Inokashira Park Zoo | Review by 一個漸漸喜歡上慢旅的人

Kichijoji has long been voted by Japanese people as one of the most desirable places to live. Besides the famous Ghibli Museum, the enormous Inokashira Park is definitely one of the main reasons people want to live here. As soon as you enter the park, you’ll be amazed by the vast, lush surroundings, and there’s even a beautiful lake where you can enjoy a leisurely boat ride.

That day, we followed the local custom and rented a cute swan boat to pedal across the water. Seeing this green park from a different angle felt both romantic and relaxing. It’s not only a great place for adults to take a walk and unwind, but also a paradise for children, with plenty of wide-open lawns where they can run around, jump, and burn off energy. When you get tired of walking, you can simply find a bench under the shade of a tree and enjoy a comfortable picnic. One side of the park also leads directly to the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka, and the surrounding area has a relaxed and charming atmosphere. No wonder it’s such a dreamy park that makes people long to be here and never want to leave once they step inside.

Located in the Tokyo suburbs, the Ghibli Museum, Mitaka is truly a dream destination that every Hayao Miyazaki fan should visit at least once in their lifetime. Before Ghibli Park opened in Nagoya, this was always at the very top of every anime fan’s list when traveling to Tokyo. I’ve even visited twice already, but every time I step inside, I’m still deeply captivated by the master’s meticulous creativity and wildly imaginative world.

From the adorable Totoro ticket booth welcoming visitors at the entrance to the huge, slightly mysterious gardener robot on the rooftop, and then inside, where you can get a close look at a wealth of precious original drawings and the animation production process. Every corner and every little detail is filled with childlike wonder and warmth. If you have the chance, be sure to give yourself an entire day to slowly and quietly enter this magical world created by the masters of Ghibli. It really is a dreamlike place that never gets old no matter how many times you visit, and one you should experience in person if you ever have the chance.

On this trip to Sendai, I made a special visit to Togatta Onsen, a gem of a town in the Zao area. I recommend first taking a walk and some photos at the picturesque and enchanting Choro Lake, enjoying the peace and quiet of nature, and then heading into town to find the very famous Zao Yukemuri Pudding shop.

Tucked away in the streets of this hot spring town, the pudding shop has a lot of character. Even its logo features a distinctive deer that leaves an immediate impression. After buying some delicious, creamy pudding, the best way to enjoy it is to stroll over to the nearby public footbath. Soaking your feet in the warm hot spring to relieve tired legs while savoring the sweet, silky pudding is truly one of life's great pleasures. With beautiful scenery, delicious food, and hot springs, Togatta Onsen is such a relaxing place that you won't want to leave. If you love hot spring towns, don't miss it.