Culture
Guide to Visiting Zao Fox Village
Rebecca DaumZao Fox Village is filled with over 100 animals and 6 different types of foxes in Shiroishi, Miyagi Prefecture.
Zao Fox Village (宮城蔵王キツネ村) is located in the Shiroishi mountains of Zao, a one-hour drive from Sendai and is Japan’s largest fox zoo. This large, open-air facility is home to more than 100 foxes who are regularly inspected for parasites.
While animal-based travel destinations may offer unique opportunities for interaction and observation, it is considerate to research and choose establishments that uphold high standards of animal welfare, such as proper care, ethical practices, and conservation efforts.
At Zao Fox Village, guests can pay a small fee to feed foxes (100 yen) and even hold infant fox kits (400 yen) once they are old enough to be apart from their parents. The best seasons to visit are usually spring—to enjoy holding a fox kit—or winter—to enjoy the ethereal snowy setting as the foxes play). You’ll also find a wide array of other animals waiting for you at Zao Fox Village, including rabbits, goats, and guinea pigs.
Guests also have the opportunity to get closer to some adult foxes with the help of the friendly staff. While groups of more than 10 are asked to make prior reservations with the preserve. The staff asks that children under elementary school age be accompanied by one adult per child, for safety. Guests should also refrain from wearing loose clothing or shoes with straps or heels. The staff will guide you on other rules of the sanctuary when you enter.
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For 100 yen, guests can purchase a bag of cut hot dog or cut carrots to feed the foxes. There is a marked feeding area and guests are asked not to feed to fox by hand as they might nip or bite. Please listen to the staff and follow the park rules while engaging with the foxes.
For 400 yen, during spring, guests can hold a fox kit that has been weaned from its mother. These kits are kept near the entrance in large viewing kennels. Making an appointment beforehand is recommended and the lineup for holding a kit may take considerable time. Please listen to the staff and follow the park rules while engaging with the foxes.
Zao Fox Village can be reached by bus (Castle Kun Bus, or Yakushi-no-Yu shuttle bus), or car/taxi (20 min from Shiroishi Station).
Zao Fox Village is filled with over 100 animals and 6 different types of foxes in Shiroishi, Miyagi Prefecture.
On Mt. Zao near the Kawarago Dam in Miyagi Prefecture sits an animal reserve specializing in foxes known as Fox Village.
Zao Kitsune Mura is a "village" filled with a large number of free roaming foxes near Shiroishi in Miyagi Prefecture. Loads of fun, and at times scary, this is a unique experience you won't find anywhere else.
There's only one place in the world where you can immerse yourself among foxes, and that's in Zao city in Miyagi prefecture. At the Zao Kitsune Mura (Fox Village), you can get up close and personal with these beautiful creatures. It's truly one-of-a-kind!
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Close to the now world famous "Fox Village" is the Yajiro Kokeshi Museum in Shiroishi, Miyagi Prefecture. Free admission and option to paint your own wooden dolls for a small fee.
The Doll Warehouse in Shiroishi, Miyagi Prefecture, are actually two Edo era warehouses stuffed full of traditional dolls and some Japanese postwar pop culture.
Samurai battle to-and-fro across the grounds, traditional Kyudo archers fill the air, arquebuse volleys deafen audiences and ninjas backflip gratuitously.