Entertainment: Inokashira Park Zoo

Now with 14% fewer squirrels!

Uhoh - the recent typhoon #4 left its mark in Kichijoji too - a tree came down and took out part of the roof of one of the Japanese squirrel exhibits and at least 30 of the population of around 120 made a bid for freedom. At the time of writing, 13 18 have so far been captured but that leaves several still on the run. Hopefully they will turn up soon, or live a long and happy life on the lam... Update! Seems they have now caught more than they originally thought they lost...

Not the biggest or most glamorous of zoos, Inokashira Park Zoo's main appeal comes from its setting - as its name suggests, it is located in and just to the west of Inokashira Koen. The main section boasts gloriously leafy grounds offering plenty of shade on even the hottest of days, and there is a children's playground and small amusement park to keep things interesting for all the family. Nappy changing facilities are on offer in every bathroom and there is a feeding room near the main entrance making the zoo baby-friendly too.

Children will be more than satisfied with the animals - ranging from cute capybara to some very stinky monkeys via a tropical bird house and Hanako, the oldest (and possibly saddest) Asian elephant in Japan. Many native species are on display and the park contributes to the conservation of several including the aforementioned newly liberated Japanese squirrels. Guinea pig petting is also on offer throughout the day (10am-12noon, 1-3pm). A short walk away, in Inokashira Koen proper there is the smaller "Lakeside Park" which has an aquatic life house and several bird displays.

In addition to the zoo the main park houses a sculpture park and museum, making the ticket price (400 yen for adults, 200 for seniors, 150 for junior high school students and free - yes, free! for children under 12) well worth the money. An annual pass (年間パスポート, nenkan pasupo-to) is available for 1600yen which offers considerable savings if you intend to visit regularly

If you can, visit during the week to avoid the crowds at the weekend. We recommend arriving early, checking out the main zoo in the morning and having a picnic lunch or trying out the standard Japanese fare in one of the two outdoor cafes (on offer is a cute elephant-themed bento for kids, pictured below) then making your way across to the Lakeside park before enjoying an ice cream in Inokashira Koen on your way home.

My one niggle with the zoo is that despite all the enclosures being well maintained, some seem a little on the small side and several of the animals exhibit some repetitive behaviour (mostly pacing in one area), and Hanako the elephant in particular seems to have a bit of a raw deal when it comes to living arrangements. They are however upgrading and replacing exhibits all the time and I am hopeful that this area will improve in the future.

You can walk to the zoo in about 10-15 minutes from Kichijoji station, or any of the buses on the south side of the station will take you there (get off at the second stop, "Bunkaen Mae") Open from 9.30am-4.45pm. Closed Tuesdays. The zoo has a comprehensive English website here.

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