The squirrels are super cute, but honestly, the smell is a bit much...
If you're planning to visit, it's probably best to come in autumn or winter.
Verified [Verified] denotes information that has been published with confirmation of its owing parties.
Machida Squirrel Garden
A small animal leisure park where around 200 Taiwan squirrels roam freely in a spacious outdoor enclosure.
3.00
1
Spread across a 2,500-square-meter space, Machida Squirrel Garden is a hands-on animal park where about 200 Taiwan squirrels roam freely. In addition to squirrels, the park is also home to chipmunks, guinea pigs, rabbits, and tortoises, offering fun and educational animal encounters for all ages.
In the squirrel enclosure, visitors can feed sunflower seeds to the lively Taiwan squirrels. The “Fureai Hiroba” (Animal Interaction Area) allows guests to pet rabbits and hand-feed guinea pigs.
The park houses three types of squirrels—Taiwan squirrels, chipmunks, and Japanese squirrels. From spring to fall, you’ll also find around 10 types of turtles outdoors, including some rare species. During colder months, they are moved to a greenhouse and return outside when it warms up.
One of the park’s most beloved residents is Junko, a charismatic tortoise. On weekends and holidays, you can watch her eating in the squirrel garden—a delightfully entertaining sight for both children and adults.
Opened in December 1988, Machida Squirrel Garden also functions as a Type B Work Support Facility under Japan’s Services and Supports for Persons with Disabilities Act, combining recreation with social contribution.
Highlights
-
Around 200 Taiwan squirrels roam freely in the main enclosure.
-
Visitors can feed guinea pigs and rabbits in the petting area.
-
The park is home to three types of squirrels and ten types of turtles.
-
Other animals include rabbits, guinea pigs, and even a cockatoo.
Photos
-
A charming entrance gate welcomes visitors to the park
-
Taiwan squirrels can be seen throughout the grounds, adding to the lively atmosphere
Official FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.
Q
Do you have foreign language support? (If it is available, what language is available?)
A
English support available
Q
Is it possible to re-enter the premises?
A
Re-entry is not allowed.
Q
Is free WiFi available in the facility?
A
Yes, it is.
Q
Are coin lockers available?
A
Not available.
Q
Is there parking available?
A
Yes, there is a parking lot next to the Squirrel Garden with space for 350 vehicles.
Reviews
1
Some reviews are AI-translated.
Details
- Name in Japanese
- まちだリス園
- Postal Code
- 195-0073
- Address
- 1-733-1 Yakushidai, Machida, Tokyo
- Telephone
- 042-734-1001
- Closed
-
Tuesdays (If it falls on a holiday, closed on the following weekday)
Closed for maintenance during the first Tuesday to Friday of June, September, and December, as well as from December 27 to January 2 - Business Hours
-
10:00am - 4:00pm
Last entry: Tickets sold until 30 minutes before closing - Admission
-
Adults (junior high school and older): 500yen
Children (ages 3 and up): 300yen
100yen discount for persons with disabilities (disability certificate required, copies accepted) - Access
- From Odakyu Line Machida Station, take the Kanagawa Chuo Kotsu Bus to “Yakushiike” and walk about 2 minutes.
- Credit Cards
- Not accepted
- Official Website
- Official Website (Japanese)