You might come across wild chipmunks when you are walking around in a park or forest in Hokkaido. But they are too quick to get close to. In Okhotsk Chipmunk Park in Abashiri City, you can actually play with them!
Once you get to the park (it’s more like a small petting zoo than a park.), staff there will brief you on dos and don’ts in the caged area where 30-50 chipmunks are darting around. Then you will get gloves and a small packet of sunflower seeds by which you will attract the cute little ones to come around you!
They are so friendly that some daring ones jump onto your hands and laps. It is so cute (and funny) how they try to fill their cheeks with food. You can’t stop smiling here!
Aren’t they so adorable? This is a really fun place to visit for both adults and kids! Since the chipmunks are running around, please always keep in mind the instructions you get in the briefing not to accidentally step on them.
Okhotsk Chipmunk Park
Hours: 10am to 4pm, May to middle October
Admission Fee: 400 yen
Access: 15 min from Memambetsu Airport and Abashiri, 50 min from Kitami by car
