Things To Do
in Machida
Machida is a lively suburban city on the southwestern edge of Tokyo Prefecture that blends convenient urban shopping districts with easy access to green spaces. The city center around Machida Station features covered shopping arcades, department stores and a busy dining scene popular with commuters and families. Nearby parks, small museums and local shrines give visitors chances to relax and soak up everyday Japanese life away from central Tokyo’s tourist crowds. Machida is also a good base for day trips to Mt.
Takao and the wider Tama hills for hiking and nature outings.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Machida City Museum, where you can appreciate the rich history and cultural artifacts of the region. Afterward, take a stroll through the picturesque streets of the old town, admiring traditional wooden houses that reflect Machida's historical charm. Don't forget to stop by a local café for a delicious breakfast of regional specialties like 'tamago sando' (egg sandwich).
In the afternoon, make your way to the nearby Machida Squirrel Garden, where you can interact with adorable squirrels and enjoy the beautiful landscapes. Pack a picnic lunch to savor in the park's serene surroundings, surrounded by lush greenery. Afterward, explore the local shops for unique souvenirs and handmade crafts.
As the sun sets, dine at a local izakaya to experience authentic Japanese cuisine, sampling various small plates. Enjoy the lively atmosphere as locals gather for after-work drinks and delicious food. End your day with a leisurely walk along the Tama River, taking in the peaceful twilight views.
Kick off your day with an energizing breakfast at a local bakery, enjoying fresh pastries and matcha lattes. Then, head to the nearby Tanzawa-Oyama Quasi-National Park for a morning hike, where you'll be greeted by stunning views and a variety of nature trails. The invigorating fresh air and chirping birds will make this experience unforgettable.
Continue your hiking adventure in the afternoon by exploring the park's scenic routes, discovering hidden waterfalls and tranquil streams along the way. Pack a light lunch to enjoy at a scenic overlook, where you can take in the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. This peaceful setting is perfect for reflection and connecting with nature.
Return to Machida and unwind by enjoying a soothing onsen experience at a local hot spring. Afterward, indulge in dinner at a traditional kaiseki restaurant to experience an exquisite multi-course meal, showcasing seasonal ingredients and artistic presentation. Conclude your evening with a leisurely stroll through the illuminated streets of Machida, soaking in the vibrant night atmosphere.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-12 |
| 🍣Mid-range restaurant (two people, three courses) | $40-70 |
| ☕Coffee at a café | $3-5 |
| 🚆Local train fare (short trip) | $1.50-3 |
| 🏨Budget hotel per night | $50-100 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Convenient access to central Tokyo while offering quieter suburban and green spaces
- Vibrant local shopping arcades, affordable eateries and friendly neighborhood atmosphere
- Good base for day trips to Mt. Takao and other hiking areas
- Clean, safe and well-connected by public transport
- Fewer high-profile tourist attractions compared with central Tokyo
- Some smaller shops and eateries may be cash-only
- Limited nightlife variety for those seeking big-club scenes
- Language can be a barrier in smaller, family-run places if you don’t have basic Japanese phrases
- "こんにちは" - Hello / Good afternoon
- "ありがとうございます" - Thank you
- "すみません" - Excuse me / Sorry
- "トイレはどこですか？" - Where is the restroom?
- "英語を話せますか？" - Do you speak English?
- "〜をください" - Please give me ~ (useful for ordering)
Places to Visit in Machida
Visit one of these nice places.
Vibrant daytime and evening street scenes with neon signs, covered walkways, local shop fronts and people—great for candid urban photography.
Parks on the city’s outskirts and small riverside paths provide seasonal shots—cherry blossoms in spring, lush green in summer and colorful foliage in autumn.
Neighborhood shrines offer intimate architectural details, stone lanterns and quiet moments—ideal for cultural and portrait photography.
Basement food halls and market stalls are colorful and photogenic, with neatly arranged sweets, bento and seasonal displays.
Food in Machida
Machida Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Several well-regarded ramen shops near Machida Station serve Tokyo-style shoyu and richer tonkotsu broths; try a local favorite shop during lunch hours for authentic noodles.
