When you hear “Kitami” in Hokkaido, what comes to mind? Many people probably think of the “Kitami Mint Oil” that can be found everywhere! In fact, besides mint oil, Kitami is also very famous for its onions, red silo cheesecake, Kitami yakiniku, and curling! This article compiles the “2025 Hokkaido Kitami: 10 Must-Visit Spots + Must-Buys” to take you on a tour of Kitami’s attractions and discover a different side of Kitami!
JR Kitami Station
Image source: Ting Chiang
Image source: Ting Chiang
JR Kitami Station is one of the filming locations for the Japanese drama “First Love.” After its broadcast, it became a pilgrimage site for many fans, with scenes from the drama found at the ticket gates and inside the train cars. If you’re a fan, definitely don’t miss this Kitami attraction!
JR Kitami Station
Address: 1-chome, Odori Nishi, Kitami, Hokkaido
Kitami Shrine
Image source: Ting Chiang
Kitami Shrine was built in Meiji 30 (1897) and enshrines Amaterasu Omikami, Toyouke Hime no Kami, and Sumiyoshi Okami. Originally named Gokoku Shrine, it was renamed Kitami Shrine in Showa 17 (1942). The shrine is not large but features many historical stone monuments, allowing visitors to explore and learn about local history. The spring annual festival is held every June, and the autumn grand festival in September, both of which are very important local events.
Image source: Ting Chiang
Kitami Shrine’s “shaped omikuji” (fortune slips) are inspired by Kitami’s specialty – onions. Kitami is Japan’s largest onion producer; due to low rainfall and large day-night temperature differences, the onions grown here are sweet and store well. These “Fukuota Yobimikuji” onion-shaped fortune slips are placed in a wooden box, and you can use a small shovel to dig out your favorite onion – it’s incredibly cute!
Kitami Shrine
Address: 6-11 Kita 2-jo Higashi, Kitami, Hokkaido
Hours: Free worship
Kitami Mint Memorial Museum
Image source: Ting Chiang
Many travelers to Hokkaido have surely seen mint-related products with green packaging. These are Kitami’s famous specialties from Hokkaido, where about 70% of Japan’s mint oil is produced. Here, there’s also a museum, the “Kitami Mint Memorial Museum,” dedicated to showcasing its production process and tools.
Image source: Ting Chiang
Image source: Ting Chiang
The pastel green Western-style wooden building was originally the office for Kitami mint oil, but it has now been converted into a historical museum, open for free admission. Inside, you’ll find machinery and tools used for mint production, as well as many historical documents. If you’re interested, you can also try mint oil distillate and mint oil with the help of a guide – it’s very interesting!
Kitami Mint Memorial Museum
Address: 1-7-28 Minamichu-machi, Kitami, Hokkaido
Hours: (May-Oct) 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, (Nov-Apr) 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Nikoro Mint Goten
Image source: 旧五十嵐家住宅（ハッカ御殿）
Another mint-related attraction, “Nikoro Mint Goten” (Hakka Goten), is located within Nikoro Mint Park in the city. This was the private residence of Igarashi Yaichi, a wealthy merchant who profited from Kitami mint. Built in Showa 12 (1937) by carpenter Kingoro Yamanaka over three years, it is now one of the park’s buildings and is open to the public for free.
Nikoro Mint Goten
Address: 301 Nikorocho, Kitami, Hokkaido
Hours: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Kitami Pierson Memorial Museum
Image source: ピアソン記念館
Kitami boasts several Western-style wooden buildings, and among them, the “Pierson Memorial Museum” stands out. This was the private residence built in 1914 by American missionaries, the Pierson couple, serving as their base for missionary work. The two-story building not only showcases their living spaces and lifestyle at the time but also highlights their contributions to missionary work and social welfare. It is currently open to the public for free.
