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
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
