Squirrel Heaven in Tokyo

About 2 weeks ago I saw an article on the internet about “squirrel gardens” in Japan and my interest was immediately piqued.
If you are familiar with this site you would know that I am an avid small-mammal enthusiast (my last small-mammal trip was last year, to the rabbit island of Okunoshima)

Since I live in Tokyo I decided to go to a squirrel heaven in Machida, called, “Machida Squirrel Park.“You can check out the offical site here.

EDIT: English directions have been taken down on the main site! To get there exit out of the North Exit of Odakyu Machida Station. From there, go straight, along the tracks. When you will see a train crossing to your right look left, there should be a “Za Watami.” Go down the street. There will be several bus stops on the left side. Go to the one that says “21.” Look for any bus going to Yakushi Ike 薬師池 (No. 55 and No.53 should go there). When you get off at Yakushi Ike, walk straight (direction the bus was headed) and you should see GIANT SQUIRREL MURALS. You are there! CONGRATS! Pet some squirrels for me.

It is about a 20-minute bus ride from Machida station. The bus arrived at a relatively large park (that is also pretty worth seeing if you are already out there)

Yakushi Ike Park

Walk down the road from the Yakushi Ike Park bus stop and you will soon see a funny little sub-park with murals of your little furry friend, the squirrel, all over. That is where you want to be.

Entrance fee for adults is 400 yen head. If you go as an adult and do not have children accompanying you, there is a chance you will feel self-conscious. Don’t worry, I went there and survived and had a great time.

REMEMBER, IT’S ALL ABOUT THE SQUIRRELS
These little guys will greet you when you enter, also there is..

A large pen full of guinea pigs!

AND

A bunny/guinea pig petting corner!

But please do not forget what you came here for.
Because it was obviously to experience the euphoria of being surrounded by hundreds of squirrels.
Go over to the squirrel enclosure, pay 100 yen for sunflower seeds, grab a protective glove and head to their village…

Squirrel:SUNFLOWER SEEDS! How did you know?!

Be prepared to have squirrels jumping on you until you run out of seeds.

All in all I would have to say that, yes, if you live in Japan and are tired of seeing the same things when you come to Tokyo, the Machida Squirrel Park is a good place to go. You can kill about 2 hours there and then go stroll around the main park (for people) across the street.

The animals were all really cute, but at the end of the day I was glad to come home to my bun