Two Goats Take Up Weed-Control Duty at Tokyo's Yotsuya Station

Imagine spotting a pair of horned groundskeepers before checking the train timetable. In central Tokyo, two goats grazing by a station have turned an ordinary commute into an unexpected little pastoral scene.

JR East is testing goat grazing to control weeds near Yotsuya Station in Tokyo. The animals are Nagi, a one-year-old male, and Pokke, a two-year-old female. Their work began on October 9 and has appeared in the railway’s official X post and photos shared by passersby.

Goats are not what most people expect to see beside a railway station. Japanese reports describe commuters stopping to watch and reacting to the animals’ calming presence. The trial also puts an unusual, lower-noise approach to managing weeds in the spotlight. The story reached a Korean discussion board on October 22.

Reactions ranged from surprise at goats appearing by a railway station to interest in seeing them and in quieter vegetation control. Korean discussions also picked up the contrast between a busy commute and two unhurried grazers. A short trial cannot establish whether goats are cheaper or more efficient than machines.

Using grazing goats for weed control may reduce machinery noise and the need to collect cut vegetation. Animal welfare, safe viewing distances, the season and the kinds of plants available still matter. JR East has asked visitors to observe the pair with care.

In an October 20 report citing JR East, FNN said the goats began on October 9 and are expected to remain until December, or until the grass is gone. This is a local trial, not a confirmed plan to place goats at stations across Tokyo.

The trial may end earlier if the vegetation is gone before December. Any expansion or assessment of results will need further confirmation from the operator.