“Machida Squirrel Garden” – A tiny zoo surrounded by beautiful nature

～Enjoy interacting with adorable squirrels at this “zoo that revives your soul”～

Tokyo – Japan’s capital and a world-class metropolitan city.

In the west of Tokyo, Machida City, you will find “Machida Squirrel Garden,” a tiny zoo surrounded by beautiful nature.

“Machida Squirrel Garden” welcomes its 28th year this year and has been loved by the local people for many years.

It is known for being a “zoo that revives your soul” where you can interact with about 200 squirrels running freely, as well as other small animals including rabbits and guinea pigs.

The zoo was born in 1988 when there were not many places for disabled people to work. The city responded to parents strong requests to “create a place where disabled children can work” and began the project. The squirrels that were at the “Squirrel Garden” in Izu Oshima were moved, and “Machida Squirrel Garden” was born. Today, about 21 staff with disabilities work at the zoo.

The staff’s responsibilities vary, such as cleaning before the zoo opens, packaging the food to sell and selling it, and punching the tickets. The job of opening and closing the door that leads to the squirrel area is especially important. The Taiwanese squirrels are invasive alien species, and if one of them runs away, it must be caught as it could harm the ecosystem.

The great teamwork and the cheerfulness of the staff of the Machida Squirrel Garden may be one of the reasons why Machida Squirrel Garden has been a “healing trove” to many people.

Let me now introduce you to the lovely animals of the zoo.

A small squirrel zoo! “Squirrel Garden”

At the “squirrel garden,” you can interact with 200 squirrels running around freely and feed them. Don’t forget to wear gloves the staff will give you when you purchase food for the squirrels, as the squirrels have long nails and may jump on you. After purchasing the squirrels favorite food, sunflower seeds (¥100), it’s time to go on a little adventure.

The area with a circumference of 200m is filled with colorful houses the local children made and it’s as though you wandered into a fairy tail-like world.

As I went up the stairs with seeds in my hand, a squirrel came up to me.

The squirrel seen up close is adorable and makes me want to give more. 

Many squirrels started gathering when I was staring at the cute squirrel.

Some squirrels even will jump on you. If you have young children, be careful so they are not scratched or bit by the squirrels. 

Junko, an African spurred tortoise is walking around happily in the area. Junko is thought to be 18 years old. You will have a lot of fun looking Junko walking around freely with her marvelous hands and feet. 

A space where you can meet small animals including rabbits and guinea pigs! “Guinea Pig Area”

You can feet cute guinea pigs at the “Guinea Pig Area.” The guinea pigs cuddle with each other like family and will make you shout, “Too cute!”

They are more vocal than the squirrels.

After you purchase food including lettuce and carrots, it’s time to feed the guinea pigs. When I fed one, many other guinea pigs started to come around the area. 

There are rabbits and turtles in the space next to the guinea pigs. 

You can purchase cookies and other souvenirs including stuffed animals at the gift shop. 

“Machida Squirrel Garden” is a lovely zoo surrounded by the abundant nature including Mt. Nanakuni that will revive your soul just by walking around it. 

The zoo that is created by nature, animals, and staff will lift up your spirits. Please come and visit Machida Squirrel Garden for your next holiday. 

Machida Squirrel Garden

Opening Hours:

Weekdays, Sundays, Holidays 10：00-16：00

(April – September Only on Sundays and holidays 10：00-17：00)

※Ticket sales will finish 30 minutes before the closing time

Closed days:

Every Tuesdays (Opened in the case it’s a holiday. The following day will be closed)

June, September, December/Tuesday-Friday of the first week of the month (zoo maintenance)

12/27-1/2 (Closed during the end and the beginning of the year)

Entrance fee:

Children (From 3 years old until Elementary School age)・・・・¥200

Adults (From Jr. High School Students) ・・・・・・・¥400

※Group discounts are available