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Miyagi Zao Fox Village – Meet Adorable Foxes in a Mountain Hideaway

Miyagi Zao Fox Village – Meet Adorable Foxes in a Mountain Hideaway
Miyagi Zao Fox Village in Shiroishi is a small mountain park where dozens of foxes roam freely in a natural-style enclosure, making it a favorite spot for animal lovers and photographers. This guide explains what to see inside the village, how to take respectful photos, feeding experiences and safety tips, as well as how to get there, how long to allow for your visit and what to wear, especially in the snowy winter season.

Highlights

Miyagi Zao Fox Village at a Glance

Miyagi Zao Fox Village is a fox-focused facility in the mountains of Shiroishi, where you can observe more than 100 foxes up close in a free-roaming area.

Fox Species and Highlights

Along with Japanese red foxes (Hondo fox), you can also see rarer coat colors such as silver, platinum, and blue foxes (6+ types).

Fluffiest Season: Winter

In winter (December to February), their thicker coats look extra fluffy, and scenes of foxes walking through snow or curled up asleep are especially photogenic.

Feeding Experience

From designated spots, you can feed them by tossing food; one bag costs about 200 yen.

Visitor Rules

The basic rule is not to touch the foxes, and hand-feeding is not allowed (feed by tossing).

Access from Shiroishi

From Sendai Station to Shiroishi Station is about 40 minutes by JR. By car, it’s about 1 hour from central Sendai and about 20 minutes from Shiroishi IC (free parking available).

Admission and Opening Hours

Admission is 1,500 yen for adults (junior high and up) and free for children (elementary and under). Hours: Summer 9:00–16:30 / Winter 9:00–16:00 (last entry 30 minutes before closing). Closed Wednesdays (may open on holidays, etc.; check official information).

For the latest information, please refer to official announcements or check on site.

What Is Miyagi Zao Fox Village?

Miyagi Zao Fox Village is a fox-focused facility in Shiroishi City, Miyagi Prefecture, famous for being home to around 100 foxes that live freely in a natural, open environment.

In Japan, it’s rare to see wild foxes up close, but here you can not only observe unique fox species—such as Ezo red foxes, silver foxes, and arctic foxes—at close range, you can also enjoy feeding experiences and taking photos.

In winter, you can often see foxes with fluffy winter coats walking through the snow, and the scene has become a major social media sensation—drawing attention from around the world.

It’s also a popular spot for overseas travelers.

In this guide, we’ll introduce the highlights of Miyagi Zao Fox Village, how to enjoy your visit, and practical access information!


Top Things to Do at Miyagi Zao Fox Village

1. Watch Foxes Living Freely in Nature

At Miyagi Zao Fox Village, multiple fox species are kept in a large free-roaming area.

In addition to the foxes most commonly seen in Japan, you can also observe rare coat colors and varieties such as silver foxes, arctic foxes (blue foxes), and platinum foxes.

Because the foxes can move around freely, you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped into a fox kingdom as you watch them up close.

In spring to early summer, you may even see adorable fox kits.

Rules to Know Before Entering

The foxes may look very cute, but because they still have wild instincts, you cannot touch them freely.

Avoid long skirts or fluttery clothing, as these can trigger a fox’s hunting instincts.

Also be mindful of your bags and pockets, since foxes may mistake belongings for food.

For a safe and enjoyable visit, be sure to follow the rules explained by staff at entry.

2. Fox Feeding Experience

Miyagi Zao Fox Village offers a feeding experience where you can give food to the foxes.

From a dedicated feeding spot (an elevated deck), you can toss food to the foxes and watch them come over and beg adorably.

Feed Price

  • 1 bag: about 200 yen

※ Hand-feeding is not allowed.

Only feed the foxes from the designated area, and use only the food sold by the facility.

3. Winter “Fluffy Foxes” Are a Huge Hit!

During winter season (December–February), the foxes at Miyagi Zao Fox Village grow winter coats and become extra fluffy and round.

Foxes walking through snowy scenery create a dreamlike atmosphere—almost like a scene from an anime or movie.

