Miyagi Prefecture: Zao Fox Village in Shiroishi

The Zao Fox Village is Japan’s largest zoo specific for different types of foxes. It is located in the mountains near Shiroishi, Miyagi, Japan. Fox is not a common wild animal here in our country (Philippines) and I personally would like to see one someday. When we found out that Japan has a themed-fox kind of zoo, we made sure that it is part of our Japan 2017 Tripventures.

Visiting the place gave me mixed emotions. I was happy and excited because I finally got the chance to personally see and touch a fox, it was indeed a unique and memorable experience. However, as a dog lover, it was a heart-breaking experience as well because some of the foxes are inside a cage and some are chained. I am not sure if they are placed in there for a purpose, it could be either they are sick and need medical attention or something else. But I am confident that Japan is doing its best to take care of these foxes. 

We took a taxi to reach the Zao Fox Village from Shiroishi-Zao Station. 
Here's a short clip while we were on our way to Zao Fox Village and an answer to the song 'What does the fox say?':


Yes, it was a bit of a long ride (around 30 minutes to reach the place) and it costed us around 5000 Yen (one way trip).

It was autumn season but we were surprised by snow when reached the place. 
As what the song 'What does the fox say?' said,  ♫ your fur is red so beautiful like an angel in disguise ♫, red orange foxes are indeed beautiful.

There are Gray and White foxes as well aside from the known Red foxes. 

If you have visited the Fushimi Inari Shrine, you will notice fox statues from the shrine's entrance. It was once said that Inari, the Shinto god of rice, use foxes as messengers. The Zao Fox Village has a tiny Torii Gate with two fox statues. This can be located at the north-east side of the village. 

The village has over 100 animals with 6 different types of foxes that freely roam the area. You can buy a treat for 100 yen to feed the foxes. But, you might not enjoy it because foxes will start to fight each other just to get a treat.
Sharing you our experience and close encounter with the foxes in Zao Fox Village. Feels like you are the king of the foxes or a fox whisperer. :))
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