Zenpukuji Park Boat Rental

(³⁄₅ stars)
Unilocal 100 Challenge 2016 — ¹⁸⁄₁₀₀
Tokyo-​to, the greater metropolitan area, has four locations within its public park system that provide boat rentals to park users. This is one of them; the other three are: Inokashira Pond south of JR Kichijoji station, Shakuiji Park nearby and Shinobazu Pond, adjacent to Ueno Zoo on the northeast side of central Tokyo.
Fortunately for me, I’ve used two of the three on the west side as they’re in my «hood.» Both Zenpukuji and Inokashira parks are located amidst residential areas, but the former is quite a hike from JR Nishi Ogikubo or Kichijoji stations to the south, or Seibu Shinjuku line Kamishakuji station to the northwest.
Highlights:
— Access: ²⁄₅ stars (by bus or car better but routes and parking, respectively, are very limited)
— Features: ³⁄₅ (two types of boats to rent — rowboats and flat paddle boats propelled by your legs — think of a hybrid bicycle and boat. Missing are the covered swan boats available at Inokashira Park)
— Facilities: ³⁄₅ (public restrooms right outside the entrance gate; basic safety instructions; need to confirm if life jackets and other safety equipment have been added — at last check they were not)
— Rates: ³⁄₅ (differ by kind of boat; rates set as follows:
+ rowboats (for kids/​adults): ¥600/​60 minutes; +¥300/​each 30 minutes thereafter
+ paddle boats (called ‘cycle boats’ in Japanese — for adults): ¥600/​30 minutes
+ both boat types: Maximum capacity is two adults + 1 child)
Overall, it’s kind of cool to get out on the water, although the rates seem to be designed to give you just enough time to reach the middle of the pond then return. Of course, you can stay out for as long as you want, if you’re willing to pay the fees.
Usually high school kids on «dates» or families with young kids are the main users. Your best bet for getting a boat is come early or on a weekday.
These boat rentals feel left over from the last century, when Japan was still becoming industrialized and enjoying new wealth. As the society is quite mature and declining a bit now, I’m sure the public park system will find fewer and fewer resources and reasons to keep this service.
Enjoy them while you can — sakura (cherry blossom) season is crowded but taking in the view and reflections on the water are surely different and fun. It’s also a good photo opportunity without bumping elbows with all the camera nuts on shore.