INOKASHIRA PARK

Inokashira Park in Kichijoji is a gem of Tokyo. It has become well known for its cherry blossoms thanks to the social media. The trees that surround the pond are cherry blossom trees and when they are in full bloom, the pale pink of cherry blossoms on the trees and their reflection on the water make this park one of the most sought after location for photo taking.

I went to Inokashira Park with my children as my friend that I saw this summer suggested this park to meet up this past summer. Even though I have been familiar with the park since I went to a university close to the park, what I didn’t know was that the Inokashira Zoo inside the Inokashira Park is a wonderful place to entertain young children.

Inokashira Park is free of entry. The fee to rent a paddle boat and row-boat is as follows.

BOAT RENTAL

Row Boat (Maximum Capacity: 3 adults)
60 minutes 600 yen
After the first 60 minutes 300 Yen every 30 minutes

Regular Paddle Boat (Maximum Capacity: 2 adults & 1 child)
30 minutes 600 yen
After the first 30 minutes 600 yen every 30 minutes

Swan Paddle Boat (Maximum Capacity: 2 adults & 2 children)
30 minutes 700 yen
After the first 30 minutes 700 yen every 30 minutes

HOURS

April to July 10:00 – 17:50
August 10:00 – 18:20
September 10:00 – 17:50
October 9:30 – 17:20
November 9:30 – 16:50
December 9:30 – 16:50
March 9:30 – 17:20
Closed Wednesdays from December to February

If you read Japanese, visit this site managed by the Tokyo Park Association for more information.

INOKASHIRA PARK ZOO

While Inokashira Park is free of entry, there is a fee for the zoo except for children in elementary school and younger. Even for adults, it was 400 yen and I found it quite reasonable. In the premises of the zoo there is a nice playground where my children loved playing with the equipment. It is nice because the adults who are at the park are most likely the parents or guardians who paid to bring the kids. There is another great part of the Inokashira Zoo which I will introduce to you if you scroll down the photos.

HOURS 9:30am – 5:00pm

ADMISSION

Adults (16-64) 400 yen
Seniors 200 yen
Students (13-15) 150 yen
Children (0-12) Free
Foreigners With Passport 20% discount

According to the Tokyo Cheapo blog, there are 3 days a year when Inokashira Park Zoo offers free admission. The dates are as follows.

May 17 – Inokashira Park Zoo’s Anniversary Day
May 4 – Greenery Day
October 1 – Tokyo Citizens’ Day

PHONE 0422-42-3712

SPORTS LAND

HOURS 9:30 – 16:30
CLOSED Mondays
End of a year and New Years Days
PHONE 0422-44-2211

FEE FOR RIDES

Animal Ride 100 yen
Carousel 100 yen
Teacup 100 yen
Mini Cars 100 yen
Bullet Train Ride 100 yen
Sky Basket 100 yen

MY UPDATE

This was a way overdue post, but I wanted to publish it before too long. My family’s international move from India to the U.S. has affected my time, motivation, and energy to write for my blog. I have so much to write and I do want to keep writing especially about how we have changed our new home and I have decorated it. However, I feel like I have so little time and energy by the time my children go to bed. Once I get the rhythm, I hope to pick up writing more on a regular basis. Meanwhile, if you would like to see my updates on our new home, please follow my Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. Thank you!

All the photos were taken on my iPod Touch 4 and edited with a VSCO Cam application.