It is said that falconry grounds used by shogunate families and the three branches of the Tokugawa family were located in Musashino. The name of Mitaka comes from the place where the falconry grounds of the three Tokugawa family branches intersect (Mitaka means "three falcons"). Among Nana-i ("seven well") Pond famous for its springs situated in these falconry grounds, the spring named Inokashira-Ike pond, in particular, was renowned for it's high-quality water. Inokashira-Ike pond was known for its scenic beauty from ancient times and the Benten-do Temple which existed in the lake had been originally built in the middle of the Heian period. Although the temple was once destroyed by fire, it was rebuilt by the third shogunate Iemitsu in the Edo period. Also, Inokashira-Ike pond was the source of the Kanda aqueduct and served an important role for the people living in Edo.