Want a day in the city without all the crowds? Then Machida is your stop!

Twenty-seven stops from Shinjuku might make Machida sound like a distant journey, but what it lacks in proximity, it more than makes up for in amenities and atmosphere that central Tokyo can’t offer. It’s a perfect day trip spot — so why not head there over the weekend and discover the charm of outer Tokyo?

• The History Of Machida
• What To Do in Machida
• Where To Shop in Machida
• Where To Eat in Machida
• Getting There

The History Of Machida

[

](https://cdn.savvytokyo.com/app/uploads/2019/04/pixta_63014253_M.jpg)The basis for Pallet Town in the original Pokémon Red and Blue

Fans of Japanese history will know that present-day Machida was part of the ancient province of Musashi, which included most of Saitama, Kawasaki and Yokohama as well, and its capital later became Edo, which even later became the Tokyo we all know and love today. Fans of the original Pokémon series, however, might recognize it as being the basis for Pallet Town in the original Pokémon Red and Blue.

Historically, the area was largely a farming and fishing region until the Meiji period. It has since become a bedroom town for the greater Tokyo and Yokohama areas. Around the station, it’s a lively, bustling hotspot, but even walking a kilometer away will put you back into suburban or even rural spaces. This duality makes this neighborhood a great place to spend the day. You can surround yourself with nature in the morning, shop ‘til you drop in the afternoon, then enjoy some of the latest gourmet spots at night.

What To Do in Machida

With hundreds of interesting places to see and go to, the more accurate question should be what can’t you do?

Machida Squirrel Garden

[

](https://cdn.savvytokyo.com/app/uploads/2019/04/pixta_7727620_M.jpg)The squirrel garden remains a little-known spot for both travelers and residents

While squirrels are a common sight overseas, they’re an adorable zoo attraction in Japan, and one that families with kids will love. Opened in 1988, the squirrel garden remains a little-known spot for both non-Japanese travelers and residents.

You’ll find yourself surrounded by the 200 Pallas squirrels that call the garden home. These squirrels are friendly and adorable to watch as they jump, romp, and show off their skills all around among the trees. It isn’t just home to squirrels, though — there are also chipmunks, rabbits, prairie dogs, guinea pigs and even two tortoises that freely stroll the grounds.

• Address: 1-733-1 Yakushidai, Machida, Tokyo (Map)

• Ticket Price: Adults (Junior High and older) ¥500, Children (ages 3 and up) ¥300

• Opening Hours: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., closed Tuesdays

• Website: Official link

Machida Yakushi Ike Park

[

](https://cdn.savvytokyo.com/app/uploads/2019/04/pixta_123738700_M.jpg)An ideal place to picnic, take a stroll or just relax

The Machida Squirrel Garden is technically a part of the Yakushi Ike Park complex, which is an ideal place to picnic, take a stroll or just relax. This park is centered around a 7700-square-meter pond, home to koi fish and turtles, as well as plenty of wild birds. There are historic Edo-period homes, a stunning Japanese bridge and teahouses that sell traditional Japanese sweets and drinks within the grounds.

From spring to summer, this historic park is full of flowers — cherry blossoms in spring, a peony garden from April to May, irises from May to June, lotus from July to August, and dahlia from July to November. It’s also quite charming in winter, especially if there’s been some snow.

• Address: 3270 Nozutamachi, Machida, Tokyo (Map)

• Ticket Price: Free (to the park itself; may be fees for entry to gardens)

• Opening Hours: Welcome gate: 5 a.m. – 10 p.m., gardens & shops are open seasonally

• Website: Official link

Buaiso Historical Home

[

](https://cdn.savvytokyo.com/app/uploads/2019/04/pixta_107614461_M.jpg)One of the few thatched-roofed wooden houses in Tokyo

If you are interested in Japanese history, antiques, and home-cooking, then a visit to Buaiso is in order. Buaiso is the name of the former home of Jiro Shirasu, a Cambridge-educated scholar and aide to Japan’s post-war Prime Minister, Shigeru Yoshida. Jiro Shirasu’s wife Masako was a famed art historian and essayist, and with their combined talents, they made their home into a treasure-trove of traditional Japanese arts and crafts as well as modern Western conveniences.

Buaiso is also one of the few thatched-roofed wooden houses in Tokyo, and has lovely gardens, plus a cafe where you can enjoy Masako’s own recipes that have been handed down through her personal notes and collections.

Please note that children under elementary school age are not permitted in the museum, nor are infants in strollers. Infants in carriers (on the body) are permitted to enter.

