7 Cutest Animals Native to Hokkaido Island (24 Photos)

Hokkaido is not just a land of breathtaking landscapes, but also home to some incredibly charming wildlife. From fluffy hares and graceful foxes to tiny owls and rare wildcats, these creatures will steal your heart at first glance. Here are 7 of the most adorable animals native to Japan’s northernmost island. Warning: cuteness overload ahead!





As the largest island in northern Japan, Hokkaido is home to some of the most charming creatures found anywhere on Earth. Today, we invite you to meet seven of its cutest residents. While some are subspecies of more common animals, others are unique endemic species found nowhere else. But they all share one thing in common: they are outrageously cute!

Ezo Momonga



The Ezo momonga, or Hokkaido flying squirrel, is a true local star. With its huge black eyes, fluffy fur, and palm-sized body, this tiny squirrel looks like a living plush toy. Found exclusively on the island, it is a unique native species. Its silvery-grey coat with a dark streak down the back helps it blend seamlessly into tree bark to stay hidden from predators like owls and martens.





The Ezo momonga is nocturnal. By day, it stays tucked away inside hollow evergreen trees, taking to the canopy at dusk for its aerial adventures. Thanks to the furry gliding membranes between its paws, it effortlessly sails from branch to branch like a tiny skydiver. Although these flying squirrels don't hibernate, they will sleep for days at a time during harsh winter cold snaps, curled up in snug nests.



Locals absolutely adore the Ezo momonga! Its image pops up on everything from souvenirs and postcards to public transit passes. The little flying squirrel has become a beloved mascot for Hokkaido—and for good reason: one look at its face is enough to bring a smile to anyone's face.





Shima-Enaga

The Shima-enaga, or long-tailed tit, is another enchanting Hokkaido resident that took the internet by storm. This tiny bird looks like a fluffy white cotton ball with a tiny beak and big, dark eyes. Its snow-white plumage makes it look like a floating snowflake, fitting perfectly into Hokkaido’s winter landscapes. While it is a subspecies of the long-tailed tit, its distinctive all-white face sets it apart from its cousins elsewhere.



These birds are absolute bundles of energy. They flit through the branches in lively flocks, making melodious calls and hunting for insects even in the dead of winter. Their long tails, which can be longer than their bodies, give them incredible aerial agility. Shima-enaga love flitting through snow-covered bushes, and spotting one in the woods is a dream moment for wildlife photographers.

In Japan, the Shima-enaga is fondly known as the "snow fairy" for its delicate grace and ethereal beauty. It has become a massive social media sensation, with photos regularly racking up thousands of likes. If you ever walk through Hokkaido’s winter forests, listen closely—the cheerful chirping of the Shima-enaga is impossible to miss!

Hokkaido Red Fox

The Hokkaido red fox, or Kita-kitsune, is another charming island resident that captures hearts with its vibrant coat and sly expression. A subspecies of the common red fox, its extra-thick, brilliant orange-red coat is perfectly adapted to Hokkaido’s harsh winters. With its bushy tail and soulful eyes, it looks like a character straight out of a Japanese fairy tale.



Kita-kitsune are masters of survival. Inhabiting forests, fields, and even the edges of rural villages, they feed on small rodents, birds, and berries. Remarkably agile and clever, these foxes can pinpoint prey buried deep beneath the snow, often seen gracefully pouncing into drifts to snatch a meal.



To the people of Hokkaido, the red fox represents cunning and freedom. In Japanese folklore, foxes (or kitsune) are tied to magic and spirits, lending them an enigmatic allure. Tourists love spotting them in national parks like Daisetsuzan, where they occasionally wander close to visitors while maintaining a healthy wild distance.





Hokkaido Red Squirrel

The Hokkaido red squirrel, or Ezo risu, is a small, energetic creature that adds a splash of colour to the island’s woodlands. Also known as the Japanese red squirrel, it sports a fiery coat that grows remarkably thick and bushy in winter. Its large dark eyes and grand tail make it look like an animated cartoon character come to life.



Ezo risu are natural acrobats. They dart through treetops with impressive speed, gathering nuts, seeds, and mushrooms to cache for winter. Their agility is astounding—they can leap from high branches and land with the precision of a gymnast. Active year-round, they spend the winter scampering across snowy trails.



These squirrels are a common sight in Hokkaido’s parks and suburbs. Quite comfortable around humans, they sometimes approach visitors in hopes of a treat. Local children love watching their antics, and tourists can't resist snapping photos of these lively little critters. The red squirrel is a true symbol of Hokkaido's lively spirit!

Ezo Naki Usagi

The Ezo naki usagi, or "crying rabbit," is a local subspecies of the northern pika and widely considered one of Hokkaido’s cutest creatures. It earned its nickname from its high-pitched call, which sounds remarkably like a cry. Measuring just 15–20 cm long, these tiny animals feature rounded ears, beady black eyes, and soft greyish-brown fur that makes them look just like stuffed toys.





Ezo naki usagi inhabit the rocky mountain slopes of Hokkaido, including Daisetsuzan National Park. They are tireless workers: throughout the summer, these pikas gather grasses and moss, stocking them away in miniature "haystacks" for winter survival. They leap effortlessly across boulder fields to dodge predators. Rumour has it this adorable creature served as inspiration for Pikachu in Pokémon—and looking at their round little faces, that’s easy to believe!



Hikers love hearing the calls of the Ezo naki usagi echoing through the mountains, and photos of them consistently go viral online. These industrious little critters are a true point of pride for Hokkaido!

Iizuna

The Iizuna, or Hokkaido least weasel, is a tiny predator with an extraordinarily cute face. This weasel subspecies is native to northern regions, including Hokkaido, Siberia, and Scandinavia. Come winter, its brownish coat turns pure white, helping it blend into the snow to hunt undetected. Despite measuring only 20–30 cm, the Iizuna is fiercely agile and brave, capable of taking down prey larger than itself.



The Iizuna roams Hokkaido's forests and plains in search of small rodents and birds. With its nimble movements and curious expression, it looks like a miniature secret agent constantly on high alert. Locals admire the Iizuna for its bravery and uncanny ability to thrive in harsh northern climates.

These weasels are elusive around humans, but catching a glimpse of an Iizuna darting through the trees is an unforgettable sight. Its quick wit and endless energy lend a unique charm to Hokkaido's wilderness.

Ezo Fukuro

The Ezo fukuro, or Ural owl, is a majestic yet adorable bird found throughout Hokkaido’s forests. With its fluffy plumage, large round eyes, and long tail feathers, it looks like a plush toy—though make no mistake, it is a formidable predator. The Ezo fukuro hunts small rodents and even other cute locals like the Ezo naki usagi, acting as a silent guardian of the night.



These nocturnal owls glide silently over the canopy thanks to sound-dampening feathers. Their hooting echoes through national parks like Shiretoko, adding a mysterious vibe to the woodland night. In winter, Ezo fukuro often perch on snow-dusted branches, posing perfectly for wildlife photographers.



To locals, the Ural owl is a symbol of wisdom and mystery. Its presence is a gentle reminder that beauty and harmony flourish even in the harsh northern wild. (Though unfortunately for some of the other cute creatures on our list, this owl considers them dinner!)



Which Hokkaido animal would you love to see in person? Let us know in the comments and tell us which of these cute creatures stole your heart!