Zaō Fox Village: A Foxy Encounter

Zaō Fox Village, or Kitsune Mura, is a one-of-a-kind zoo where visitors can observe and interact with foxes in a semi-natural environment. Unlike traditional zoos, the foxes roam freely within a large enclosure, creating a captivating experience. The village is home to over 100 foxes from six different species, including the Ezo red fox, silver fox, blue fox, platinum fox, shadow fox and cross fox. Visitors can purchase fox food at the entrance and feed the foxes from a designated feeding area. While direct contact is generally discouraged, there is a special area where you can cuddle a docile fox for an additional fee. The foxes are accustomed to humans, but it's important to remember that they are still wild animals and should be treated with respect. Besides foxes, the village also houses other animals such as rabbits and goats, providing additional opportunities for interaction. The village is open year-round, but winter is a particularly enchanting time to visit, as the foxes' fur becomes thicker and the landscape is covered in snow. Zaō Fox Village was initially established to study parasites affecting canines in Siberia and East Asia. Over time, it evolved into a popular tourist destination, drawing fox enthusiasts from around the globe.