Photo by Brian Takahashi

Photo by Natasha Fox

Photo by Roger Smith

  • In the mountains of Zao sits a small fox reserve. Established to study a parasite that affects canines in Siberia and East Asia, Zao Fox Village has become a popular sightseeing destination, drawing fox fans from all over the world. Its highlight is the main enclosure that guests can enter and freely walk around, observing the foxes up close. The reserve is home to more than a hundred foxes, plus rabbits and goats.

    There is a designated petting area where adults can pet certain docile foxes with help from attendants. Fox petters will be loaned a special jacket that dampens the scent given off by the foxes and protects clothing. Inside the main enclosure, there is also an elevated feeding area where you can toss treats down to the foxes. Be careful though, as they will fight over treats. As foxes are wild animals, unsupervised petting, hand feeding, and approaching foxes too closely is not recommended. Information on how to get to Zao Fox Village can be found on the website link below.

    Local Voice

    While Zao Fox Village has a large open area for you to be with the adult foxes, don’t forget that they have another area where you can hold more docile foxes as well!

  • Last Update
    December 1, 2022

    Area Mt. Zao

Details

ADDRESS

11-3 Kawarago, Fukuokayatsumiya Shiroishi City, Miyagi Prefecture

ACCESS BY PUBLIC TRANSIT

By taxi: About 25 minutes from Shiroishi Station (Tohoku Line) or Shiroishi-Zao Station (Tohoku Shinkansen)

By Castle Kun Bus: Board at Shiroishi Station. Bus runs Tuesdays & Fridays only.

ADMISSION

¥1,000 adults, children 12 & under free

CREDIT CARDS

Not accepted

LANGUAGES

Limited English

HANDICAP ACCESSIBLE

No

HOURS

Mid-March~November:9:00~16:30*. December~Early March:9:00~16:00*. Last admission is 30 minutes before closing.

CLOSED DAYS

Wednesdays (except national holidays). Open every day in February & August.

PHONE

0224-24-8812

OFFICIAL URL

http://zao-fox-village.com/en