Located in the west of Tokyo, Inokashira Koen quickly became part of our list of favourite parks in Tokyo. On June 3rd, when we exited the train station and entered the park, it felt as if we walked right into a dense forest oasis.
Tokyo traffic is everywhere - even in the water!
At first arrival there were only a few people in sight, but after strolling about 50 yards, the path opened up into a large pond in the center and a hub-bub of activities occurring alongside the water. One main purpose of venturing to Inokashira Koen was to give Markus a first chance to experience riding in a rowboat. (It's part of our preparation for our big Obon week vacation to Thailand next month.) Upon research I found there to be many locations in the city of Tokyo that offered these type of water activities. We paid 600 yen to ride a rowboat for an hour...Totemo yasui desu! (Very cheap!)
When we first stepped onto the boat, I could sense Markus felt a bit uneasy. It had to be the feeling of stepping onto unsteady ground. I was afraid of him getting sea or motion sickness. But soon after Rodney started to paddle out, it was smooth sailing from there.
I have to say there was quite a bit of pond traffic with all the other swan paddle boats and rowboats on the water, especially near the entry. Rodney manoeuvered with such finesse to avoid crashing and we managed to reach tranquil waters further away from the chaos.
Markus was overjoyed when he saw a mommy duck with her little ducklings following in a row. He motioned to Rodney saying, "Follow ducks daddy, follow ducks!" But soon after the other boats started to approach them, the duck led her offspring and nestled into the reeds for shelter. It was precious. We also spotted many turtles swimming in the pond. After feeding some ducks with bread and having lunch on the boat, we decided to head back toward the dock.
Here's Markus putting some muscle into it. This child is so relentless! Believe it or not, he was actually gaining some momentum.
"Mom, I'm so exhausted! I just wanna chill now"
You can't tell by this photo, but the blue bucket with the broom stick is actually a makeshift instrument. Strings were attached to the bucket from the top of the stick. He plucked on the strings like a harp and ta-daa...music was produced. How creative!
This little dog (I think a Pomeranian breed), sat amazingly still for the artist! How funny is that!
Within the park grounds there is a small, yet beautiful temple tucked into the woods toward the back end of the park. From the temple, scenic views of the water fountain in the pond and two wooden bridges could be seen.
Markus and I at the purifying water station near the entrance of the temple.
Where Rodney cleansed, water drizzled down from a dragon's mouth and into the shallow trough.
Here is a close-up of the amazing stone-carved dragon head.
Inokashira Koen also has a small zoo called Suisibutsu-en. By the time Markus was through running around in the playground, he was too exhausted to go. We headed into Kichioji district and did some shopping while Markus napped. It was a terrific outing, we'll definitely be back!
Lastly, I thought I'd share some Japanese superstition or Toshi Densetsu, as they call it. I've read an amusing tale associated with boating in this particular pond. In short, the tale - well, actually the curse - goes a little something like this...
When a young couple is seen boating in the Inokashira Koen pond, it is said that they are likely to break-up soon after. They would refer to it as "the beginning of the end" of their relationship. I've been told that it doesn't apply to married folks with children.
...Regardless, no worries here!
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