Takao

Nearby attractions to see

Ghibli Museum

Jindai Botanical Gardens

Mount Takao

More about Inokashira Park, Musashino from our blog

Frequently Asked Questions

Big beautiful green space. Gotta love it. Lots of tennis courts and all full of seniors playing and enjoying the weather. Fields for soccer, baseball and a track to run.. Great place to just take a stroll. Or sit and contemplate.

Carl O'Neil

Jan 24, 2026

Wow, I was completely blown away how beautiful the park is. Clean, very well maintained, quiet and laid-back. And if you are familiar with Japanese animes and video games, you would have come across this park, and it looks exactly like how it was depicted. There are plenty of trails, and I think the park will look very different as seasons change. The park is open all year round, but I suggest avoiding visiting on a Tuesday, as most cafes are closed.

Ning Ye

Nov 25, 2025

Around 1 hour by train from Ginza to Kichijoji, you can visit this beautiful vast park. There are a lot of things you can see and do here. They have a lot of different areas, from the lakes to the playground and baseball fields. Great for picnic! There is also the Ghibli Museum here. Make sure to book your ticket in advanced as they do not receive walk-in entry (April 2025 visit).

Grace Ongkowidjojo

Nov 8, 2025

One of the most underrated parks in Tokyo. Inokashira has it all.. the quietness, the beauty and wildlife. There's a lake which spans through the park which is an absolute joy to circuit around and you can even take a ride through the waters by hiring a boat. There's even a zoo within the park! Perfect for a relaxing afternoon or morning walk.