Inokashira Park, Tokyo, Japan - Park Review | Condé Nast Traveler
"What makes this park so special? If the kids are feeling antsy after a few days of traipsing around Shinjuku and Shibuya, take them to this green oasis, just outside the city center, where they can stretch their legs and let loose. Inokashira Park first opened in 1917, when the Emperor bestowed it as a gift to the public. And what a gift—in springtime, ducks paddle across Inokashira Pond and pale-pink sakura petals rain down like confetti. Although the park feels less manicured than Tokyo’s meticulous Japanese gardens, caretakers lovingly prune and tend the various plant species here. We're into it. Anything in particular we've got to see or do? Hop on one of the swan boats that ply the waters of Inokashira Pond. On a sunny afternoon, the 30-minute ride is easily one of the best activities to do with small children. As a bonus, the dock is a leisurely stroll from the entrance to the Ghibli Museum. If kids are feeling hungry afterward, order them a crêpe or savory galette at the sun-drenched Café du Lièvre. How easy is it to navigate the park? It’s hard to get lost here, and the well-groomed paths are largely wheelchair-friendly. If you veer off-course, you might just stumble across the Benzaiten shrine, where street musicians gather on weekends, or on the park’s small petting zoo. How do you envision this fitting into an afternoon of touristing in Tokyo? If you’re already planning to see the Ghibli Museum, budget a few extra hours to let your kids soak in the sunshine here. Inokashira Park is every bit as popular with local families as it is with travelers, meaning on weekends this verdant space fills up with children of all nationalities. If you’re on a tight schedule, you may want to give this a pass, but if you have a little extra time and the weather is fair, there’s no better way to spend it." - Diana Hubbell
