Miyagi Zao Fox Village is a unique animal park and tourist attraction located at the foot of the Zao Mountains in Shiroishi, Miyagi Prefecture. As one of the few places in the world where visitors can observe a large number of foxes living in a spacious, natural-style environment, it has become a popular destination for travelers from Japan and overseas.
Approximately 250 foxes are kept at the facility, with more than 100 of them living freely within a large forested area. Visitors can walk along the paths and observe the foxes as they move, rest, play, and interact with one another in their surroundings.
The experience is quite different from visiting a conventional zoo. Rather than seeing animals only behind fences or glass, visitors can observe foxes moving around a large open area designed to resemble their natural environment.
As you enter the fox area, you may encounter foxes walking freely around the forest. In addition to the familiar Ezo red fox, visitors can see several other varieties, including silver foxes, Arctic foxes in blue and white color variations, platinum foxes, and cross foxes.
There are six types of foxes at the facility, and their different fur colors and patterns give each animal a distinctive appearance. Some foxes may quietly follow visitors along the path or show curiosity toward people nearby.
Observing these natural behaviors from close range is one of the main attractions of Miyagi Zao Fox Village. However, visitors should remember that foxes are not domesticated pets and should always be treated with appropriate caution.
One of the most popular activities is the fox-feeding experience. Visitors can purchase designated food and feed the foxes from a specified feeding area. When the foxes gather together, the sight can be especially impressive.
For safety reasons, visitors should never feed the foxes directly from their hands. Following the facility’s instructions is essential for both visitors and animals.
Depending on the season and availability, visitors may have the opportunity to hold a baby fox. This special experience is particularly popular around Japan’s Golden Week holiday period in spring, when many visitors come hoping to see the adorable young foxes.
The opportunity to observe and, when available, hold a fluffy baby fox at close range is an unusual experience that has attracted considerable attention from international visitors as well.
Because the foxes are allowed to move freely within their designated area, visitors must follow the facility’s safety rules. In particular, one adult cannot enter the free-roaming fox area while accompanying multiple children of elementary-school age or younger.
Foxes also retain natural instincts and may bite. Visitors should therefore avoid touching the foxes unnecessarily, even when an animal comes close. The safest way to enjoy the park is to observe the foxes calmly and follow staff instructions at all times.
Miyagi Zao Fox Village is not only home to foxes. The facility also has areas where visitors can encounter other animals, including rabbits, goats, and ponies.
These areas are particularly appealing to families with young children and animal lovers who want to see a variety of species during their visit.
One fascinating aspect of visiting the foxes is seeing how their appearance changes with the seasons. During summer, their coats become lighter and their bodies look relatively slim. In winter, they grow thick, fluffy coats that create the famously adorable “fluffy fox” appearance.
Many visitors enjoy photographing the foxes during winter, when their thick coats make them look especially round and soft.
Miyagi Zao Fox Village is located at an elevation of approximately 590 meters, and the area can receive considerable snowfall during winter.
The combination of white snow and foxes with thick winter coats creates a distinctive winter scene. Although winter travel can require extra care because of snow and road conditions, the facility operates throughout the year, allowing visitors to experience its seasonal scenery.
Miyagi Zao Fox Village also has an educational role in addition to being a tourist attraction. The facility accepts student internships and practical training programs, attracting young people interested in learning about animals from across Japan.
Students can learn about subjects such as fox breeding, health management, and animal care. This provides an opportunity to gain practical knowledge about the responsibilities involved in caring for captive animals.
Wild foxes can potentially carry parasites such as Echinococcus. The foxes kept at the facility, however, are artificially bred, and measures such as regular deworming and disinfection are carried out as part of animal health and hygiene management.
Visitors should nevertheless follow all hygiene and safety instructions provided by the facility, particularly when participating in feeding or other animal-related activities.
The unusual concept of Miyagi Zao Fox Village has attracted attention from Japanese television, film, and online media.
Foxes from the facility appeared in the 2006 Japanese film “Helen the Baby Fox”. The foxes and the facility have also been featured in Japanese television programs, including “Tensai! Shimura Doubutsuen”, as well as the NHK television drama “Ama-chan.”
From the 2010s onward, photographs and videos of the foxes spread widely through social media and video-sharing platforms. Images of their fluffy winter coats helped introduce Miyagi Zao Fox Village to audiences around the world.
The Fox Forest Exhibition Area is the main attraction, where visitors can observe foxes living in a large, forest-like environment.
The Baby Fox Exhibition Area features young foxes and may host special experiences such as baby fox holding sessions, depending on the season and availability.
The Farm Animal Area is home to rabbits, goats, ponies, and other animals, providing another enjoyable part of the park for families and animal enthusiasts.
Okane Inari Shrine is a small shrine associated with the traditional Japanese connection between foxes and Inari worship. In Japanese folklore and religious tradition, foxes are closely associated with Inari, a deity traditionally connected with rice, agriculture, prosperity, and food.
The gift shop offers a selection of original fox-themed souvenirs, including plush toys, keychains, sweets, accessories, and other goods. These items make popular souvenirs for visitors who want to take home a reminder of their encounter with the foxes.
From JR Shiroishi-Zao Station on the Tohoku Shinkansen, the fox village is approximately 15 kilometers away, or about 24 minutes by taxi.
From JR Shiroishi Station on the Tohoku Main Line, it is approximately 13 kilometers away, or about 21 minutes by taxi.
From Shiroishi Interchange on the Tohoku Expressway, the journey takes approximately 19 minutes and covers about 15 kilometers. Drivers can use National Route 457 or Prefectural Route 51 to reach the facility.
Jumbo taxis may be available from Shiroishi-Zao Station or Shiroishi Station for groups of four or more, but advance reservations are required.
Shiroishi City community buses and sightseeing shuttle buses may also operate during limited periods. Visitors should check the latest transportation information before traveling.
Miyagi Zao Fox Village offers a rare opportunity to observe a large number of foxes in a spacious, natural-style setting. The changing appearance of the foxes throughout the seasons, from lighter summer coats to thick winter fur, gives visitors a different experience depending on when they visit.
Beyond simply seeing cute animals, the facility also introduces visitors to animal care, traditional Japanese associations with foxes, and the distinctive natural environment of the Zao region.
For travelers exploring Miyagi, a visit to the fox village can be an unusual addition to a Sendai or Zao-area itinerary. By following the facility’s safety rules and observing the animals respectfully, visitors can enjoy a memorable encounter with one of Japan’s most fascinating wild animals.
9:00-17:00
Mid-November to mid-March: 9:00-16:00
Closed on Wednesdays (if Wednesday is a national holiday, closed the following Thursday)
Adults (junior high school students and older): 1,000 yen
Free for elementary school students and younger (up to 1 child per adult)
Approx. 20 min. by car from JR Shiroishi Zao Station