Miyagi Zao Fox Village, Fox sanctuary in Shiroishi, Japan
Miyagi Zao Fox Village is a mountain facility housing over a hundred foxes of different types, including red, arctic, silver, and platinum varieties within a natural forest setting. The animals roam in designated areas where visitors can observe them throughout the day.
The facility opened in 1990 as a place to introduce visitors to fox observation and wildlife study. It has grown to become a recognized destination in Miyagi Prefecture over the following decades.
The site includes an Inari Shrine, showing how foxes hold spiritual meaning in Japanese beliefs as messengers connected to farming and nature's cycles. This sacred dimension is woven throughout the grounds and shapes how visitors experience the place.
Reach the facility by taking the Tohoku Shinkansen to Shiroishi-Zao Station, then a taxi for about 20 minutes through mountain roads. Plan the return journey in advance since public transport options from the station are limited.
Special weekend sessions let visitors interact with young foxes under supervision, offering a rare chance to get close to the animals. These encounters reveal surprising behaviors and personalities that make each fox distinct.
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