Inokashira Park: Soothing and Versed
Inokashira Park, an elegant 95-acre city park located in Musashino and Mitaka in western Tokyo, Japan, holds a significant place in history. Established in 1917, this picturesque park surrounds Inokashira Pond, which was created during the Edo period and sourced from the Kanda River. Initially named Inokashira Onshi Kōen, meaning “Inokashira Imperial Grant Park,” it was bestowed upon Tokyo as a gift by the Emperor. Throughout the year, Inokashira Park offers a splendid experience for visitors, boasting various attractions and maintaining its beauty. Among its highlights is a zoo, boat rides on the pond, bird-watching spots, a shrine, and areas ideal for hanami (cherry blossom viewing) and picnics. The park creates a vibrant atmosphere with entertainers, artists, and street performers, while nearby cafes and shops provide delightful meals and picnic provisions.
Notably, the southwest corner of Inokashira Park is home to the renowned Ghibli Museum, dedicated to the animated creations of Studio Ghibli. Additionally, the park hosts several annual events, such as the Kichijoji Music Festival, featuring park concerts by brass bands and chorus groups, and the Kichijouji Anime Wonderland, a celebration of anime held during consecutive holidays in October.
The changing seasons bring their own enchantment to Inokashira Park. Spring reveals the mesmerizing beauty of cherry blossoms, creating a spectacle as their branches form a canopy over the pond. This makes it a popular destination for hanami enthusiasts. On the park’s west side, a flowering plum grove offers a splendid sight before the cherry blossoms bloom. In summer, the park transforms into a lush green haven, while autumn treats visitors to a vibrant display of foliage. Even in winter, the park remains lively, attracting migratory birds, including wild snakes.
Inokashira Park has also made appearances in various films and games. It served as a filming location for several movies, including “Okoru saigyou” (2010), “Senkaku Rock” (2013), “Daytime Shooting Star” (2017), “Spark” (2017), “Nono-yu” (2019), “My Favorite Girl” (2020), and “Lost Distance” (2023).
The film “Parks” (2017) was specifically commissioned to commemorate the hundredth anniversary of Inokashira Park. Moreover, in the popular game “Persona 5" (2016), Inokashira Park is one of the hangout locations available in the Tokyo map.
However, amidst its charm and popularity, Inokashira Park is also associated with a local legend known as the Inokashira Park curse. According to the legend, couples are warned to avoid the park, as going there and riding a swan boat together will cause the deity Benzaiten to get jealous and curse the couple, leading to their breakup. This legend, widely known even outside Tokyo, has persisted for decades.
In 1992, Inokashira Park gained further attention when it became associated with the Megami Tensei game series. The association began with the Inokashira Park dismemberment incident, an unsolved murder that occurred in the park in 1994. The murder bore striking similarities to the events described in the Shin Megami Tensei game released in 1992. In the game, a teenage boy dreams of a religious group sacrificing and dismembering innocent people in Inokashira Park, only to find the park blocked off due to a murder upon waking up.
In the actual incident, on April 23, 1994, a park worker discovered human remains in a garbage bag inside a trash can, totaling 24 pieces. The body appeared to have been sliced into 1 cm thick pieces with the muscle carefully removed, washed, and drained of blood. The cause of death could not be determined, as there were no signs of external trauma or drug use. However, slight traces of internal bleeding in the muscle indicated that the victim may have been cut while still alive.
The similarities between the murder and the Shin Megami Tensei game led to a popular belief that the killer was inspired by the game. It was speculated that the killer, involved in a strange cult, believed occult phenomena could be achieved through dismembering a body and leaving it in the park. Unfortunately, no evidence or testimony was ever obtained, and the case became a cold case after its statute of limitations passed in 2009.
Despite the associations with legends and past incidents, it is important to emphasize that the park is a safe and welcoming destination for all.
With its picturesque surroundings and well-maintained attractions, Inokashira Park continues to captivate visitors throughout the year. From the enchanting cherry blossoms in spring to the vibrant foliage in autumn, each season brings its own unique charm. The park’s diverse offerings, including a zoo, boat rides, bird-watching spots, and a shrine, provide ample opportunities for exploration and relaxation.
Moreover, the park’s connection to renowned Studio Ghibli through the Ghibli Museum adds an extra touch of magic and wonder to the experience. The park’s annual events, such as the Kichijoji Music Festival and Kichijouji Anime Wonderland, offer opportunities for cultural immersion and celebration.
While Inokashira Park has been featured in various films and games, it is essential to remember that these portrayals are fictional and do not reflect the park’s reality. The park remains a safe haven where visitors can immerse themselves in nature, enjoy the company of loved ones, and create cherished memories.
So, venture into Inokashira Park with a sense of tranquility and embrace the serene adventure that awaits. Explore the winding paths, listen to the melodies of nature, and bask in the beauty that surrounds you. Whether you choose to indulge in hanami, partake in a boat ride, or simply find solace under a blossoming tree, Inokashira Park offers a haven of peace and serenity.