Inokashira Park is in the quaint and trendy area that is Kichijoji. It’s such a lovely green space to visit on a sunny day. The highlight for my kids is always the swan paddleboats.
A swan pedal boat costs 700 yen for 30 minutes. (Purchase tickets on the pier at the ticket vending machine) Other row boats and pedal boats also available for hire. Life jackets are not compulsory (but please, please ask for them for children – just in case!)
The Studio Ghibli Museum is also located in the park if you have an interest in Japanese animation ( bookings required.)
(A non-event here is a very sad little zoo. I don’t recommend the zoo at all – it’s squishy and the animals do not seem well cared for. I recommend giving it a miss.)
The Curry Rice* at this little cafe near the Shrine (edge of the pond) is sooooo good! They are famous for their home-made curry rice here and, as they have outdoor seating available, it’s a gorgeous place to just take in the green. The curry is not vegetarian.
*Incase you’re not familiar, Japanese curry is more like a stew or casserole than curry and when it is spicy it more because it is “full of spices” than “chilli spicy” (if you get what I mean.) Curry Rice is eaten in almost every home in Japan as an easy go – to meal and everyone has their own secret ingredient to making their curry extra yummy – ask around! Some people like to add some apple, others like to throw in tomatoes or honey.
1-18-31 GOTENYAMA, MUSASHINO-SHI
武蔵野市御殿山1-18-31
BOAT TIMES VARY WITH EACH MONTH. HERE ARE THOSE TIMES. (REGARDLESS OF THE SEASON THEY SEEM TO ALWAYS BE OPERATING BETWEEN 10AM – 4:30PM)BOATS ARE CLOSED ON WEDNESDAYS DECEMBER – FEBRUARY
For additional things to do in this area, see my Kichijoji with Kids post.
