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Miyagi Zao Fox Village
Miyagi Zao Fox Village
Miyagi Zao Fox Village
Miyagi Zao Fox Village
Miyagi

Miyagi Zao Fox Village

3.8 (7697)ZooTourist AttractionAmusement CenterAmusement ParkPoint Of InterestEstablishment
Last updated Mar 30, 2026

Miyagi Zao Fox Village, also known as Kitsune Mura, is a distinctive sanctuary and tourist destination located in the mountains of Shiroishi, Miyagi Prefecture. Originally established to study a parasite affecting canines in Siberia and East Asia, the facility has evolved into an internationally recognized attraction drawing visitors from around the world.

In Japanese culture, foxes serve as messengers of Inari Okami, the Shinto deity of prosperity, fertility, and rice, with approximately one-third of Japan's shrines dedicated to this deity. The village represents a rare opportunity to observe these culturally significant animals in a semi-natural setting. The facility houses over 100 foxes, including red foxes, arctic foxes, and specimens with uncommon coat colors such as silver and platinum, as well as red-arctic hybrids.

The primary attraction is a large open-air enclosure where visitors can walk among free-roaming foxes in their forest-like habitat. While the animals are not domesticated and visitors are advised against attempting to pet them due to potential biting, special supervised sessions allow guests to hold and cuddle more docile foxes for an additional fee. Fox food is available for purchase at ¥100 per bag, though feeding is restricted to designated areas. During spring months, the village offers exclusive experiences for visitors to interact with fox cubs. Beyond foxes, the facility includes rabbits, miniature horses, goats, and guinea pigs, along with gift shops offering fox-themed merchandise.

Admission is priced at ¥1,000 for adults (junior high school students and older), while elementary school children and younger enter free when accompanied by an adult. From Tokyo, visitors should take the Tohoku Shinkansen to Shiroishi-Zao Station, approximately two hours from the capital.

From Shiroishi-Zao Station, taxis provide the most reliable transport to the village, taking approximately 20 minutes at a cost of around ¥4,000 each way. A limited shuttle bus service operates on Tuesdays and Fridays only from Shiroishi Station. The facility is closed on Wednesdays except during February, August, and on national holidays. Visitors should note that the foxes, being semi-wild animals, require careful observation of posted safety guidelines throughout the experience.


Hours
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Monday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Phone
+81 224-24-8812
Website
zao-fox-village.com


The area

Address
Japan, 〒989-0733 Miyagi, Shiroishi, Fukuokayatsumiya, Kawarago, 福岡八宮川原子11−3

Hours

Sunday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Monday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Phone

+81 224-24-8812

Website

zao-fox-village.com

What other travelers are saying about Miyagi Zao Fox Village

unforgettable experience for animal lovers, where you can see hundreds of fluffy foxes roaming freely in a large forest enclosure. The main highlight is the "Fox Plaza," where you can observe different species like silver, platinum, and red foxes up close, and even participate in supervised hugging sessions or buy snacks to feed them from a safe platform. While the foxes are semi-wild and shouldn't be touched outside of the designated areas, the sight of them napping in the snow or playing together is incredibly cute and perfect for photos. It’s a bit of a journey to get there, but the chance to be surrounded by these beautiful creatures in a mountain setting makes it a truly one-of-a-kind destination in Japan.

Nearby attractions to see

Matsushima

Matsushima

Zao Town, Miyagi

Zao Town, Miyagi

Tashirojima Island

Tashirojima Island

Akiu Onsen

Akiu Onsen

Nearby attractions to see

Matsushima

Matsushima

Zao Town, Miyagi

Zao Town, Miyagi

Tashirojima Island

Tashirojima Island

Akiu Onsen

Akiu Onsen


Frequently Asked Questions

Direct contact with the free-roaming foxes is not allowed, as they are semi-wild animals and may bite if touched. However, special fox cuddling experiences are available for a limited period with specially trained foxes, conducted safely with special gloves provided to visitors. Adults can pet certain docile foxes in a designated petting area with help from attendants, and visitors are loaned a special jacket that dampens the scent given off by foxes and protects clothing.

Visitors must stay on pathways, not crouch to take photos, not drop items, not touch the foxes, and not feed them outside designated areas. The foxes are particularly attracted to black tights, fluttering skirts, and dangling straps from coats or bags due to their hunting instincts, so visitors should take care with their clothing and belongings. Long, flouncy skirts and heels with black tights should be avoided as they stimulate hunting instincts and may appear like prey animals to the foxes. The facility assumes no responsibility for injuries, so following these guidelines is essential for visitor safety.

Fox food is available for purchase at ¥100 per bag at the entrance, while food for other animals like rabbits, goats, and ponies costs ¥200. Feeding must be done from an elevated feeding area where visitors toss treats down to the foxes below for safety reasons. Hand-feeding is strictly prohibited, and feeding is only permitted in designated areas to prevent foxes from learning to jump on humans.

Autumn through winter is the most magical season to visit, as the foxes' coats grow thick and fluffy, making them look rounder and cuter than ever. During summer, the foxes shed their winter coats and appear thinner. Spring and early summer offer special opportunities to hold baby fox cubs. The village remains open throughout winter despite heavy snowfall, providing excellent photo opportunities with snow-covered landscapes.

All foxes at the village are artificially bred, and none have ever been infected with echinococcus, with regular pest control and safety measures carried out. Foxes are checked for Echinococcus diseases and the facility carries out regular prevention and sterilization. The village houses six different types of foxes, including red foxes, silver foxes, blue arctic foxes, white arctic foxes, platinum foxes, and cross foxes. All foxes have been raised in-house and would not survive in the wild, with the facility claiming to operate as a sanctuary.
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Pattanan J
Mar 10, 2026
Visited Zao Fox Village as part of an overnight tour from Tokyo. Having never seen foxes up close before, it was a fascinating experience. The foxes roam freely within the enclosure, and while they are undeniably cute, they remain relatively wild – signs everywhere remind visitors not to touch them, as they may bite. When we arrived, most of the foxes were curled up and napping, which added a quiet, almost serene feel to the visit. Overall, it’s a unique stop and worth visiting if you’re in the area.
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Ling
Feb 20, 2026
Zao Fox Village is a fun and unique place to visit, especially if you like animals. Seeing so many foxes roaming around is cool and great for photos. It can get a bit crowded, and some foxes just prefer to chill, so the experience depends on timing. Overall, it’s worth stopping by if you’re curious and don’t mind the crowds.
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Mia Kucing
Jan 28, 2026
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.
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Jeena Nim
Oct 24, 2025
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.
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Oon Ee Kai
Oct 26, 2025