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Small Steps JapanJapan with kids
Parks & gardens

Inokashira Park

井の頭恩賜公園

Kichijoji · near Kichijoji Station (JR / Keio Inokashira) / Mitaka Station

A beloved leafy park around a central pond in trendy Kichijoji, famous for its swan and rowing boats. The Ghibli Museum sits within the park's grounds (Mitaka side), and there's a small petting zoo, playgrounds and cherry trees ringing the water. Easy to pair with Kichijoji's shops and cafes.

Why children love it: Pedalling the swan boats on the pond, cherry blossoms overhead, a small zoo, and proximity to the Ghibli Museum.

Honest drawbacks: Boats have seasonal/weather closures (closed some Wednesdays in winter); the Ghibli Museum needs advance tickets and is a separate booking; western Tokyo location.

Best for
Babies (0–1), Toddlers (2–4), Primary (5–11), Teens (12–17)
Time to allow
3h
Opening hours
Park open daily; boat rental hours vary by season
Price
Free
Booking
Usually walk-in
English
★★★☆☆
Indoor / weather
outdoor
Confidence
Well-corroborated
Seasonal — check your dates. Cherry blossoms over the pond are a spring highlight.

Getting there: Area: Kichijoji / Mitaka (western Tokyo).

Editor’s note: Reconfirm volatile details (hours, price, closed days) on the official source before launch.