Zao Kitsune Mura – The Unique Fox Village in Miyagi, Japan
My journey through Miyagi Prefecture just keeps getting more and more exciting. After leaving the capital city of Sendai, I headed toward Zao Town—still in Miyagi but blessed with natural wonders like the famous “snow monsters” in winter. In this article, let’s explore the one-of-a-kind Zao Kitsune Mura (Zao Fox Village) to see what makes it so special.
Zao Fox Village – Where Foxes Roam Free
Nestled in the mountains of Shiroishi, Zao Fox Village is home to over 100 foxes of six different species, all living freely in a semi-wild environment. In Japanese, “Kitsune” means fox—and they play a huge role in local folklore. Many international visitors simply know this place as Zao Fox Village.
So why are foxes so special in Japan? Well, according to Japanese beliefs, foxes symbolize cleverness, agility, and wisdom. In Shinto mythology, foxes are messengers of the deity Inari Ōkami—one of the most important kami in the religion. It’s something I’d love to learn more about because being in Japan makes me curious and fascinated by Shinto culture.
How to Get to Zao Fox Village
If you’re departing from Sendai, there are two main routes:
- Fastest option: Take the Shinkansen Yamabiko to Shiroishizao Station, then grab a taxi (around 15 minutes) to Zao Fox Village. Total travel time: around 30 minutes.
- Cheaper but slower: Take the JR Tohoku or Sendai-City-Rabbit line to Shiroishi (Miyagi), then take a taxi to the village. This takes over an hour in total.
Important Things to Know Before Visiting
The foxes here aren’t in cages—they live in an open forest-like area. So before entering, staff will give you lots of safety instructions. Here are a few key tips:
- Don’t make loud noises—they could startle the foxes and provoke them.
- Don’t carry loose items like water bottles or snacks—foxes might mistake them for food and try to bite.
- Watch your clothing—foxes tend to bite at dangling items like long coat flaps.
- Never squat down. Your bottom could become a target for a curious fox (no joke!).
- Don’t hand-feed the foxes—they are not fully domesticated and could bite.
- If a fox approaches you, don’t freeze—stomp your feet firmly and back away slowly to discourage it.
The staff are not responsible for any damage to your belongings or injuries caused by foxes. Most bites aren’t serious, but better safe than sorry.
Extra Experiences at Zao Fox Village
In addition to the entrance fee, you can pay 300 yen for a photo session with a tamed fox in a controlled environment—perfect for cute, up-close shots. This is safer and more comfortable than trying to snap photos inside the open enclosure.
There’s also a souvenir shop selling adorable fox-themed goodies. It’s a great place to find unique gifts you won’t see anywhere else during your Japan trip.
Final Thoughts
Zao Kitsune Mura offers a magical glimpse into a lesser-known side of Japan—where nature, mythology, and animals come together in a serene mountain village. If you ever find yourself in Miyagi, this is one destination you won’t want to miss.