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Zao Fox Village Miyagi

3.8
·7k reviews·Shiroishi, Japan

Encounter dozens of red foxes roaming freely in a naturalistic park setting. Experience a unique photo opportunity by holding a fox!

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more active foxes

CrowdLow
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Wind blow

Zao Fox Village Miyagi

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more active foxes

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Encounter dozens of red foxes roaming freely in a naturalistic park setting. Experience a unique photo opportunity by holding a fox!

3.8
(7k reviews)

"It was my first time getting up close with foxes, and they were absolutely adorable!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Drive for Easiest Access

Public transport is limited; driving to Miyagi Zao Fox Village is much more convenient.

🤫 Respect the Foxes

Follow all rules to avoid startling or provoking the wild animals.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

3.8 · 7,279 reviews

Type

Zoo

👶 Good for kids

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Free-Roaming Foxes

Free-Roaming Foxes

Main park area

Witness dozens of red foxes wandering freely, sunbathing, and interacting naturally. A truly unique sight!

Fox Holding Experience

Fox Holding Experience

Designated activity area

Get a chance to safely hold a fox (often in costume!) for a memorable photo opportunity. Book in advance if possible.

Petting Area

Petting Area

Adjacent to main fox enclosure

Interact with gentler animals like ponies and rabbits in a supervised petting zone.

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Planning Your Visit

Getting There: Drive or Plan Ahead

While public transport options exist, driving is highly recommended for convenience to Zao Fox Village Miyagi. If using buses, meticulously check the timetable as they run infrequently.

Fox Etiquette is Key

These are wild animals. Follow all staff instructions to ensure your safety and the foxes' well-being. Avoid getting too close or startling them.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more active foxes
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon feeding sessions
Why
See foxes at their most active
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Spontaneously decided to check out Miyagi Zao Fox Village, aka Kitsune Mura. This spot in Shiroishi, Miyagi, Japan is both a tourist attraction and a fox sanctuary. Had our first encounter with these furry foxes, and even made a friend, Harry from the UK! Their winter coats made them irresistibly adorable. 🦊❄️ . . . . . . #kitsune #fox #whitefox #redfox #greyfox #Japan #japantravels #christmasjapa...
@winchwanders
1.9K likes • 60.1K views

🚗 Drive for Easiest Access

Public transport is limited; driving to Miyagi Zao Fox Village is much more convenient. Reddit

🤫 Respect the Foxes

Follow all rules to avoid startling or provoking the wild animals. Reddit

Unique places in Japan you MUST visit 🦊 the fox village : 📍 Zao fox village in Shiroishi Fukuokayat-sumiya 🧭 38.04150° N, 140.53130° E : : #lifeinjapan #japancontent #blackinjapan #Japan life #blackwomeninjapan #japantravel #instajapan #japanexplore #japanesestyle #explorejapan #lifeofjapan #traveljapan #japanencounters #japanstorytime #japan🇯🇵 #youtubelivinginjapan #japanesevideo #thebadg...
@yllahtok
156 likes • 4K views
Cute foxes in Japan 🥹 📍Zao Fox Village, Shiroishi, Japan #japan #foxvillagejapan #foxvillage #zaofoxvillage #zaofoxsanctuary #zaofoxvillagejapan #shiroishi #zaomountain #zaoonsen #miyagi #travel #tokyo #unqiuetravelfinds #tourjapan #japanitinerary #japantrip #japantravels #traveljapan
@travelwteresa
231 likes • 16.1K views

📸 Fox Holding Activity

A paid activity to hold a fox for photos. Check timings and book if possible. Reddit

💰 Admission Fee

Expect around ¥1500 for entry, with an extra ¥1000 for the fox holding experience. Reddit

Zao Fox Village, Miyagi, Japan One of the main reasons why I chose to come to Miyagi area this time. Journey from where I stayed at Matsushima was further than expected, had to travel about 2 hours to Shiroishi Station and take a circulation bus for about 30 mins. The experience overall was pretty okay, I would say it will differ from each person. The place isn’t too big and while I do not know ho...
@lichquna
56 likes • 911 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Drive for Easiest Access

Public transport is limited; driving to Miyagi Zao Fox Village is much more convenient. Reddit

🤫 Respect the Foxes

Follow all rules to avoid startling or provoking the wild animals. Reddit

📸 Fox Holding Activity

A paid activity to hold a fox for photos. Check timings and book if possible. Reddit

💰 Admission Fee

Expect around ¥1500 for entry, with an extra ¥1000 for the fox holding experience. Reddit

👃 Natural Fox Scent

There's a slight natural fox smell in the open areas, but it's not overpowering. Reddit

What Travellers Say

3.8
(7k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the unique experience of seeing red foxes roam freely and the opportunity for a controlled fox-holding photo. The park is generally well-maintained, though a natural fox scent is present. Some find the public transport challenging, and note that foxes can be sleepy in the afternoon.

