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:

Yesterday’s Japan Photo: Tokyo places, Shiodome SIO-SITE