Kitami Pierson Memorial Museum
Address: 7-4-28 Saiwai-cho, Kitami, Hokkaido
Hours: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Kitakitsune Farm
Image source: 北きつね牧場【公式】
If you want to see foxes, besides Zao Fox Village, you can also visit “Kitakitsune Farm” (Northern Fox Farm) in Kitami, Hokkaido. Located about a 30-minute drive from Kitami city center, it’s a ranch dedicated to raising Hokkaido red foxes. Kitakitsune Farm is home to about 50 foxes and 5 tanuki (raccoon dogs), allowing visitors to observe and learn about foxes up close. However, be cautious as foxes are wild animals; feeding and touching are prohibited throughout the park. If you’re with children, be sure to keep a close eye on them!
Kitakitsune Farm
Address: 52-1 Hanaoka, Rubeshibe-cho, Kitami, Hokkaido
Hours: (May-Oct) 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, (Nov-end of Apr) 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Official Website: 北きつね牧場
Kita-no-Daichi Aquarium
Image source: 北の大地の水族館
Nearby, there’s another family-friendly Kitami attraction, “Kita-no-Daichi Aquarium” (Northern Land Aquarium), opened in Showa 53 (1978). It’s about 45 minutes from Kitami city center, so it’s recommended to combine it with Kitakitsune Farm for a Kitami day trip to avoid repeated travel.
Image source: onneyuaqua_official
What makes Kita-no-Daichi Aquarium unique is its location at the foot of a mountain, primarily exhibiting freshwater fish. Visitors can also view fish inside the tanks from beneath a deep waterfall pool, and in winter, you can even see frozen tanks – it’s very interesting!
Okhotsk Beer Factory
Image source: Ting Chiang
Next up is the food! The “Okhotsk Beer Factory” is Japan’s first craft beer brewery, offering a variety of locally produced beers and many dishes that pair perfectly with them. You can enjoy beer on-site or take it to go; each type has its own unique flavor, so pick your favorite!
Image source: Ting Chiang
When you come here, you absolutely must try the “Okhotsk Kitami Salt Yakisoba.” It’s loaded with Hokkaido ingredients, such as noodles made from Hokkaido wheat, plump scallops from the Okhotsk Sea, Kitami onions, and a special salty seasoning. It’s a dish you’ll never forget!
Okhotsk Beer Factory
Address: 2-2-2 Yamashita-cho, Kitami, Hokkaido
Hours: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Friendly reminder:
(1) Excessive drinking is harmful to your health.
(2) Do not drink and drive; safety is assured.
(3) Excessive drinking harms yourself and others.
(4) Alcohol consumption is prohibited for those under 18 years old.
Kitami Tokoro Michi-no-ichi
Image source: ところ 道の市
Image source: ところ 道の市
Seafood lovers can also visit “Kitami Tokoro Michi-no-ichi.” This is a “seafood market” located in Tokoro-cho, Kitami City. Although it’s a bit far from the city center and closer to Lake Saroma, the seafood sold here is incredibly fresh and affordable. You’ll find everything from crabs and scallops to surf clams and more. The market also offers on-site grilling services, allowing you to savor the freshest, most authentic seafood firsthand.
Kitami Tokoro Michi-no-ichi
Address: 10-3 Gifu, Tokoro-cho, Kitami, Hokkaido
Hours: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Onneyu Onsen
Image source: 滝の湯温泉 夢風泉
Next up is Onneyu Onsen, another Kitami attraction a short drive from Kitami city center, located in Rubeshibe-cho, Kitami City. Surrounded by Akan, Daisetsuzan, and Shiretoko National Parks, it was discovered in Meiji 32 (1899). The spring water is a simple sulfur spring, known as a “whitening hot spring” for its anti-aging and skin-brightening benefits. It’s very popular for both day-use bathing and overnight stays!
Onneyu Onsen (Onneyu Onsenkyo Kumiai)
Address: 111-2 Onneyu Onsen, Rubeshibe-cho, Kitami, Hokkaido
Official Website: 温根湯温泉
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