Located in Tokyo’s westside not too far from Nakano Broadway is the beautiful piece of Mother Nature known as Inokashira Park – a hidden gem!
Honestly, one of the most beautiful parks I’ve ever been to, Inokashira Park just seemed to showcase nature at its peak. The trees were thick, the lake crystal clear, and the leaves golden brown, creating an other-worldly atmosphere that’d have you believe you were far from the big city.
Stunning Autumn Leaves!
Perhaps I was just in the right place at the right time, but Inokashira Park truly displayed a serene vibe like no other.
In the autumn months of October and November, the park turns from lush green to golden brown and red, with a cool breeze rustling the trees and blowing the leaves through the wind.
With plenty of park benches and vending machines along the way, Inokashira Park is one of my favorite places in Tokyo to sit down and relax with a nice hot beverage!
Scenic Swan Boat Tours
If sitting down and chilling is not really your thing, and you prefer getting stuck into an activity, then why not rent out a swan pedal boat with a friend?
Riding across the Inokashira Lake has never looked this good, a fantastic option to not only see the beauty of Inokashira Park from all its different angles, but also to spend quality time with a loved one.
The boats are designed in an ideal way that gives you the freedom to view your surroundings while also providing a roof over your head to protect you from the sun.
Available for just 700 yen (4.60 USD) per half-hour, it’s a super affordable activity that you won’t forget!
Just Around The Corner From Ghibli Museum!
One of the reasons I consider Inokashira Park a “hidden” gem is that it’s practically nestled in between several popular destinations that ultimately remove it from the limelight.
For instance, the iconic Ghibli Museum is just around the corner, where fans of the famous Hayao Miyazaki’s works gather from all over the world in unified admiration to visit the museum.
Furthermore, the famous Inokashira Park Zoo is also in the vicinity, as well as the Nishi-en Athletic Field, Kichijoji railway station, and Nakano Broadway shopping complex.
My advice to you is to shut off the noise of these surrounding icons and take a moment to appreciate Inokashira Park in all its natural beauty, after all, it’s the real main event of Western Tokyo!
Of course, if you are planning to visit Japan, you’ll need a way to get around the country as efficiently and affordably as possible. Japan Rail provides an abundance of travel passes to suit your travel needs. So whether you are traveling individually or as a group, the JR Pass is every traveler’s go-to for getting around and making the most of your time in Japan!
