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Gifu Kinkazan Squirrel Village
A relaxing spot at the summit of Mt. Kinka where you can interact with adorable squirrels.
Located at the summit of Mt. Kinka, Gifu Kinkazan Squirrel Village is a relaxing spot where you can get up close to adorable squirrels. Friendly free-roaming Taiwanese squirrels come right up to you, and watching them eat from your palm is irresistibly charming. Their lively 모습 in the natural surroundings is sure to bring a smile to both adults and children.
It opened in 1965 as Japan’s first facility where visitors could interact with squirrels. It was developed over many years out of a desire to let children play with Mt. Kinka’s wild squirrels in a natural setting. The area around the facility is enclosed with a special structure called a “shinobigaeshi” to safely prevent the squirrels from getting out. Visitors ages 4 and up can enjoy the feeding experience, and outside food is not allowed in order to protect the squirrels’ health.
Since you cannot reach Squirrel Village by car, taking the ropeway is the recommended way to get there. It is right in front of you as soon as you exit the summit station, and because it is covered, you can enjoy it with peace of mind even on rainy days. Taiwanese squirrels do not hibernate, so it is open year-round.
Highlights
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Opened in 1965 as Japan’s first facility for interacting with squirrels.
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Squirrels are sensitive to sound, so they are more likely to come closer if you wait quietly.
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The feeding experience, where you can observe squirrels up close, is especially popular.
Photos
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Highly popular feeding experience
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Watch squirrels freely run around the village
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Adorable Taiwanese squirrels with fluffy tails
Official FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.
Q
Is free Wi-Fi available in the area?
A
No, it is not.
Q
Are there coin lockers?
A
Yes, but only at the base station. (None at the summit.)
Q
Is re-entry allowed?
A
No.
Reviews
Details
- Name in Japanese
- ぎふ金華山リス村
- Postal Code
- 500-8734
- Address
- 257 Senjojikishita, Gifu-shi, Gifu 500-8734
- Phone
- 058-262-6784 (Gifu Kinkazan Ropeway)
- Closed on
- Open daily *Closed when the ropeway is suspended for maintenance
- Hours
- 9:30am–4:30pm (Last admission at 4:15pm)
- Admission
- Adults: 400 yen, Children (ages 4 to under 12): 300 yen
- Access
- Just a short walk from the “Summit” Station on the Gifu Kinkazan Ropeway
- Credit Cards
- Not accepted (cash only)
- Official website
- Official website (Japanese)
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