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 & MINGLE
More 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
-
Bar hopping in Iroha Yokocho
-
Kokubuncho Yokocho (Alleyways of Kokubuncho District)
-
Site of Sendai Castle
-
Abe Kamaboko-ten Main Store - Specialists in Kamaboko (steamed seasoned fish paste)
-
Kirin Brewery Sendai
-
Sendai City Museum
-
Yamadera(Risshaku-ji Temple)
-
Sendai Umino-Mori Aquarium/Mitsui Outlet Park
-
Yunushi Ichijo Ryokan
-
Naruko Onsen Hot Springs
-
Downtown Sendai City
-
Accommodation in Oku-Matsushima
-
Akiu Kogei no Sato (Akiu Craft Park)
-
Matsushima Sightseeing Cruise
-
Hitome Senbonzakura (1,000 Sakura trees at a glance)
-
Zuihoden Mausoleum
-
The Nikka Whisky Sendai Factory Miyagikyo Distillery
-
Oshu Kaido Street Umen Bansho (Shiroishi Umen)
-
Ruins of the Great
East Japan Earthquake:
Sendai Arahama Elementary
School -
Sendai Daikannon
-
Shiroishi Castle / Sumaru Yashiki (House)
-
Yajiro Kokeshi Village
-
Jozenji-dori Ave.
-
Sendai Mediatheque
-
Sendai Station
-
Loople Sendai
-
Shiogama Shrine/Shiwahiko Shrine
-
Matsushima Islands Area
-
Ishinomori Manga Museum
-
Naruko-kyo Gorge
-
Urakasumi Sake Brewery
-
Zao Okama crater lake
-
Sendai 3/11 Memorial Community Center
-
Shiogama Seafood Wholesale Market
-
Kataribe taxi
-
Matsushima Islands Area
-
Tsukihama Public Beach (Fishing Experience)
-
Osaki Hachimangu Shrine
-
Sagakei Gorge
-
Sendai-Izumi Premium Outlets
-
Akiu Onsenkyo Hot Springs (Akiu Otaki Falls, Rairai-kyo Gorge)
-
Otaka-Mori
-
Sushitetsu
-
Sendai Station
-
Miyagi Zao Tour of Juhyo, Ice Monster
-
Discovery Center
-
Johgi Nyorai
-
SENDAI Tourist Information Desk