If you’ve ever looked at a fox and thought, “Wow, I want to meet one,” then welcome to Kitakitsune Farm in Kitami, Hokkaido—where not only can you meet one, but one might also try to steal your shoelace. (Spoiler: mine did. More on that later.)
I had the chance to visit this adorable fox sanctuary twice: once in the late summer of September 2023, and again in the thick of winter in January 2025. I got to see the foxes both in their leaner and fluffier forms. Both ridiculously cute.
But before I get ahead of myself, let’s talk about what Kitakitsune Farm is, why it’s worth visiting, and what you can expect besides losing a shoelace.
What is Kitakitsune Farm?
Kitakitsune Farm (北きつね牧場) is this charming little fox sanctuary tucked away in Kitami City, Hokkaido. And when I say “charming,” I mean the kind of place that feels like it was pulled out of a slightly quirky nature documentary and lovingly dropped into a pine-covered corner of northern Japan.
It opened back in 1983, not as a zoo, and definitely not as a theme park, but as a place where people could get up close (but not too close) to Hokkaido’s iconic red foxes—specifically the local Ezo subspecies known as kitakitsune. These foxes have been part of Hokkaido’s folklore, pop culture, and local identity for decades. There’s even a vintage film called Kitakitsune Monogatari (The North Fox Story) that made them minor celebrities in the ‘70s.
But this isn’t just about cuteness. The farm was created with a few key ideas in mind:
- Let the foxes be foxes: That means no cages, no forced petting, no feeding frenzies. The animals here roam freely in a large, semi-natural enclosure and mostly do their own thing—unless they’re trying to steal your belongings, of course.
- Let people observe, not interfere: It’s all about quiet appreciation. You’re a guest in their world. Watch them nap, play, wrestle, dig, but don’t expect a fox to jump into your lap.
- Share a bit of the magic: There’s a small shrine on the grounds because in Japan, foxes aren’t just cute—they’re also sacred messengers of Inari, the rice god. So when you see a real fox curled up next to a miniature torii gate, it somehow feels… right.
At its heart, Kitakitsune Farm exists to give people a window into the lives of these animals—without turning them into entertainment props. And honestly? It works. You walk away with this warm fuzzy feeling, like you just had a moment with something wild and beautiful (and maybe a little mischievous).
Plus, it doesn’t hurt that the ticket is super affordable. It’s not some overpriced tourist trap—it’s a humble, down-to-earth place trying to keep foxes fed, staff employed, and visitors smiling.
What You’ll See at Kitakitsune Farm
The Waving Fox Statue
The first thing you’ll see when you arrive is a statue of a fox with one paw raised, as if it’s saying “Welcome, human.” It’s a little kitschy, a little charming, and 100% begging to be in your photo album. I mean, with a foxy smile, who could resist?
The Ticket Booth
From there, you step inside the small entrance building where the ticket booth is. This is where you’ll pay your very affordable ¥500 entrance fee and get a quick rundown from the staff. Even if you don’t speak much Japanese, you’ll get the gist: don’t crouch, don’t touch, and don’t let anything flutter—seriously, foxes love to snatch dangling things. I learned this the hard way.
Once you’re through, there’s a short walkway leading you toward the enclosure. It’s kind of a transitional zone, a little anticipation in the air, and then another gate comes into view up, and suddenly you’re in fox territory.
The Fox Shrine
Immediately to the right as you enter the main enclosure, you’ll see a tiny shrine—called a hokora. Foxes in Japan are traditionally considered messengers of the god Inari, so the shrine makes perfect cultural sense. It seems like there was a path from this shrine to the forest in the back once, but it’s been boarded up. Perhaps to keep the foxes safe. In any case, this mini version has become a hangout spot for the local foxes. The two times I’ve visited, there’s always been a fox hanging around here.
The Special Care Enclosure (and Tanuki Roommates)
Keep walking and you’ll come across a separate closed area with see-through walls. This is where they care for foxes who need extra attention, along with a few tanuki (Ezo raccoon dogs). They’re shy little puffballs who usually keep to themselves, but if you’re lucky, one might waddle into view and steal your heart.
The Loop Trail Through Fox Territory
The rest of the path loops around the farm and stretches out farther than you might expect. You’re free to roam and observe at your own pace. It’s not a huge walk, but it’s enough to feel like you’re immersed in their world. You’ll see foxes trotting across the trail, others lazing under trees, and some just sitting in the middle of the path like tiny woodland bouncers.
And of course, depending on the season, the vibe totally changes. In summer, the foxes are leaner and more active, often out and about with their thinner coats. In winter? Oh man. They look like living pom-poms. Big round cheeks, thick fluffy tails, and snow dusting their fur like powdered sugar.
If you’re the kind of person who enjoys quiet moments, nature, and watching animals just… exist, this place is healing. Genuinely. Both times I visited, it was peaceful. No tour buses. No shouting. Just the sound of snow crunching or leaves rustling, and a fox (or twenty) doing fox things.