• Address: 7-3-2 Nogaya, Machida, Tokyo (Map)

• Closest Station: Tsurukawa

• Ticket Price: Adults ¥1,500, Under 18 ¥800, Junior High and younger free

• Opening Hours: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. (last admission 4:30 p.m.), closed Mondays

• Website: Official link

The Machida City Museum of Graphic Arts

[

](https://cdn.savvytokyo.com/app/uploads/2019/04/pixta_53651108_M.jpg)They also offer workshops and classes, too

The Machida City Museum of Graphic Arts is one of the few museums solely dedicated to prints in the world. Here, visitors can learn about the process, tools and steps to its production from a Japanese perspective. They also offer workshops and classes, sometimes in English.

• Address: 4-28-1 Haramachida, Machida, Tokyo (Map)

• Ticket Price: Free (permanent exhibit and for Junior High School students and under), prices for special exhibits vary.

• Opening Hours: Tues-Fri 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. (last admission 4:30 p.m.), Sat-Sun and holidays 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. (last admission 5 p.m. )

• Website: Official link

Where To Shop in Machida

[

](https://cdn.savvytokyo.com/app/uploads/2019/04/pixta_4568133_M.jpg)Shop for hours without the crowds

Shopaholics and curious window shoppers alike will love this neighborhood. There’s a little bit of everything there to enjoy. There are plenty of shopping malls with popular Japanese and international brands, plus the latest cafes, too, and all within a three-minute walk of the station.

Machida Lumine

Well-known for its cosmetics shops, Machida Lumine is easily accessible from the JR Lines.

• Address: 6-1-11 Haramachida, Machida, Tokyo (Map)

• Opening Hours: Shops 10:30 a.m. – 8:30 p.m., Restaurants 11 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. (shop hours may vary)

• Website: Official link

Machida Tokyu Twins

The Tokyu Twins are two shopping centers labeled East and West, and are located across from Machida Station. They are both accessible via the second-floor plaza from the station.

• Address: 6-4-1 Haramachida, Machida, Tokyo (Map)

• Opening Hours: Shops 10:30 a.m. – 8:30 p.m., Restaurants 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. (shop hours may vary)

• Website: Official link

Marui Machida

Located across from Lumine, Marui Machida is also directly accessible from Machida Station.

• Address: 6-1-6, Haramachida, Machida, Tokyo (Map)

• Opening Hours: 10:30 a.m. – 8 p.m. (shop hours may vary)

• Website: Official link

Machida Modi

Catering to a younger crowd, Machida Modi is closer to the Odakyu Machida Station, but still directly accessible via the second-floor walkways.

• Address: 6-2-6, Haramachida, Machida, Tokyo (Map)

• Opening Hours: 10:30 a.m. – 8 p.m. (shop hours may vary)

• Website: Official link

Jorna Machida

A must-visit place for younger shoppers, those interested in the latest in fashion and pop culture, Jorna Machida is located a short distance from the station, but again is accessible from the same second floor walkways as the other malls listed above.

• Address: 6-6-14 Haramachida, Machida, Tokyo (Map)

• Opening Hours: 10:30 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. (shop hours may vary)

• Website: Official link

Where To Eat in Machida

Machida is a food lover’s paradise. There’s not much you can’t find here, and it’s often said that even if you ate out three meals a day for a year, you still might not try everything they have to offer.

Machida Nakamise Shopping Street

[

](https://cdn.savvytokyo.com/app/uploads/2019/04/pixta_75500125_M.jpg)A must for foodies

If you prefer a more classic Japanese approach to shopping and dining, the Nakamise Shopping Street is home to some truly unique little shops, bars, and eateries. Actually, this shopping arcade is a definite must for foodies — the culinary delights you’ll find here sometimes have people lined up down the block. These shops are quite small, so get there early if you want a seat.

• Address: 4-5-13 Haramachida, Machida, Tokyo (Map)

• Opening Hours: Vary by shop

• Website: Official link

Getting There

[

](https://cdn.savvytokyo.com/app/uploads/2019/04/pixta_26811598_M.jpg)Just a train ride away

Machida is easily accessible from Shinjuku via the Odakyu Odawara Line, as well as the Odakyu/Chiyoda Tama, Tokyu Den-en-toshi, JR Yokohama and Keio Sagamihara Line.

It can also be reached via the Tokyu Denentoshi Line from Shibuya and via the Keio Sagamihara Line from Tama Sakai.