(Parking / Lunch / Footwear / Dog-Friendly Tips)
Reading time: About 12 minutes
Who This Article Is For
- First-time visitors to Yakushiike Park (Shikisai no Mori)
- People who don’t want to think, “This wasn’t what I expected…” after arriving
- Dog owners who want to know where dogs are allowed (and where they aren’t)
- Anyone worried about crowds during weekends or the year-end holidays
- Families with strollers or elderly members concerned about slopes and steps
Conclusion (For Those in a Hurry)
If you know a few key points in advance, Yakushiike Park can be a calm and pleasant walk—even on a Sunday at the end of the year.
This isn’t theory.
I actually went, walked it, and learned it the hard way.
When I Went & How Crowded It Felt
I visited on Sunday, December 28.
Honestly, I expected crowds—it was year-end, after all.
But my impression was simple:
“It’s… surprisingly quiet.”
- No bumping into people
- Benches were available
- Plenty of breathing room
Why so empty?
- Many people had already left town for the holidays
- Others were busy with New Year preparations
- This park feels more like a local park than a tourist hotspot
Lesson learned:
“A year-end Sunday doesn’t automatically mean crowds.”
Parking: Get This Wrong and You’ll Regret It
Yakushiike Park has multiple parking areas, and choosing the wrong one means unnecessary walking uphill.
Which Parking Lot to Use
- Pond, Taikobashi Bridge, traditional houses
→ North Parking Lot - Cafes, lawns, farm shop, newer facilities
→ West Garden Parking (Welcome Gate)
The West Garden area is modern and stylish.
As a middle-aged guy who secretly loves new things… yeah, I really wanted to park there.
My Mistake (Learn from This)
The West Garden entrance is easy to miss.
I followed my car navigation, drove past it, passed the squirrel park,
and before I knew it—I was already at the North Parking Lot.
I almost gave up and thought,
“Eh, whatever… this is fine.”
But nope. I made a stubborn U-turn. 😅
Important tip:
Don’t rely only on your navigation system. Watch the road signs carefully.
U-turn spots are limited around here.
North Parking Lot Cautions
- No right turn entry from the Machida Station side
- Easy to overshoot if following navigation blindly
- Some areas make U-turns difficult
Parking Fee
- First hour free (at the time of writing)
Perfect for short walks or scouting visits.
Footwear & Elevation: More Tiring Than It Looks
On the map, the park looks compact.
In reality, there’s a noticeable height difference.
- West Garden: higher ground
- Yakushiike pond area: lower ground
Going down is easy.
Coming back up? You’ll feel it in your legs.
(I did. Let’s keep that between us.)
Slopes vs. Stairs
- Slopes avoid steps
- But they add about 300 meters
If you’re with a stroller or have knee concerns, plan ahead.
Overall impression:
The park is thoughtfully designed with accessibility in mind.
Wooden Boardwalk Warning
The boardwalk near the iris fields looks great, but:
- Gaps between boards
- Slippery after rain
Avoid slippery shoes.
(And dogs may get very excited—ours certainly did.)
Lunch & Snacks: Don’t Assume You’ll Find Food
Teriyaki Chicken Sandwich
- ¥580 (tax included)
- Uses Machida’s famous “Japan’s Best Soy Sauce”
- Sold near the farm shop
- Weekends & holidays only / limited quantity
Outdoor tables give it a café-terrace vibe.
Taste? Good.
Volume? Moderate.
Other Food Options
West Garden also has:
- Tororo rice bowls (food-stall style)
- Pork-based lunch boxes
- Stylish indoor cafés
You won’t starve—but don’t expect a heavy meal everywhere.
Key takeaway:
Don’t assume food will always be available when you arrive.
Yakushi Dango
- Sold near the pond
- Often sold out by late afternoon
Plan accordingly.
Visiting with Dogs (Based on Real Experience)
Dogs are welcome—and our Shiba Inu, Momiji, had no trouble.
But remember:
- Some lawns allow dogs, others don’t (signs are posted)
- Buildings are generally off-limits
- Cafes allow dogs only on terrace seating
Knowing the rules beforehand avoids awkward moments.
Machida Squirrel Garden (Skipped This Time)
Right next door is Machida Squirrel Garden.
We skipped it since this trip was about a quiet walk with our dog.
But if you like animals:
- Close interaction with squirrels
- Feeding experiences
Great for animal lovers.
Not essential if your goal is a peaceful stroll.
Yakushi Hall Event (Just the Facts)
Every year on January 12 around 11 a.m.,
the First Yakushi Goma Fire Ritual is held.
- Write wishes on wooden prayer sticks
- Burned in sacred fire
- Blessings from Yakushi Nyorai
Note:
It’s January 12—not the 8th, as many people assume.
I didn’t see it this time, but honestly…
I kind of want to go next year.
I’m that kind of guy.
(Event times may change—check in advance.)
Restrooms (Very Important in Winter)
There are several restrooms in the park.
The West Garden restroom is the best.
- Clean
- Heated toilet seats
- A lifesaver in winter
This matters more than you think.
Final Thoughts
Yakushiike Park isn’t flashy.
But if you know:
- Where to park
- What to expect for food
- How much walking and elevation there is
- Dog rules
Then even a year-end Sunday can be calm and enjoyable.
Don’t think after you arrive.
Read first, then go.
If this article makes someone’s day a little easier,
that’s more than enough for me.
See you next time.
If you enjoy quiet walks, gentle slopes, and places that feel calm rather than crowded,
you might also like these related articles.Related Articles
コメント