In particular, foxes curling up and sleeping in the snow is an especially photogenic moment, so visiting in winter is highly recommended!

Winter is beautiful, but access may involve snowy roads, so it’s wise to plan with winter driving conditions in mind.

4. Fox Holding Experience

Miyagi Zao Fox Village sometimes offers a “fox holding experience”.

Only specially accustomed foxes can be held, and the experience is done under staff guidance.

Key Points

  • Schedule: Dates vary depending on conditions (may be canceled due to fox health or weather)
  • Fee: Paid
  • Holding fox kits: Sometimes available in spring to early summer

It’s a rare chance to see a fox up close, so if timing works out, consider giving it a try!

5. Animals Other Than Foxes

The facility also keeps animals such as rabbits, goats, and ponies.

On weekends, there may also be rabbit holding experiences, making it a fun stop for animal lovers.


Practical Info for Travelers

Access

By Train and Bus

  • A taxi from Shiroishi-Zao Station or Shiroishi Station (about 20 minutes) is convenient
  • Public transportation may be limited, so checking service information in advance is recommended

By Car

  • About 1 hour by car from central Sendai
  • About 20 minutes by car from Shiroishi IC (Tohoku Expressway)
  • Parking available

Admission and Opening Hours

  • Admission: Varies by category
  • Opening hours: Varies by season (last entry applies)
  • Closed days: May vary by day of week and season

Estimated Visit Time

  • About 1 hour for a standard visit; around 1.5–2 hours if you want to enjoy experiences more thoroughly

Wi-Fi

  • Mobile reception may vary by area within the facility, so it’s best to prepare important information in advance

Language Support

  • Entry rules are also explained in English

Other Notes

  • Stroller entry may be restricted
  • Wheelchair users may not be able to enter the free-roaming area, so checking in advance is recommended


Summary

Miyagi Zao Fox Village is a special spot where you can observe foxes up close and enjoy seeing them live in a near-natural environment.

From winter’s fluffy foxes to feeding experiences and holding events, it’s a must for fox fans!

Enjoy a healing trip surrounded by adorable foxes at Miyagi Zao Fox Village.

Frequently Asked Questions

A. Miyagi Zao Fox Village is a facility where you can observe foxes up close, and their relaxed, roaming behavior is a big draw. Right after entry, crowds can concentrate, so doing a quick outer loop first to find a quieter spot before you start shooting helps you enjoy it at a calmer pace.
A. Admission is 1,500 yen for adults (junior high and older), and elementary-school-age and younger children are free. Hours are 9:00–16:30 in summer and 9:00–16:00 in winter (last entry is 30 minutes before closing), so afternoons can feel rushed and entering in the morning is often safer.
A. From Shiroishi-Zao Station, you can take the Miyakoh Bus; it’s about 30 minutes as a rough guide, and you get off at “Kitsune-mura.” Service can be limited on some days, so check schedules including the return bus, and if you get motion-sick easily, choosing a forward seat can feel better.
A. The regular closing day is Wednesday, though it may open during periods like Obon or Golden Week. If you’re coming from far away, special openings sometimes happen around consecutive holidays, so avoid building a plan around only one fixed weekday and keep a buffer day to reduce risk.
A. Hands-on experiences can change depending on the animals’ condition that day, so following staff instructions is the basic. Foxes can jump if startled, so not running, not crouching, and not suddenly reaching out helps prevent trouble.
A. In winter, footing can be slippery, so waterproof shoes and thick socks are reassuring. Gloves also help prevent dropping your phone and reduce failed shots. Since you may wait outdoors at times, an outer layer that covers up to your neck can make a big difference in felt warmth.
A. On-site signage is the top priority, so check at the entrance. For better photos, natural light outdoors usually works better than shooting through glass, and using burst mode to catch the moment when ears perk up can bring out expressions. Flash can startle them, so it’s generally safer to avoid it.
A. Nearby options include Togatta Onsen, and a common flow is fox village → onsen. Adding a hot spring after the animal facility helps warm up your hands and clothes, and can make late-day travel feel easier. If you have time, combining it with Zao’s scenic spots can increase overall satisfaction.

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