One of Japan's Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots: Cherry Blossom Viewing & Lakeside Strolls at Inokashira Park

Text & Photos /Cavanagh

Inokashira Park (designated as an "Imperial Gift" park because it was opened to the public by the Emperor—Ueno Park is also one!) is centered around Inokashira Pond. This pond is the source of the Kanda River, which was known as the Kanda Jōsui waterway during the Edo period and served as one of the capital’s key drinking water sources. Originally a feudal lord’s or imperial family’s private forest, the park was donated to Tokyo Prefecture (now Tokyo Metropolis) in 1913 and opened to the public as an “Imperial Gift Park” in 1917. It has long been one of Tokyo’s most renowned cherry blossom viewing spots and was selected as one of Japan’s Top 100 Cherry Blossom Sites in 1990.
Although it was my first time enjoying the cherry blossoms at Inokashira Park, I had actually visited many times before—not during cherry blossom season, but to see the nearby “Ghibli Museum” on the other side of the park. Visiting so often without ever properly exploring the park itself, I decided this time to take it slow and soak in the beauty of the cherry blossoms in full bloom during spring.

Date of Visit: 2014.04.03

It takes just about five minutes to walk from JR Kichijoji Station to Inokashira Park.

The most famous attraction in Inokashira Park is boating on Inokashira Pond—on this day, the gloomy weather kept away many of the couples who usually enjoy romantic paddleboat rides.

Benzaiten Shrine on the small island in the pond.

Access Info: Get off at JR Chuo Line / Keio Inokashira Line Kichijoji Station and walk 5 minutes.
Alternatively, get off at Keio Inokashira Line Inokashira Park Station and you’re right there.
 

Cavanagh @ Kyoto — Freestyle Stay.