INOKASHIRA PARK
Inokashira Park (井の頭公園 Inokashira Kōen) is a
park located in the cities of Musashino and Mitaka in
Tokyo, Japan.
Inokashira pond (井の頭池) and the Kanda water supply (神田上水, Kanda Jōsui),
which were established during the Edo period, were the primary sources
of the Kanda water supply. The pond is the source of the Kanda River.
This area of land was given to Tokyo City at the time of Emperor
Taishō in 1913. The park later opened under the name Inokashira Onshi
Kōen (井の頭恩賜公園) on May 1, 1918, which can be translated as, "Inokashira
Imperial Gift Park." Thus, the park was considered a gift from the
Japanese emperor to the general public. This was the first time in
Tokyo that a park was founded in such a manner.
Inokashira Park - Picture by
Los688
Date Opened May 1, 1918
Land Area 383,773 m2
Addresss Gotenyama 1-chome, Kichijoji Minami-cho 1-chome, Musashino
city, Inokashira 3~5-chome, Shimorenjaku 1-chome, Mure 4-chome, Mitaka
city, Tokyo
Nearest Stations
5min walk from Kichijoji (JR Chuo line),
1min walk from Inokashira Koen (Keio 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
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
rumoured to particularly take effect on couples which venture out on
the pond in boat.
The park is also a place where vendors, musicians, artists and street
performers gather. On the weekends and holidays the park is bustling
with crowds who arrive to take in the lively environment. This is
especially the case during the cherry blossom season when the entire
park is overrun with visitors for the occasion of hanami.
On the southwest end of Inokashira Park is the Ghibli Museum. This
museum is a popular destination dedicated to the animated productions
of Studio Ghibli.
(Article
based on
Wikipedia article and used under the
GNU Free Documentation License)
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