Zao Fox Village
Zao Fox Village is located in Shiroishi City Miyagi and tucked away in a forest. Therefore, visitors can observe and interact with foxes in their natural environment. Foxes are a popular subject in Japanese folklore related to the country's culture and history.
In addition to the usual Japanese Ezo red fox, the village also has the rare species of silver foxes, blue foxes, platinum foxes, shadow foxes, and cross foxes. Over 100 of these 6 species of foxes roam freely around a large natural habitat at this zoo, which is the only zoo in the world dedicated only to foxes.
Visitors can observe and interact with foxes in their natural environment “Zao Fox Village” which is part of Japan.
Things to Do in Zao Fox Village
At the entrance or the feeding area of Zao Fox Village, visitors can buy bags of fox food. The foxes can be observed up close, and visitors can also feed and hold them. There are specific rules for feeding the foxes and there are prohibited places where visitors cannot feed them. The staff will explain to the visitors how to give those animals their food. On a special note, during spring and early summer, even baby foxes can be held.
Foxes at the village are checked for Echinococcus diseases and the staff carry out regular prevention and sterilization in the facility so visitors can enjoy interacting with foxes safely.
The foxes can be observed up close, and visitors can also feed and hold them at Zao Fox Village.
How to Get to Zao Fox Village
To get to Zao Fox Village, visitors can take a taxi from JR Shiroishi-Zao station which will take about 20 minutes. There is another option that visitors take a bus from JR Shiroishi station and get off at Kawarago station with about 1 hour bus ride. (Operating Tuesdays and Fridays only)
View scenic routes that include this spot
RELAX & MINGLEMore Information about Zao Fox Village
Street address
- 11-3 Kawarago, Fukuokayatsumiya, Shiroishi City, Miyagi
Access
Route1
- About 20 minutes by taxi from JR Shiroishi-Zao Station.
Route2
- (Operating Tuesdays and Fridays only)A 1-hour ride on the Fukuoka line of the Castle-kun bus from JR Shiroishi Station.
Get off at Kawarago.
- (Operating Tuesdays and Fridays only)A 1-hour ride on the Fukuoka line of the Castle-kun bus from JR Shiroishi Station.
Opening Hours
- 9:00-17:00
(From December 1 through March 15 : 9:00 – 16:00)
Closed
- Wednesday
Period of no regular holiday: February/Golden Week in May/August
Website
- http://zao-fox-village.com/en
Best season
- All year
Point
- Aside from foxes, there are also rabbits, goats, and ponies. Feeding and other interactive activities are available.
Spots around
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Site of Sendai Castle
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Akiu Onsenkyo Hot Springs (Akiu Otaki Falls, Rairai-kyo Gorge)
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Naruko-kyo Gorge
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Otaka-Mori
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Shiroishi Castle / Sumaru Yashiki (House)
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Zuihoden Mausoleum
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Kirin Brewery Sendai
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SENDAI Tourist Information Desk
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The Nikka Whisky Sendai Factory Miyagikyo Distillery
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Johgi Nyorai
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Osaki Hachimangu Shrine
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Ruins of the Great
East Japan Earthquake:
Sendai Arahama Elementary
School -
Downtown Sendai City
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Sagakei Gorge
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Discovery Center
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Sendai Station
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Sendai 3/11 Memorial Community Center
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Sendai-Izumi Premium Outlets
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Shiogama Seafood Wholesale Market
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Zao Okama crater lake
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Akiu Kogei no Sato (Akiu Craft Park)
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Kataribe taxi
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Sendai Daikannon
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Yunushi Ichijo Ryokan
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Loople Sendai
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Sendai Station
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Accommodation in Oku-Matsushima
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Matsushima Islands Area
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Jozenji-dori Ave.
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Sendai Umino-Mori Aquarium/Mitsui Outlet Park
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Naruko Onsen Hot Springs
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Abe Kamaboko-ten Main Store - Specialists in Kamaboko (steamed seasoned fish paste)
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Kokubuncho Yokocho (Alleyways of Kokubuncho District)
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Miyagi Zao Tour of Juhyo, Ice Monster
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Urakasumi Sake Brewery
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Yamadera(Risshaku-ji Temple)
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Yajiro Kokeshi Village
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Tsukihama Public Beach (Fishing Experience)
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Matsushima Sightseeing Cruise
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Sushitetsu
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Sendai City Museum
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Ishinomori Manga Museum
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Sendai Mediatheque
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Hitome Senbonzakura (1,000 Sakura trees at a glance)
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Matsushima Islands Area
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Shiogama Shrine/Shiwahiko Shrine