The
Inokashira name was given by the Shogun Tokugawa Iemitsu and it translates as "source of the water supply" or "well that supplies delicious water". At the time, the Inokashira Pond was famous for its 7 springs so it was also called Nanai Pond (
nana = seven), name kept until today by the bridge crossing the lake, Nanai Bashi. The lake was also of strategic importance, being the first water supply for Edo.
Here is my favorite area, photographed from Nanai Bashi, with one of the fountains from the middle of the lake. In front you can see the
Benzaiten Temple and on the right, near the bridge, you can see (almost hidden by the trees), the white
torii of a
beautiful Inari shrine:
Inokashira Park, Mitaka, Tokyo EXIF info:
Nikon D300
Lens: 12-24mm F/4G
Focal Length: 24mm
Aperture: F/4
Shutter Speed: 1/320s
ISO Sensitivity: ISO 200