Gifu Kinkazan Squirrel Village — Attraction in Gifu

First time experiencing close contact with squirrels, omg amazing, their cuteness overloading! Went on 6 Mar 2025, 14:40, there were a few groups of tourist inside but not too crowded I feel as everyone gets to enjoy the feeding!

You can get up there by either hiking or ropeway. If you had gotten the round-trip of ropeway ticket, please present those tickets to get an extra discount to get in (300 yen, after discount, if not original price is 400 yen).

The staff are friendly. Please pay attention to what they are trying to brief you. Don't get too excited to go in just yet.

After buying the tickets, they will brief you on a set of rules to follow while in there. Remember to take 1 glove (for feeding) and enter a double gated area. Once pass, they will pass you some bait to feed those squirrels and enjoy your time!

*Do note that they might jump on you, your shoulders/arms/hands just to get your bait. So be prepared if they do so, don't panick and start jumping as the staff...

Kinkazan Squirrel Village (金華山リス村) is offering close encounters with playful squirrels in a natural setting. Opened in 1965, it holds the title of Japan’s first squirrel village. The village is home to species such as Taiwanese squirrels and Pallas's squirrels, which remain active throughout the year.

Visitors are given protective gloves and a small portion of food to hand-feed the squirrels.

Caution: The squirrels are very energetic and have sharp claws. To avoid scratches, it is highly recommended to wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants.

Opening Hours: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM (last entry at 4:15 PM). Admission Fees: Adults (12+): 400 yen (100 yen off with a same-day round-trip...

I'm concerned about the squirrel area. There are too many squirrels in a small space, and I noticed one with injury marks on its back, likely from stress and overcrowding.

The squirrels don’t have enough room to establish territories. This creates risks for both animal welfare and visitor safety.

I hope the management will consider giving the squirrels more space or reducing their numbers. With some adjustments, this place could be even better for both...