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)