Zaō Fox Village: A Foxy Encounter

3.8 (5938)

Meet over 100 free-roaming foxes at this unique village in the mountains of Miyagi. A must-see for animal lovers!

Home
Japan
Owari
Zaō Fox Village

Zaō Fox Village, nestled in the mountains of Miyagi Prefecture, offers a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with over 100 free-roaming foxes. This wildlife park is home to six different fox species, as well as other animals like rabbits and goats. It's a popular destination for animal lovers and those seeking a unique experience in rural Japan.

A brief summary to Zaō Fox Village

福岡八宮川原子１１−３, Shiroishi, Kawarago Fukuokayatsumiya, Miyagi, 989-0733, JP
Click to display
Click to display

Monday 9 am-4 pm
Tuesday 9 am-4 pm
Thursday 9 am-4 pm
Friday 9 am-4 pm
Saturday 9 am-4 pm
Sunday 9 am-4 pm

Local tips

Visit during winter for the most scenic experience, with foxes in their thick winter coats against a snowy backdrop.
Buy fox food at the entrance and feed the foxes from the designated feeding platform.
Wear appropriate footwear, such as hiking boots, as the ground can be muddy, and be mindful of fox droppings.
Avoid wearing long, flowy skirts or black tights, as they may stimulate the foxes' hunting instincts.

Other nearby places you may find interesting

Zao Echo Line

Zao Echo Line: A Scenic Mountain Traverse

Okama

Discover the Enchantment of Okama: Mother Nature's Masterpiece

Zaō Quasi-National Park

Explore the Natural Beauty of Zaō Quasi-National Park

Getting There

Public Transport

From JR Shiroishi-Zao Station, take the Miyagi Zao Sanroku Access Line bus to the Zao Fox Village bus stop. The bus operates 5 days a week (except Wednesday and Thursday). Check the bus schedule in advance as services may be infrequent. The bus fare is approximately ¥800. From the bus stop, it is a short walk to the entrance of the Fox Village.
Taxi

From JR Shiroishi-Zao Station or Shiroishi Station, a taxi is a convenient option. The taxi ride takes approximately 20-30 minutes and costs around ¥4,000 each way. If taxis are not readily available at the station, the tourist information center can assist in calling one.

Discover more about Zaō Fox Village

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.