Must-Try!
You can find affordable conveyor-belt sushi and small neighborhood sushi counters offering fresh fish and set lunches popular with locals.
Casual restaurants serve rice bowls topped with tempura, pork cutlet (tonkatsu), or grilled fish, typically as a lunchtime set (teishoku).
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Covered shopping arcades by Machida Station have street-food style stalls, cafés and access to department store basement food halls where you can sample sweets, bento, pickles and seasonal specialties.
Look for small weekend or seasonal markets near parks selling local produce, snacks and pastries—great for quick tastings and souvenirs.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Bowing is a common greeting; be polite, use quiet voices in public transport and avoid loud phone calls on trains.
Remove shoes when entering traditional homes, some temples and certain establishments—look for genkan entryways and follow signs.
Line up for trains, bus boarding and shops; public cleanliness is valued—carry your trash until you find a bin.
While not strictly forbidden, eating while walking is less common in Japan; try to eat near the shop or in a designated area.
Safety
Tipping in Machida
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in Japan and can cause confusion; excellent service is included in the price. For very high-end tourist services, a small gift or polite verbal thanks is appreciated instead of cash tips.
Cash (yen) is widely used—carry some for small shops and food stalls. IC transit cards such as Suica and Pasmo are convenient for trains, buses and many stores; credit cards are accepted at major shops and hotels but smaller eateries may be cash-only.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Cherry blossom season (late March–early April) brings crowds to parks and picturesque blooms—book accommodations early and enjoy hanami (flower viewing). Temperatures are mild; layers are recommended.
Hot, humid weather from June to August with an early-summer rainy season (tsuyu). Stay hydrated, plan indoor escapes during the hottest hours and expect lively summer festivals and evening markets.
Pleasant temperatures and clear skies with autumn foliage from mid-November in higher nearby hills. Great season for hiking and outdoor photography.
Cool to cold temperatures with occasional light snow; fewer tourists, clear crisp air and good conditions for city walks and hot ramen. Bring warm layers and windproof outerwear.
Machida at Night
Hiking in Machida
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A popular, accessible mountain with multiple trails, scenic viewpoints and a cable car—great for half-day hikes, autumn colors and nature escapes from the city.
A broader mountain area a bit further west offering longer trekking routes, rugged scenery and seasonal foliage—suitable for day trips or overnight hikes for experienced hikers.
Several smaller hills and riverside paths near Machida provide easy walks and casual hiking opportunities for families and photographers throughout the year.
Airports
How to reach Machida by plane.
Closest major airport by travel time (approx. 50–75 minutes depending on route and traffic). Well connected by trains, monorail and buses—convenient for domestic and short international flights.
Major international hub about 1.5–2 hours away by train or airport bus. Many international flights arrive here; direct airport bus services to the wider Tokyo area are available.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Many residents commute into central Tokyo for work, shaping morning and evening peak flows and supporting abundant convenience services.
Machida is family-oriented with schools, parks and community facilities—expect family-friendly restaurants and daytime activities.
As with many suburban Japanese cities, a significant portion of residents are older adults; community centers and healthcare services reflect this demographic.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Local professional team FC Machida Zelvia plays in Japan’s football league system and attracts devoted local fans—attending a match is a good way to experience community spirit.
Baseball is popular across Japan, and local schools and amateur leagues are active; catching a professional game in nearby Tokyo is easy by train.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Machida.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but can be limited in smaller shops—look for soba restaurants offering zaru soba (cold buckwheat noodles) or vegetable tempura; larger cafés and depachika often have salads and sweets. Communicate restrictions clearly with Japanese phrases or a translated note; many places understand simple requests.
Fully vegan restaurants are uncommon in Machida. Bringing a translation card explaining ‘no meat, no fish, no dashi (fish stock), no egg, no dairy’ helps; larger supermarkets and select cafés may carry vegan options.
Gluten-free dining is challenging because soy sauce (contains wheat) and wheat-based noodles are common. Seek out rice-based dishes, sashimi, grilled fish or speak to staff about ingredients; packaged gluten-free snacks appear in some supermarkets.