Masugata Pond in Kokubunji

As I mentioned in my previous articles, Kokubunji area, having an easy access of 20-min train ride to the hub station Shinjuku, is regarded as a creative & artistic neighborhood.

One driver of the image is its abundant nature including some iconic parks & walking paths, generally preferred by those creative people. 

Today's topic, Masugata Pond & its related streams are the probably what you don't expect to see in a part of mega city, Tokyo.

Former Falconry Place

The narrow stream running through the residential area there & beautifully paved walk path along it is called "Otaka No Michi". 

It was named after the fact that the area was once used for falconry by the distinguished family back in the 18th century.

It's quite easy to imagine that there were lots of wild animals in this area back in those days.

And Today it is used & loved as a nice walking course in the community providing a number of photogenic scenes. 

At first glance, the clarity of water will surprise you. The greatest part of the path is that it leads you to the point where the water springs out.

Masugata Pond 

This is the spot where water is actually coming out. I've seen some local residents bottling water here & can't believe such an old custom is still alive in this mega city Tokyo in 2017.

On the other side of it, there's a small shrine with a beautiful pond, named "Masugata No Ike".

In this environment, the vermillion is such a great contrast to green surrounding it.

Look at this clear water & beautiful Koi fish! I guess they are the happiest & luckiest koi in Tokyo!

Here's the story about this pond written in English. 

Just hop on the JR Chuo Line train & get off Kokubunji Station.

Thanks for reading.

Access

10 min walk from JR Kokubunji Sta

to Otaka No Michi walking course