Unless one is chewing on your shoelace. Then it’s slightly less peaceful. But still very memorable.
Are the Foxes Well Cared For?
I wondered about this myself before visiting. After all, anytime animals are involved, it’s fair to ask how they’re being treated. But from what I’ve seen, the answer is yes.
- The foxes roam freely in a large open-air area. No small cages or weird concrete pens.
- They’re not forced to interact with people. Most just do their own thing. If they come near you, it’s out of curiosity.
- The animals are fed on a schedule (not by visitors).
- They are affectionate towards staff, which indicates trust.
- There are clear rules for visitor behavior to prevent stress or danger to both foxes and humans.
Also, if you visit in both seasons like I did, you’ll likely recognize individual foxes. One in particular—an unusual brown “juujitsu kitsune” with a white cross on its chest—was there both times I visited, happily frolicking and looking healthy.
So while it’s not a “wild sanctuary,” it doesn’t feel like a gimmick either. Just a quiet, well-managed place that treats its foxes with respect.
Rules to Know Before You Go
When you get your ticket (only ¥500 for adults), the staff will give you a short briefing. Most of it is common sense, but here’s the gist:
- Don’t squat or kneel—foxes may see you as a threat or a toy.
- Don’t touch the foxes. Even if one looks like it wants a belly rub. It doesn’t.
- No dangling items: scarves, keychains, straps, loose shoelaces (ahem) will be snatched.
- Stay on the paths, don’t wander into the foxes’ areas.
- No feeding, even if you think they’re giving you puppy eyes.
- Notify the staff immediately in the event a fox steals your belongings. There’s no guarantee they can retrieve it, but it’s worth drawing attention to.
So… a Fox Stole My Shoelace
Remember when I said let foxes be foxes? Well, they can be naughty at times.
During my winter visit, I was calmly walking the loop path inside the enclosure, admiring a particularly majestic fox when another one—let’s call him “Shoelace Bandit”—snuck up on me. I was internally squealing, thinking, “Oh my god, he’s coming to say hi!” But nope. He had eyes only for my shoe.
Turns out my shoelace had come a little undone. Without warning, Shoelace Bandit grabbed it with his mouth and started tugging like he was in a game of fox-tug-o-war. I froze. I didn’t want to yank my foot away because that felt rude. So I just said aloud, “I’d like to walk away now,” like I was narrating a nature documentary about myself.
Eventually, he won. My shoelace gave way, and off he went with his new prize. I’m glad to report that neither of us was harmed. And yes, the whole thing was caught on video. Lesson? Secure all dangling accessories. They mean it when they say “no fluttery things.”
Toilets, Souvenirs, and Other Essentials
Here are a few more things to consider during your visit
- Toilets: Technically there are some on site, but unless you’re feeling adventurous enough for a squat toilet, I suggest using the ones at the nearby michi-no-eki (roadside station).
- Gift Shop: Located at the entrance. Great for fox-themed goodies—plushies, postcards, snacks. I may or may not have bought a fox plush for emotional support after the shoelace incident.
- Nearby Attractions: The Northern Daichi Aquarium and the world’s largest cuckoo clock are just a walking distance away. You can also take a dip at Onneyu Onsen.
When’s the Best Time to Visit?
Depends on your vibe.
- Summer: Foxes are slimmer and a bit more active. Japan’s summer is hot and humid but you get to see foxes against lush greenery.
- Winter: Peak fluff season. Snowy foxes are adorable, and the scenery looks straight out of a snow globe.
- Late spring: Baby fox season! (I haven’t been in spring yet, but that’s now on my bucket list.)
Plan to spend about 30 minutes to 1.5 hours here. I stayed for nearly two hours on my second visit because it was just so peaceful (and I wanted to make sure my second shoelace survived).
Getting There
Kitakitsune Farm is located in the Onneyu area of Kitami City, Hokkaido. It’s not exactly around the corner, but it’s doable with a little planning.
- By Car: Easiest way. Around 40 minutes from Kitami City center. Plenty of free parking.
- By Train and Bus: Take the JR Sekihoku Line to Rubeshibe Station. Then transfer to a bus heading to Onneyu Onsen.
- By Bus from Asahikawa: There’s a highway bus (Sekihoku-go) that goes directly to Onneyu Onsen. Super convenient.
FAQ
A Little Foxy Magic in Hokkaido
Kitakitsune Farm isn’t flashy or commercial. It’s a little old-school, a little off the beaten path, but it’s exactly the kind of place I love introducing to people—quiet, quirky, and full of charm. It’s not a huge attraction, but it leaves a big impression.
If you’re heading to Hokkaido and want to see a softer, more peaceful side of animal tourism—no crowds, no gimmicks, just fluffy foxes being foxes—this place is a gem.
Just… double-knot your shoelaces. Seriously.
