Machida is a city within the greater Tokyo area, located in the west of this metropolis in the Tama hills. It is known for its parks, which makes it a lovely place to visit and live. Walking through this town is an experience in itself.
In the city, two areas are absolute highlights. The first one is the area around Machida station, where you will find many different eateries and parks. The best part is that this is a largely unexplored district of Tokyo. Few tourists come here so you can see and experience real Japanese life. The second highlight is Grandberry Park. Here you can shop at the 240 different stores. They also have a lot of entertainment areas and restaurants. The Snoopy Museum is located here. There is also a serene green space here that is especially appreciated by children.
The area that is now Machida got its present name in 1889 during the Meiji Restoration. It then absorbed the villages of Minami, Tsurukawa, Tadao and Sakai to form the town that it is now. After 1973, the district grew considerably in population.
To reach Machida from Tokyo Station will take about an hour. There are direct trains to the city from Shinjuku, they take 35 minutes. In the town, everything can be reached by train or bus with a short walk.
What To See
Squirrel by Sammy Wong on Unsplash
Machida Squirrel Garden
Machida is known for its squirrels, generally speaking, these animals can be quite difficult to feed and pet. In the Squirrel garden, however, it is a different situation, here you can easily cuddle them. You can also feed them and buy the food from the park. These animals are so tame they will even eat from your hand!! They live in small, cute houses and also roam freely throughout the park. Besides the squirrels, there are also giant tortoises, rabbits, chipmunks, prairie dogs and guinea pigs in the garden. If you love animals, this is THE place to go!
Admission costs 400 yen. The easiest way to get there is to take the bus from Machida station, which takes 15 minutes.
Google Maps link:https://maps.app.goo.gl/Q3E1UJctdnVdxG1XA
Tenmangu Shrine: Picture by Tim Brons
Machida Tenmangu Shrine
The Machida Tenmangu Shrine is beautiful and located in the middle of the city. It is a must-see with its beautiful statues, temple and torii gates. It is a quiet, pleasant place for all visitors. At the beginning of every month, there is an antique market, which attracts a lot of people making for a lively atmosphere. If you are ever in Machida at the beginning of the month you should visit the antique market!
The shrine is a ten-minute walk from Machida Train Station, making it easily accessible for travelers.
Google Maps link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/jMjfbTvGRVcLmVDU7
City Museum of Graphic Arts: Picture by Tim Brons
The Machida City Museum of Graphic Arts
The Machida City Museum of Graphic Arts is a museum that has a sole focus on printmaking, ensuring a sizable collection that currently stands at 30, 000 prints that come from all sorts of different continents and periods. Featuring a permanent exhibition, the museum will also often hold special exhibitions that can be found throughout the year. The permanent display is not that big, so if you like art you should go to the special ones. They also organize events such as various lectures for visitors to enjoy.
When you are there, it is also worth walking through Serigaya Park. The museum is located in this garden and there are also several works of modern art found within the park.
Viewing the permanent exhibition is free, special exhibitions may require an entrance fee.
Google Maps link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/z7FVrQvjQe1Phqu39
Snoopy Museum: Picture by Tim Brons
Snoopy Museum
Located in Grandberry Park, The Snoopy Museum is a must-do for any Snoopy fan! It is the first sub-establishment next to the original one in Santa Rosa US. You will find original drawings, vintage collectibles and all other things related to the famous dog. There is a permanent exhibition and a different special exhibition every six months. You really imagine yourself in the world of Snoopy and learn a lot about the cartoon figure and the peanut crew.
Next to the museum is also a Peanut-themed cafe where you can get something to drink and eat that still fits in with the vibe and atmosphere of the museum.
We recommend that you buy a ticket in advance as the museum is quite popular. One ticket costs 1,800 yen.
Tickets: https://snoopymuseum.tokyo/s/smt/media/list?ima=0000
Google Maps link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/AB6JCmc5RqmYzJHs5
Fun Village: Picture by Tim Brons
Fun Village
Fun Village is an entertainment venue for children. Here, NHK, which is a Japanese broadcaster known for producing various television programmes, characters take center stage, making it an ideal spot for kids. Children can play with the characters and also play in the onsite playground. It is simply a great place when you have young kids.
It costs 700 yen for children and 500 yen for adults.
Google Maps link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/jSMhmUqAYqeyvLGv8
Where To Eat
Kaiten sushi Daikokusan: Picture by Tim Brons
Machida Kaiten Sushi Daikokusan Restaurant
Machida Kaiten Sushi Daikokusan is a conveyor belt restaurant focusing on sushi. They are known for their value for your money. The food is very good and cheap, as in other places you can easily pay double for what you get here. They have a large selection of toppings for the sushi and mouthwatering side dishes. The place can get busy around dinner time, but don’t let this stop you because the food here is delicious!
Google Maps link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/SFpLitxeeTiHJyGe6
Umami Burger: Picture by Tim Brons
Umami Burger
Umami Burger is a restaurant chain with a branch in Machida. It started in Los Angeles and since then expanded over the US and Japan. The eatery is known for the high level of tasty umami in their food. They claim to have the most irresistible burger in history, and they make a pretty strong case for it. Hamburgers are the biggest part of the menu but they also have appetizers, side dishes, salads and desserts. Don’t forget the array of drinks either, these are very tasty and different from what you would expect from a place like this.
Google Maps link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/23WnjGf5spmJKY8PA
OOTOYA Odakyu: Picture by Tim Brons
OOTOYA Odakyu Machida Restaurant
OOTOYA Odakyu is a popular and cheap restaurant serving teishoku (meal sets) that are healthy, and authentic. It is conveniently located close to the station. There is a large menu that you can see via the tablet on the table. It is very tasty and 100% recommended, characteristically containing plenty of vegetables in most dishes. Don’t forget their fabulous desserts!
Google Maps link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/F1QNBtgBdNKY3cif7
Beer & Cafe: Picture by Tim Brons
Beer & Cafe
Beer & Cafe is a restaurant that features Western cuisine. A big plus of this eatery is that they have a terrace overlooking a tennis court where you can eat and drink in the sun. The different types of craft beer they have here are a MUST for any beer lover. They also have many other alcoholic drinks and the food is also a reason to go there, with succulent steaks and pizzas.
Google Maps link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/UtMuhcxYXrJ5nhnU7
You absolutely can’t miss going to Machida. The beautiful parks located throughout the city create a pleasant atmosphere and you can also find tons of incredible food there! Make sure to visit Machida on your next trip!
