Our planned trip to the Inokashira Park Zoo fell upon the same day as the Japanese holiday, Bunka no hi or Culture Day, on November 3rd. Despite the warnings that it was going to be very busy traveling around Tokyo, we proceeded with our plans. It turned out to be a great way to celebrate the holiday—the trains weren't packed; and while Inokashira Park was busier than previous visits during the week, it wasn't jam-packed with every inch covered as I imagined.
We had a picnic at the benches beside the Inokashira Pond. (Note: There are many picnic tables inside the zoo, but my growling belly could not wait the extra 3 minutes to walk there.)
It turned out to be a great spot to have a picnic because the kids enjoyed watching the boats float by, skipping stones and leaves (use what they can find) to the pond and crows (yes, crows who were waiting to swoop down and grab our food). I'm really surprised and proud of how much they were entertained where we were since there was a playground a couple of yards away.
First time I've watched this type of performance here in Tokyo. He was great!
I think we must visit again here in the spring when the cherry blossoms bloom.
The shrine in the background is dedicated to Benzaiten, a goddess of all things that flow such as water, words, speech, eloquence, and music. There is a superstition that she has a jealous streak that compels her to break up happy couples whom ride on the boats.
He really wanted to pet the duck at the zoo.
Trying to get a good look at Hanako, who came from Thailand in 1949 when she was only two-years old. She has the longest breeding period from all the other elephants in Japan.
This is probably my favorite exhibit at Inokashira Park Zoo.
Rhesus macaques
Before heading to the train, we stopped at the Swing Park inside the zoo. This was a very busy area.
I kept trying to get a photo of both of them holding themselves up at the same time.
I never realized how much of a climber CJ has become until this day!
Inokashira Park Zoo
Getting There: 5-minute walk from Kichijoji (JR Chuo Line; Keio-Inokashira Line); 1-minute walk from Inokashira-Koen (Keio-Inokashira Line).
Phone: 042-246-1100
Hours: 9:30 am - 5:00 pm / Closed Every Monday (Closed Tuesday if Monday is a Public Holiday) / Closed December 29 - January 1.
Admission: Adults (16-64): ¥400 / Seniors (65+): ¥200 / Students (13-15): ¥150 / Children (0-12): Free
2 Comentarios
How cute! What a fun day! I love the zoo. This one looks great and that picnic spot was awesome! Very cute photos!
ReplyDeleteThanks! I feel like zoos, parks, and aquariums are the stories of my life right now.
ReplyDelete