Machida Squirrel Garden — Attraction in Tokyo

We loved it! We went during the weekday and was able to take care of the free parking at the nearby park, as well as enjoy the park without many other people or children.

The entrance fee (see below) is low, but they charge 100 yen per dish/package to feed the animals in the park.

The outer area of the park you are able to feed rabbits, and guinea pigs and there are a variety of different squirrels and other animals on display. The center of the park features the squirrel feeding. It's only one variety of squirrel (see pictures) but there are so many of them. There is also a gigantic land tortoise that roams around in the squirrel area.

I also noticed that they hired a lot of people with special needs. They smiled at the kids and really seemed to enjoy their jobs selling the animal foods, passing out feeding mittens, and manning the doorways. It was very nice experience.

Our kids really enjoyed themselves and we enjoyed seeing them experience something completely new. We will definitely be back again.

Hours of operation: Weekdays, Sundays, Holidays 10: 00-16: 00 (April - September Sundays, Holidays only 10: 00-17: 00) Sale of tickets will be closed 30 minutes before the closing time.

Closed Every Tuesday (Open in the case of a national holiday, closed on the next weekday) June, September, December: First Tuesday - Friday (for park maintenance) December 26 - January 2 (year holiday closed)

Parking: Free parking during weekdays at Yakushike Park (just around the corner and up the street). Paid parking on weekends and holidays (visit website for rates).

Tickets: Child (over 3 years old elementary school student): 200 yen Adult (junior high school student): 400 yen There is a group discount as well so please visit their site...

So cute! Such a great place and such nice volunteers. We had initially planned to visit the Fox Village but after realising how much of a hassle getting there was we decided to visit Machida instead - and I would highly suggest doing the same since it's much easier to get to and seems to be much more interactive as well as cheaper. Like the others have said, the squirrels are definitely not shy and if they see you with a bag of seeds they'll definitely jump on you. Make sure you wear long sleeves and pants as the squirrels can sometimes climb up/down all over you and their nails are very small and sharp. Kids would love this place but so would any other animal lovers. We had a great time and even made a little squirrel friend that seemed to enjoy riding around on my arm. So much better than an animal café and no...

An extremely fun and interesting place to visit! The squirrels are so cute and active (though the day I went was really hot, so a lot were also just resting in the shade). I also happened to see a really cool lizard that wandered in by chance as well. The tortoise was massive!! All the kids visiting looked like they were having so much fun. I’m not a child anymore, but it was still such a great experience.

Also love that Machida Squirrel Garden supports & encourages meaningful and continued employment of disabled and neuro-divergent adults who often face barriers and discrimination in the Japanese workforce.

Purchased a few items from the gift shop as well; everything was just...