You can see cute animals up close! 5 Spots for Interacting with Animals in Hokkaido

1. Kitakitsune Farm

The first on the list is a spot where you will be able to encounter adorable "kitakitsune" (northern fox). With many of them dwelling in the Hokkaido region, the northern fox is characterized by its big hind legs and ears, and bright orange-brown fur that has a small amount of white fur mixed in. Kitakitsune Farm is a place where about 60 northern foxes run loose inside a vast field that measures 60,000sq.m. If you come here, you will be able to witness many sights up close, such as foxes being groomed, napping, and fox cubs frolicking about.
The shop annexed to this farm sells various original items, including northern fox stuffed toys and key holders.

Admission fee: 500 JPY for adults, 500 JPY for high school students, 400 JPY for middle school students and 300 JPY for elementary school students (all prices include tax)

※Photo is for illustration purposes

2. Showashinzan Kumabokujo

Next on the list is a spot where you can get a close look at "higuma" (brown bears) that dwell in Hokkaido. The area in Showashinzan Kumabokujo is divided into age groups, where you can see bears lying down or messing around with each other. You might also see cute bear cubs, depending on the season! (Bear cubs usually appear in early May)
Here, you can experience giving bears cookies (100 JPY (incl. tax)) and other food. Apparently there are bears that will stand up and come to you if they see you holding food. Now if you’re one of those who want a closer look, then go to the special observation room and get inside the designated cage so you will get to approach the bears! You can hear the breathing and voices of bears from a small vent hole. It ought to be a thrilling experience!

Admission fee: 850 JPY for middle school students and older guests, and 500 JPY for children (6 years old and above) (all prices include tax)

※Photo is for illustration purposes

3. Horonobe Reindeer Ranch

The next spot on the list is a place where you can meet adorable “tonakai” (reindeer). The reindeer is an animal from the deer family that populates the northernmost part of Earth. They are raised as domestic animals in Finland, but in Japan, they have a strong magical image as animals pulling the sled of Santa Claus. Horonobe Reindeer Ranch has about 65 reindeer in its property. Here, you can enjoy giving food to the animals and riding a sleigh (in winter only)! You\'ll also be happy to know that entrance to this farm is free.

A bag of food: 200 JPY (incl. tax)
Reindeer sled (winter only): 500 JPY (incl. tax) for adults, 200 JPY (incl. tax) for elementary school children, and free for kids younger than elementary school children

※Photo is for illustration purposes

4. Viva Alpaca Farm

Next on the list is a tourist spot that was built by using an empty skiing lot, where you will get to encounter alpacas. With their adorable looks, alpacas have become popular animals in Japan in recent years. At the Viva Alpaca Farm, nine alpacas of different types are put out to pasture and you will be able to see the cute sight of all of them up close. The souvenir corner here offers a lot of goods, including scarves and gloves from the virgin wool of alpacas, and stuffed alpaca dolls. You can also enjoy your tour by engaging in various activities such as mountain biking.

Admission fee: 550 JPY (incl. tax) for adults (high school students and older guests), 250 JPY (incl. tax) for children (elementary school and middle school students), and free for infants

※Photo is for illustration purposes

5. North Safari Sapporo

The last spot on this list is an interactive zoo where you can encounter various animals. Aside from lions, Japanese macaque monkeys, meerkats, and other mammals, this zoo also houses snakes, alligators, iguanas and other reptiles. Here, you can avail of the feeding experience (100 JPY (incl. tax) and petting experience, as well as winter activities (for an extra fee) such as riding on a snowmobile that you expect to find in Hokkaido during winter.

Business hours: January 7th – March 20th every year
Admission fee: 1,100 JPY (incl. tax) for adults (middle school students and older guests), 400 JPY (incl. tax) for children (elementary school students and younger guests), and free for children aged three years old and below

※Photo is for illustration purposes

Doesn’t the sight of adorable animals put you at ease? So, go to the spots introduced in this list and create more wonderful memories in Hokkaido!