The facility primarily houses Taiwan squirrels, which are considered an invasive species in parts of Japan.
It was established in 1988 to promote the welfare of small animals.
The squirrel enclosure is netted to prevent the animals from escaping into the surrounding residential area.
Staff provide specialized gloves to visitors to prevent scratches during the feeding process.
The garden maintains a small area dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating injured local wildlife.
Some squirrels are known to approach visitors proactively if they recognize food bags.
Machida Squirrel Garden is a specialized facility housing approximately 200 free-roaming squirrels within a large, netted enclosure. Visitors can enter the enclosure to interact directly with Taiwan squirrels and other small rodents. The garden functions as a public educational space focused on small animal conservation and habitat observation. In addition to squirrels, the site hosts guinea pigs, rabbits, and tortoises in separate areas. Dedicated staff provide sunflower seeds to visitors for hand-feeding the animals. The layout includes walking paths that wind through a forested landscape. It serves as an active wildlife contact park rather than a traditional zoological garden. The environment is designed to allow squirrels to climb natural and artificial structures freely.
The central feeding benches within the main enclosure, where squirrels are most likely to climb onto your shoulder or hand.
Wear long sleeves to protect your arms from squirrel claws while feeding.
Visit as early as possible in the day, as squirrels are less active and less hungry in the afternoon.
Remove loose jewelry or dangling accessories that might attract the animals' attention.
Do not bring outside food or snacks for the animals, as it disrupts their regulated diet and health monitoring.
Closed on Tuesdays; also closed during the New Year holiday period.
Do not chase or forcibly pick up the squirrels; allow them to approach you on their own. Wear closed-toe shoes and consider using the provided feeding gloves.
