Inokashira Park Zoo, Tajima Travel Guide

Inokashira Park Zoo, officially known as Inokashira Park Zoo (Inokashira Shizen Bunkaen), is a charming city zoo located in Musashino, Tokyo. Established in 1942, it resides within Inokashira Park, near the famed Ghibli Museum. The zoo is divided into two main sections: the main zoo area in Gotenyama and the Aquatic Life Park across Kichijoji Street in Inokashira, Mitaka.The main zoo is home to a variety of mammals and birds, with a focus on native Japanese species. Popular exhibits include the Squirrel Trail, where visitors can enter a large enclosure and observe Japanese squirrels up close. Other notable animals include the Tsushima leopard cat, Japanese serow, fennec fox, and capybara. The zoo also features a Japanese Bird House with beautiful birds and pheasants.Across the street lies the Aquatic Life Park, which showcases freshwater creatures such as fish, amphibians, and aquatic insects. Here, you can find rare species like the Japanese killifish, Japanese giant salamander, and Tokyo bitterling. The park also has a waterfowl exhibit area with Asian birds, including endangered species like the Oriental white stork and black-faced spoonbill.In addition to the animals, Inokashira Park Zoo offers cultural attractions. The Sculpture Museum displays around 200 works by Seibo Kitamura, including the original model of the Nagasaki Peace Prayer Statue. There's also a mini amusement park area with rides suitable for young children.The zoo is committed to the conservation of endangered native species and participates in breeding programs for animals like the Tsushima leopard cat, Japanese fire belly newt, and black-faced spoonbill.