"It was my first time getting up close with foxes, and they were absolutely adorable! When I visited, most of the foxes were sunbathing, and I was lucky to arrive in time for the fox-holding activity, where I got to take a photo with one. The staff kindly used my phone to take the pictures. The park is well-organized and well-maintained, with clean surroundings. In the open area where you can walk among the foxes, there’s a slight natural fox smell, but it’s not strong. Overall, it’s one of the nicest fox villages I’ve been to—I highly recommend visiting. It’s more convenient if you drive there rather than taking public transportation."

Jeena Nim

"The foxes are so cute!! They curled up when they sleep and the way the stretch is just so adorable!! Sadly, you are unable to pet the fox as they are still wild animals, with chances of them attacking being there. However, they normally mind their own business as long as you don’t get too close. They just wander around you. There is a feeding session and a hugging session but I was there too early so I didn’t managed to catch that. It’s a very mesmerising time to just see animals I don’t ever get to see in my day to day life. You do need to drive up to the village, but it’s very worth the trip up."

Oon Ee Kai

"I surprisingly enjoyed this. I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about it, but the foxes were very well cared for and still quite clearly wild animals. The staff seemed to genuinely interested to keep them safe and healthy. It was amazing to be so close to them. Most of them were sleeping, but they are just so beautiful and the area where you can feed them is quite open fascinating creatures. Lots of necessary rules and 99% of the guests I saw there were following them carefully."

Lauren Shannon

What People Like

Adorable free-roaming foxes
Unique fox holding experience
Well-maintained park

What People Dislike

Limited public transport
Foxes can be sleepy

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The most convenient way to reach Miyagi Zao Fox Village is by car. Public transportation involves buses from Shiroishi Station or Shiroishizao Station, but they run infrequently, so check the timetable carefully on the official website. Reddit

Yes, there are buses that go to the village twice a day from Shiroishi Station or Shiroishizao Station. It's crucial to note their departure times to plan your visit effectively. Reddit

Many visitors find driving to Miyagi Fox Village to be the easiest option. This allows for more flexibility with your schedule and easier access to the rural location. Reddit

Yes, there are parking facilities available for visitors who choose to drive to the Zao Village Japan. This makes it a convenient option for those with rental cars.

While Zao Fox Village is in Miyagi Prefecture, it's not directly in Sendai. You'll likely need to travel to Shiroishi Station first and then take a bus or drive. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The admission fee for Zao Fox Village is approximately ¥1500 per person. It's advisable to check their official website for the most current pricing as it may be subject to change. Reddit

The experience of holding a fox for a photo at Miyagi Zao Fox Village costs an additional ¥1000. This is a separate fee from the general admission. Reddit

Information on discounts for Zao Fox Village tickets is not widely available. It's best to check their official website or inquire directly upon arrival for any potential offers.

While advance booking for general admission to Zao Fox Village is not typically required, it's a good idea to check their website for any special events or if you plan to participate in the fox holding activity, as availability might be limited. Reddit

Miyagi Fox Village is closed on Wednesdays. It's recommended to verify their daily operating hours on their official website before your visit, as these can vary seasonally.

🎫 🦊 Onsite Experience

Directly petting the foxes is generally not allowed as they are wild animals. However, there is a fox holding activity where you can safely interact with a fox for a photo. Reddit

Always follow the staff's instructions carefully. Avoid getting too close, making sudden movements, or staying in one spot for too long to ensure your safety and the foxes' well-being. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Reddit

While generally peaceful, foxes are wild animals and can bite if provoked or feel threatened. It's essential to maintain a respectful distance and adhere to all safety guidelines. Reddit

Besides the red foxes, Zao Fox Village also has a petting area where you can interact with animals like ponies and rabbits. Reddit

Yes, there are feeding sessions for the foxes. Arriving in time for these sessions can be a great way to see them more active and engaged. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Yes, photography is generally allowed at Zao Fox Village. However, selfies with the foxes are not permitted, and you should always be mindful of not disturbing the animals while taking pictures. Reddit

The staff can often assist with taking photos, especially during the fox holding activity, using your own phone. Reddit

Mornings can be ideal as the light is softer, and the foxes might be more active before they settle down for sunbathing. Weekdays also offer fewer crowds, making photography easier. Reddit

There are no specific restrictions mentioned regarding photography equipment, but always prioritize the well-being of the animals and avoid using flash photography that might startle them.

You can observe the foxes from a safe distance. While they roam freely, it's important not to approach them too closely or try to get them to pose, respecting their wild nature. Reddit

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