Zenpukuji Park

In short

​Zenpukuji Park​ is a Tokyo metropolitan park in Suginami Ward centered around Zenpukuji Pond. The pond was once used as a supplementary water source for the Kanda Waterworks and was known as one of the three major spring ponds of Musashino. The pond is said to take its name from a temple that once stood nearby.

• ​Upper Pond and Lower Pond​​: Features a bright upper pond with boat rentals and a rustic lower pond rich in lush aquatic plants
• ​Osonoi Waterfall​​: A restored waterfall fed by a spring with a legend that Minamoto no Yoritomo dug into the earth in search of water
• ​A Haven for Wild Birds​​: Around 50 species of wild birds can be observed throughout the year, including ducks, little grebes, and kingfishers

History and Highlights

​Zenpukuji Park​ is a metropolitan park centered around Zenpukuji Pond. Its water was once clear and abundant enough to serve as an auxiliary water source for the Kanda Waterworks, and it was known as one of the three major spring ponds of Musashino. It is said that the pond's name derives from a temple that once stood near here. The Zenpukuji River flows out from this pond.

The pond is divided into the Upper Pond (Kami-no-ike) and the Lower Pond (Shimo-no-ike). Together, they cover approximately 37,000 square meters, accounting for 47 percent of the total park area. The Upper Pond is a spacious, bright pond with boat rentals and two islets. The larger islet enshrines Benzaiten. The Lower Pond was created in 1935 by damming the Zenpukuji River. Over half of it is covered with reeds and other aquatic plants, surrounded by dense woods.

The surrounding area was designated as a scenic zone in 1930, and the metropolitan Zenpukuji Park opened in 1961.

Zenpukuji Park is also called a "haven for wild birds." This moniker originates from Nakanishi Godo, who founded the Wild Bird Society of Japan in 1934, having lived near the pond and observed its wildlife.

Viewing and Experience Highlights

• ​Osonoi Waterfall​​: According to legend, in 1189, Minamoto no Yoritomo stopped here on his way to the conquest of Oshu and dug into the earth searching for drinking water. Because of a drought, water did not easily emerge, but after digging in seven spots using the nock of his bow (yumi no hazu), water is said to have bubbled up after a short while. Because people waited for the water thinking "it is slow in coming" (ima ya ososhi), it was named "Osonoi" (Slow Well). Since the spring has dried up today, well water is pumped up to reconstruct it as a waterfall.
• ​Waterfowl and Wild Birds​​: Waterfowl such as ducks, little grebes, and common moorhens, as well as kingfishers, visit the pond. Tufted ducks and great egrets are also frequently seen, allowing visitors to observe around 50 species of wild birds throughout the year.
• ​Seasonal Flowers​​: Hydrangeas and cotton rosemallows are planted around the Upper Pond, blooming with blue-purple and pink blossoms in succession. Near Minoyama Bridge at the Lower Pond, there are pink water lilies.

Walking Tips

The waterway connecting the Upper Pond and Lower Pond was developed by Suginami Ward as an area where visitors can play in the water, and the "Osonoigawa Waterside Facility" was completed in 2018. This name comes from the fact that the Zenpukuji River was once called the "Osonoigawa River." Walking from the bright Upper Pond along the waterway to the Lower Pond allows you to clearly appreciate the differences between the two ponds. Near the bus street along the bank of the Upper Pond stands a statue of Uchida Hidegoro, a former village mayor of the former Iogi Village.

To reach the park, take a bus from JR Nishi-Ogikubo Station or Kamishakujii Station on the Seibu Shinjuku Line, get off at "Zenpukuji," and walk for 5 minutes.