Inokashira Imperial Grant Park

Inokashira Park in Musashino and Mitaka was the first imperial gift to the citizens of Tokyo in 1917 - its formal name Onshi Koen literally means Park of Imperial Bounty. At its heart lies the eponymous pond, whose springs supplied drinking water to Edo for centuries. On an island stands a small shrine to Benzaiten, goddess of music and lovers; an old legend says taking a boat across the pond inevitably splits up couples. Generations of Tokyoites have rowed across all the same, especially in cherry-blossom season when the park becomes one of the city's densest hanami settings. On the western edge sits the Ghibli Museum, which makes the park a pilgrimage for many international visitors.