WINTER AT MIYAGI ZAO FOX VILLAGE OF JAPAN

ONE WINTER AT MIYAGI ZAO FOX VILLAGE OF JAPAN

It is really true that it is better to have the least or no expectations at all when visiting a new destination, for the element of surprise to be felt real.  Contrary to our previous travels where everything is planned and well-researched, our traveler selves have likewise evolved, disregarding pre-planning and resorting to on-the-spot checking of itineraries.

My travel buddy is fond of animals.  And browsing through the net, the idea of a fox village came out.  Are you serious? I so said to myself. I always had the impression that foxes prey upon and attack humans.  But the fox village of Japan appeared to be in complete contrast to my notions.  

The red foxes of Miyagi Zao Fox Village have well adapted to the human environment.  There are stains of blood on some portions covered by snow but this is due to their playful nature and not anything morbid and violent.

HOW TO GET THERE

ONE WINTER AT MIYAGI ZAO FOX VILLAGE OF JAPAN

Obtaining the JR Pass was the best choice for this Japan trip, which is the most economical and convenient way to travel outside of Tokyo.  Without the JR Pass, the Shinkansen costs a lot.  From Tokyo, the Miyagi Zao Fox Village can be done on a day trip.

ONE WINTER AT MIYAGI ZAO FOX VILLAGE OF JAPAN

1.  From Tokyo, take the Shinkansen to Shiroishizao Station
2.  Once you arrive at the Shiroishizao Station, walk through the exit of the Shinkansen gates and there is a small JR Tourism Office, where queue for a taxi is located

ONE WINTER AT MIYAGI ZAO FOX VILLAGE OF JAPAN

ONE WINTER AT MIYAGI ZAO FOX VILLAGE OF JAPAN

3.  The best way to reach the Miyagi Zao Fox Village is through a taxi.  The actual cab ride from Shiroishizao to the Miyagi Zao Fox Village is about 20 minutes and costs an estimated 4000 yen per way

THE FOX VILLAGE

Winter is the best time to visit the Miyagi Zao Fox Village.  The scenic route and the village itself is picturesque with foxes at each corner of the village.  Admission fee is 1000 yen and food bags cost 100 yen.

ONE WINTER AT MIYAGI ZAO FOX VILLAGE OF JAPAN

ONE WINTER AT MIYAGI ZAO FOX VILLAGE OF JAPAN

The fenced gate made me feel like we were about to enter a danger zone and there’s no turning back.  A portion was a bit slippery and there appears no guide as we enter.  We just followed the pathway leading to a small hut where feeding was made. 

ONE WINTER AT MIYAGI ZAO FOX VILLAGE OF JAPAN

ONE WINTER AT MIYAGI ZAO FOX VILLAGE OF JAPAN

Before we reached the enclosed area, there is a sanctuary and a “clinic” where young foxes are taken cared of before they mingle with the mature ones.  The land area is vast that it looks like we have entered into a wild forest.  

One should be vigilant and cautious at all times, as there is minimal supervision while in the village and the foxes roam freely in number.

ONE WINTER AT MIYAGI ZAO FOX VILLAGE OF JAPAN

ONE WINTER AT MIYAGI ZAO FOX VILLAGE OF JAPAN

ONE WINTER AT MIYAGI ZAO FOX VILLAGE OF JAPAN

While the foxes are adorable and cute, and can be mistaken as stuffed toys, be reminded that they are still wild animals.  Do not touch them.  They are always hungry so be cautious of the things you bring as they might be mistaken for food and a number of foxes might follow and scamper upon you.


ONE WINTER AT MIYAGI ZAO FOX VILLAGE OF JAPAN

ONE WINTER AT MIYAGI ZAO FOX VILLAGE OF JAPAN

They say there are six breeds of foxes in the village. I honestly won’t be able to distinguish one from another.  But one thing is certain, they are all cute and adorable.  Visitors can even have the opportunity to cuddle a sleeping fox at a certain area, which comes with a minimal fee as well (400 yen).  Getting close to a fox is a risk and it is always better to seek the assistance of a friendly staff, if one cannot resist the urge to.

ONE WINTER AT MIYAGI ZAO FOX VILLAGE OF JAPAN

There are restaurants and souvenir shops in the village.  

Dedicating one full day at Miyagi Zao Fox Village is indeed highly recommended, if you had enough of the Tokyo metropolitan tourist landmarks.

ONE WINTER AT MIYAGI ZAO FOX VILLAGE OF JAPAN

ONE WINTER AT MIYAGI ZAO FOX VILLAGE OF JAPAN

You May Also Like

0 comments