A Jam-Packed Day Trip to Enjoy All Day in Machida! Savor Stunning Views × Delicious Food × Animal Encounters
About 40 minutes by train from Shinjuku. Just a short trip from central Tokyo, Machida City in Tokyo Prefecture is packed with diverse charms—rich nature, gourmet food, and history. In this article, we bring you a full day of indulgent fun in Machida alongside local talent Tamami Sakaguchi. Perfect for solo travelers, friends, couples, or families with kids. Make your next day off a full day of enjoyment in Machida!
Outline
Just 40 minutes from Shinjuku: nature and gourmet in one trip
▲ Onojijuku Satoyama Exchange Center
Machida is an area easily accessible from central Tokyo, just about 40 minutes by train from Shinjuku. It’s a town packed with diverse charms, including rich nature, culture, and heartwarming gourmet food.
In this article, we present a full-day, all-inclusive plan to enjoy Machida to the fullest, featuring local personality Tamami Sakaguchi, a native of Machida City, Tokyo. We introduce spots where you can experience what Machida has to offer, from interacting with cute animals to moments that connect you with the history of the satoyama landscape.
“Machida Walking Map”
Machida Squirrel Park｜Home to about 200 squirrels
First up is Machida’s signature spot, the Machida Squirrel Park. Inside, around 200 Taiwanese squirrels live (*), and you can enjoy watching them energetically scampering about up close.
Put on gloves and you can even try feeding them—sometimes they’ll even climb right up to your feet! When those fluffy bodies and big, round eyes gaze back at you, you’ll find yourself smiling naturally!
【Machida Squirrel Park Basic Information】(※)
| Facility Name | Machida Squirrel Park |
| Address | 1-733-1 Yakushidai, Machida City, Tokyo |
| Access | From Bus Stop 21 at the North Exit of Odakyu Machida Station, take the “Route 55 (via Honmachida to Nozuta Garage)” or “Route 53 (to Tsurukawa Station)” bus for about 20 minutes and get off at “Yakushiike” stop. |
| Admission | Children (ages 3 and up): ¥300 (tax included) Adults (junior high school students and older): ¥500 (tax included)*Cash only |
| Opening Hours | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Closed | ・Every Tuesday (Open if Tuesday is a national holiday; closed the following weekday) ・First Tuesday through Friday of June, September, and December (for maintenance) ・December 27th to January 2nd (Year-end and New Year holidays) |
※Long sleeves and long pants are recommended for visiting the park.
※Please refrain from running or jumping inside the squirrel enclosure.
※Please refrain from shouting.
※Re-entry is not permitted.
※See “Machida Squirrel Park Official Website”
Get cute squirrel souvenirs!
After enjoying your time with the squirrels, head to the gift shop to browse for souvenirs. You’ll find an array of adorable squirrel goods, including plush squirrels, key chains, and shirts featuring the Machida Squirrel Park logo.
They make perfect gifts for children, small souvenirs for friends, or keepsakes for yourself.
Check out the short video here!
Onojijuku Satoyama Exchange Center｜A community hub reminiscent of a post town
Onojijuku Satoyama Exchange Center is a facility renovated from a traditional inn (hatago) that once stood in a corner of Onojijuku, a bustling post station during the Edo period.
Inside, you can enjoy local cuisine made with seasonal vegetables. Popular dishes include the simple, hearty “Onoji Udon” made with locally milled flour from Onoji for 650 yen (tax included) and the “Satoyama Croquette,” handmade by Onoji mothers, priced at 150 yen each (tax included) (*3).
In this space that evokes a sense of nostalgia, you can take a relaxing break during your travels.
※1: See “Machida City Official Website: Onojijuku Satoyama Exchange Center Business Information Page”
※2: Refers to inns or ryokan
※3: See “Machida City Official Website: Onojijuku Satoyama Exchange Center Exchange Center Dining and Shopping Page”
【Basic Information on Onojijuku Satoyama Exchange Center】(※)
| Facility Name | Onojijuku Satoyama Exchange Center |
| Address | 888-1 Onoji-cho, Machida-shi, Tokyo |
| Access | 【Access from Machida Station (all lines)】(Travel time: approx. 27 min) Take the bus bound for “Tsurukawa Station via Zushi/Gotanda” from Machida Bus Center, Platform 14, and get off at “Ono Shrine Mae” 【Access from Tsurukawa Station (Odakyu Line)】(Travel time: approx. 15 min) From Tsurukawa Station North Exit, Board Bus No. 6 bound for “Tama Center Station via Onoji/Aokiba Park” or “Machida Bus Center via Zushi/Gotanda”, and get off at “Ono Shrine Mae” 【Access from Tama Center Station on various lines】(Travel time: approx. 15 min) From Tama Center Station South Exit, Board the bus at Platform 10 for “Onoji/Aokiba Park via Tsurukawa Station” Get off at “Ono Shrine Mae” |
| Opening Hours | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Closed | December 29 – January 3 |
※See “Machida City Official Website: Onojijuku Satoyama Exchange Center”
※Bus service is limited. Please check the timetable before traveling.
