Squirrel Trail — Attraction in Tokyo

Nestled in the heart of Inokashira Park in Kichijoji, Tokyo, Inokashira Squirrel Park is a charming, family-friendly attraction that offers a unique and delightful experience. This small, well-kept park is dedicated to our furry friends—the squirrels—and provides visitors with a chance to get up close and personal with these playful creatures in a natural, safe environment.

A Squirrel Lover’s Dream Inokashira Squirrel Park is home to hundreds of squirrels that roam freely within the park’s spacious enclosures. The highlight of the park is the large open area where visitors can walk among the squirrels as they scurry around, climb trees, and playfully interact with each other. The squirrels are accustomed to people, and while they aren’t overly tame, they’re curious and often come quite close, making for some adorable photo opportunities. The park’s design allows visitors to get an intimate view of the squirrels in their natural habitat, without any barriers between them and the animals.

For those looking for a more immersive experience, the park also has a small area where you can feed the squirrels. While feeding is limited to specific areas where the animals are encouraged to interact with people, it’s still a joy to see the squirrels taking food from your hands, adding an extra layer of fun and excitement to the visit.

Park Features and Atmosphere The park itself is relatively small but well-maintained, with plenty of green space and shaded areas. It is set amidst the scenic beauty of Inokashira Park, providing a relaxing environment for visitors. The layout includes paths lined with trees, picnic areas, and benches where you can sit and enjoy the peaceful surroundings while watching the squirrels and other small wildlife.

In addition to squirrels, there are also several other animals in the park, including birds, rabbits, and some other small critters. While the squirrels steal the spotlight, these additional animals add variety and charm to the experience. The park is especially popular with families and children, but it offers a warm and inviting space for people of all ages to unwind and enjoy nature.

Visitor Experience Inokashira Squirrel Park is a delightful, low-key experience that provides visitors with a hands-on way to engage with nature. The park is not overly crowded, making it a peaceful retreat within the busy Kichijoji area. The squirrels are playful and fun to watch, and the atmosphere is both relaxed and playful, offering a break from the more typical tourist spots in Tokyo.

The park has a very friendly and casual vibe, and visitors can enjoy the simple joy of watching the squirrels interact with their environment. There’s also a small admission fee, but it’s quite affordable and definitely worth it for the chance to experience something unique and charming. The park is clean and well-organized, and staff are friendly and ensure that visitors treat the animals with respect.

Best Time to Visit The park can be visited year-round, but the best times are in spring and autumn, when the weather is mild and the surroundings are at their most beautiful. Spring brings cherry blossoms to the nearby Inokashira Park, enhancing the overall charm of the area, while autumn provides a stunning backdrop of colorful foliage. The squirrels are active throughout the year, but you might find them especially lively during these seasons. Summer can be a bit warm, but the shaded areas in the park provide a cool and pleasant spot to relax.

Final Thoughts A charming and whimsical spot that’s perfect for animal lovers, families, and anyone looking for a relaxing, fun-filled experience in the...

Note, this is a part of the zoo and not a separate location or attraction. Zoo admittance is required to see the squirrels. They have a large enclosure that you walk through where squirrels are just running around and doing cute things. Lots of people taking photos and going cute overload for them. Note, these are Japanese squirrels so if you were expecting one like you have in your backyard in America, these little ones...

It seems almost everything in Japan is better, even the squirrels. My wife hates squirrels and still loved this walk and seeing the cute squirrels up close. We swear they're cuter than our own...