On the day we had tickets to the Ghibli Museum in Kichijōji, we found ourselves with a few hours to spare before our 2 p.m. afternoon session. After picking up delicious Totoro cream puffs from Shirohige’s Cream Puff Factory, we wandered into the nearby Inokashira Park. Here, we stumbled upon a delightful surprise—Inokashira Park Zoo, tucked away in the greenery. As I browsed the zoo map, one exhibit immediately caught my eye: the free-roaming Squirrel Trail. From that moment, I knew exactly where I wanted to go.
Inokashira Park Zoo
Despite the entrance fee being only a couple of yen, Inokashira Park Zoo was surprisingly big. Located a short stroll from Kichijōji Station through the scenic park, the zoo offers a peaceful escape. We started our visit at Nanai Gate, opposite the paddle boat rental office, which leads to the Aquatic Life Park. This area featured plenty of water birds and the Aquatic Life House, home to various marine and amphibious creatures.
What we didn’t realise at first was that the zoo is actually divided into two sections—the Aquatic Life Park and the main zoo—connected by a short path and pedestrian bridge. The main entrance, located along Kichijōji Street, houses the Squirrel Trail and many of the other animals. This side of the zoo offers a more traditional zoo experience, with a variety of species and interactive exhibits to explore.
Entering the Squirrel Trail
The Squirrel Trail is basically a squirrel-sized paradise with one way in and one way out—likely designed to keep things safe and organised for these ridiculously adorable little critters. It is a 650m² walk-in enclosure home to over 50 Japanese squirrels. The path winds through a cosy forest setup, complete with squirrel feeders that seem to be their favourite hangout spots.
Everywhere you look, cute squirrels are living their best lives: darting up trees, pulling off acrobatic stunts, or munching away like it’s the most important meal of their day. Some seem to have perfected the art of balancing on narrow branches, while others are happily stuffing their cheeks with whatever they can find.
It felt like I’d stumbled into an exclusive squirrel party, and I loved every minute of it.
What to expect at the Squirrel Trail
The Squirrel Trail is a wonderful way to immerse yourself in nature in the most charming way possible. As you wander along the path, you’ll find yourself face-to-face with these adorable, curious squirrels—there’s no glass or barriers between you and their world.
It’s a highly enjoyable front-row experience of witnessing the squirrels living their best squirrel lives. Along the way, you’ll find signs that share insights into the habits of Japanese squirrels, adding an educational touch to the fun. It’s the perfect spot to slow down, enjoy the moment, and soak in the joy of nature.
I ended up spending around 15-20 minutes on the Squirrel Trail, which was about 25% of my entire zoo visit.
Final thoughts
I really enjoyed Inokashira Park and Kichijōji itself. If you’re ever in the area, don’t miss the chance to wander through Inokashira Park Zoo and explore the Squirrel Trail. It’s a delightful, feel-good experience that’s sure to brighten your day—and it definitely gave me a much-needed dose of cuteness. Watching the squirrels zip around with their endless energy and quirky antics is not only entertaining but also fascinating. It’s the perfect little escape that will leave you with good vibes.