Experience Machida’s Seasonal Flavors! Local Products Sales Corner
The “Local Products Sales Corner” inside the facility sells fresh locally grown vegetables and fruits, as well as works by artisans residing in Onoji (*).
On weekends and holidays, freshly harvested vegetables grown by Onoji farmers are lined up in abundance (*). It’s recommended for those seeking seasonal flavors or wishing to purchase art as a travel souvenir.
*Refer to “Machida City Official Website”
Check out the short video here!
Machida Yakushiike Park Shikisai no Mori West Garden｜A park where you can relax at cafes and libraries
Machida Yakushiike Park: Shikisai no Mori West Garden is a park featuring attractive facilities such as a direct sales shop offering Machida-grown vegetables and foods, and cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy dishes made with locally sourced ingredients.
Whether lounging on the lawn or enjoying cafe time with a coffee in hand, both adults and children can enjoy themselves all day long.
【Machida Yakushiike Park Shikisai no Mori West Garden Basic Information】(※)
| Facility Name | Machida Yakushiike Park Shikisai no Mori West Garden |
| Address | 3105 Honmachida, Machida City, Tokyo |
| Access | From Bus Stop No. 21 at the North Exit of Odakyu Machida Station, take the bus bound for “Tsurukawa via Honmachida” or “Nozuta Garage via Honmachida”. Approximately 20 minutes, get off at the “Shikisai no Mori Nishien” bus stop. |
| Opening Hours | 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM |
| Closed | Year-end and New Year holidays (December 29th to January 3rd) |
※Refer to “Machida Yakushiike Park Shikisai no Mori West Garden Official Website”
Relaxing with a book in a library surrounded by greenery
The Library Lounge inside features a wide range of books—from reference guides and picture books to novels—that anyone can freely pick up and enjoy reading (*).
Additionally, it occasionally hosts art exhibitions and events by local artists (*). It’s the perfect spot to stop by when you want to take a breather during sightseeing or spend some quiet time with your children.
※Refer to “Machida Yakushiike Park Shikisai no Mori West Garden Official Website”
Check out the short video here!
Spend a fulfilling holiday in charming Machida!
This article introduced spots where you can enjoy a full day in Machida.
From interacting with adorable animals and savoring gourmet cuisine made with local ingredients to experiencing history, Machida offers a diverse array of attractions. Stepping away from the bustle of the city center lets you enjoy a mini-getaway vibe, adding to its charm.
For your next day off, use this article as a guide and enjoy exploring Machida!
Related Articles
Light art created by industry! Experience the photogenic “Kawasaki Factory Night View Houseboat Cruise”
ｖThe Kawasaki waterfront area has supported Japan's industry as the heart of the Keihin Industrial Zone. At night, the lights of the operating factories create a fantastical scene, attracting attention as the "Kawasaki Factory Night View." In this article, we'll introduce one of these, the "Kawasaki Factory Night View Houseboat Cruise." From the deck on the roof of the houseboat, you'll be overwhelmed by the scale of the factories you can see up close. What's more, there's live commentary by the "Kawasaki Factory Night View Navigator," so there's plenty to see! We'll bring you a report on the elegant cruise, along with a "smartphone photography experience" report.
If you’re not sure where to go, check these out! Recommended spots for different purposes in Ueno Park
Ueno Park, Japan's oldest park, opened in 1873. Its vast grounds, equivalent to about 11 Tokyo Domes, are dotted with cultural facilities, historical buildings, monuments, sports facilities, and more. With so many things to see, many people may find it difficult to decide where to go. In this article, we'll introduce recommended spots by purpose. We've picked out places unique to Ueno Park, such as pandas and power spots.
4 Recommended Tourist Spots in Ueno and Ameyoko, Including Temples and Footbath Cafes Where You Can Get Power!
The Ameyoko Shopping District (formally: the Ameyoko Shopping Street Association), often simply called "Ameyoko," is a bustling commercial strip spanning roughly 500 meters along the railway tracks between JR Ueno and JR Okachimachi stations. Home to over 400 diverse shops, Ameyoko draws crowds not only with its fresh produce and daily goods offered at highly competitive prices, but also with its nostalgic, lively atmosphere typical of a traditional downtown area. It has also gained significant recognition as a major tourist destination, welcoming a large number of international visitors.
J.League fans can enjoy watching soccer and tasting food in Machida City!
A must-see for those visiting Machida, Tokyo for the first time to watch a J.League match! We'll introduce you to the charms of Machida City, home to FC Machida Zelvia, recently promoted to J1. We'll also introduce you to the convenient shuttle bus available only on match days, as well as gourmet spots around Machida Station. Make some fun memories in Machida City while you’re there.
Special feature on sightseeing spots in Machida, Tokyo! A walking guide to museums, parks, and gourmet food
Introducing recommended tourist spots for visitors to Machida City! Machida City is an area packed with attractions, including bustling gourmet spots, parks brimming with nature, and a print art museum with a historic atmosphere. It is also home to Machida GION Stadium, where J.League matches are held, making it a great place to visit while watching a match. Take this opportunity to enjoy sightseeing in Machida City and watching a soccer match together!