Machida: Nature, Play and Culture

In the municipality of Machida, things to do range from play and water to seasonal landscapes, animal encounters and culture. The variety of attractions gives you ideas for different kinds of vacation days: get active outdoors, explore a walking route, or discover printmaking and literature.

Play and open space in green surroundings

芹ヶ谷公園 offers a variety of ways to play, including a splash pool, a stream and 虹と水の広場. An adventure area with a Tarzan rope and various play equipment adds to the attractions; there is also a multipurpose court. 町田シバヒロ offers something different: its multipurpose grounds include a lawn of about 5,700 square meters. When planning your visit, you can choose between a park with play and water attractions and a spacious lawn, without making every day outdoors the same.

Seasonal sights at 薬師池

A pond is at the heart of the park at 薬師池. Seasonal sights include plum blossoms, camellias, cherry blossoms, Japanese irises and Ōga lotus, as well as fresh greenery and autumn foliage. If you plan your visit around the scenery, you’ll find a different focus here than at the playgrounds or on the lawn. The park’s recognition also has a clear timeline: 薬師池 was included in the 新東京百景 in 1982, designated a 名勝 by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government in 1998, and selected for the 日本の歴史公園100選 in 2007.

Explore on foot and encounter animals

原町田七福神 is an approximately 3-kilometer walking route that can be visited year-round. Its stops are located around Machida Station. The route was established at temples, shrines and shopping streets to mark the 50th anniversary of Machida City. It therefore takes in both religious sites and shopping streets; its approximate length can help you factor the walk into your day’s plans.

Animal encounters offer another contrast to walks and park visits. At the Squirrel Garden, visitors can feed squirrels; check the current operating conditions before your visit. At 町田リス園, a petting area is open on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays, where you can touch guinea pigs and other animals. If you’re traveling with children, you can include play areas, nature and animal encounters as different highlights in your plans.

Printmaking, literature and visitor information

The 町田市立国際版画美術館 specializes in printmaking and has a collection of more than 30,000 works. Art lovers will find a distinct attraction here alongside outdoor activities. 町田市民文学館ことばらんど opened on October 27, 2006. For the library’s anniversary year, exhibitions and events, book lending in cooperation with the library, and room rentals for creative activities are planned there. At the same time, a longer closure is planned from October 2026. Check current availability before visiting.

まちの案内所 町田ツーリストギャラリー is a tourist information center offering information about attractions, events, restaurants and regional products in Machida City. Machida-related products, including local specialties, are also sold there. Check the operating details before your trip if you plan to visit.

Choose a vacation rental to suit your travel plans

When searching for a vacation rental, start by deciding what you want your trip to focus on: seasonal scenery, play and outdoor activities, a walking route, animals, or art and literature. Then check which location suits the destinations you’ve chosen.

Discover more destinations: Toshima, Fuchū, Hamura, Meguro, Higashiyamato, Taitō, Kōtō, Suginami.

See the main travel guide: Tokyo.