Inokashira Park

The Basics

Inokashira Park was established in 1918, essentially as a gift from the emperor to the Japanese people. Inokashira Pond stretches through the park and connects to the Kanda River. The park is a popular place to come for a picnic, rent a paddleboat, or visit the resident petting zoo, aquarium, or Ghibli Museum.

Travelers often explore Inokashira Park before or after visiting the Ghibli Museum, which showcases the work of Japanese anime company Studio Ghibli.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Inokashira Park is ideal for all first-time visitors to Tokyo, especially those headed to the Ghibli Museum.

• The Kichijoji station food hall is a good place to pick up a bento box for a picnic lunch.

• While Inokashira Park is always open and free, its zoo is closed on Mondays and charges an entry fee.

• Tickets for the popular swan-shaped paddleboat rentals are time stamped, so even during busy periods, you are assured a chance to have a ride.

How to Get There

Inokashira Park, in western Tokyo, is accessible by JR or Keio trains. It’s right beside Inokashira-kōen station on the Keio Inokashira line, and a 5-minute walk from Kichijōji station and a 15-minute walk from Mitaka station, both on the JR Chuo Line.

When to Get There

Inokashira Park is open 24 hours a day. Like many of Tokyo’s parks, spring is a great time to visit, as the soft pink cherry blossoms bring many visitors and a festive atmosphere. Other seasons have their attractions as well, with lush greenery in summer, fall leaves in autumn, and migrating birds in winter.

The Ghibli Museum

For many travelers who come to Japan to experience its unique anime (animation) culture, the Ghibli Museum is an essential stop. But not only anime enthusiasts love the museum—it appeals to a range of curious minds, including kids, technology enthusiasts, and lovers of fine art. The museum has permanent and temporary exhibits as well as an on-site café, bookshop, rooftop garden, and theater. You must buy tickets in advance through the website or at Lawson convenience stores within Japan; it’s recommended to do so as far in advance as possible. The Ghibli is open from 10am to 6pm Wednesday through Sunday.

Ways to explore

Inokashira Park was established in the early 20th century as a gift from the emperor to the Japanese people. Inokashira Pond stretches through the park’s northern side and connects to the Kanda River. The park is a popular place to come for a picnic, rent a paddleboat, admire the seasonal foliage and flowers, or visit the museums and animal attractions.

Travelers often explore Inokashira Park independently before or after visiting the Ghibli Museum—as getting tickets to that attraction can be challenging, it’s a good place to spend some time while waiting for your entry slot.

Accessibility

The park has accessible parking and restrooms, as well as wheelchair ramps and wheelchairs available to borrow.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Picnic, umbrella for sun or rain

What to wear

Comfortable shoes, jacket, sun hat

Not allowed

Flying drones without a permit, which is widely regulated in Japan

Amenities

Boat rentals, coin lockers, café, restrooms

Address

Inokashira Park is in western Tokyo, in a part of the city not often frequented by tourists (apart from visiting the Ghibli Museum), but it’s easy to reach by public transportation or car.

Driving

Type the address into your GPS tracking app and head west out of Tokyo. It’s about a 30-minute drive from Shinjuku, depending on traffic. There are two paid parking lots—one is open during business hours, the other is open 24 hours.

Public transportation

The park is right beside Inokashira-kōen station on the Keio Inokashira line, and a 5-minute walk from Kichijōji station and a 15-minute walk from Mitaka station, both on the JR Chuo Line.

Best times to visit

The park is open 24 hours. If visiting for cherry-blossom season, come early in the day to get a spot as it fills up with people enjoying hanami (blossom-viewing parties).

Best days to visit

Weekdays are generally quieter in the park, and you’re more likely to get a spot in the parking lot (if coming by car).

Best months to visit

With around 500 cherry trees, Inokashira Park is especially spectacular from late-March through early-April.

Special events

This is one of the best places in Tokyo to admire cherry blossoms during spring's cherry blossom season.