Japan's Snow Fox Village!! Enter a world inhabited by 100 fluffy foxes🦊

@Japan Animal Travels

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A winter journey to Miyagi Prefecture to meet 100 fluffy foxes at Zao Fox Village, stay in a fox-themed room, and experience the magical snowy town of Ginzan Onsen.

1 plan · 11 places · 4 experiences

Plan · 7 places · Tohoku, Japan

Winter Fox Village & Ginzan Onsen Adventure

“This trip took me from Tokyo to Miyagi and Yamagata, experiencing the fluffy foxes, a fox-themed hotel, and the magical Ginzan Onsen in winter. I chose a cheaper, longer bus route to save money, but the 6-hour ride was tiring.”

1
Haneda Airport
International airport · Ota City
4.4 (41,321)
Creator's voice
One of Tokyo's major international airports, serving as a hub for domestic and international flights. The creator chose to take a 6-hour overnight bus from here to Sendai to save on transportation costs, despite the long journey.
Haneda Airport (HND), Hanedakuko, Ota City, Tokyo 144-0041, Japan
2
Sendai Station
Transit station · Sendai
4.2 (4,885)
Creator's voice
The main transportation hub in Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture. It's a major stop for the Shinkansen and various bus lines, connecting to different parts of the Tohoku region. The creator arrived here by overnight bus from Haneda and later departed for Ginzan Onsen from here.
Sendai Station, 1 Chome-1-1 Central, Aoba Ward, Sendai, Miyagi 980-0021, Japan
3
Shiroishi-Zao Station
Train station · Shiroishi
3.7 (263)
Creator's voice
A Shinkansen station in Shiroishi, Miyagi Prefecture, serving as the closest train station to Zao Fox Village. From here, you can take a local bus directly to the village. The Shinkansen ride from Sendai Station takes about 10 minutes and costs ¥1,650.
Shiroishizao Station, Sakurada-11-1 Otakasawamisawa, Shiroishi, Miyagi 989-0213, Japan
4
Zao Fox Village
Zoo · Shiroishi
3.8 (3)Closed · opens tomorrow 9 AM
Creator's voice
A unique animal sanctuary in Zao, Miyagi Prefecture, home to about 100 free-roaming foxes of various types, including silver and platinum foxes. It's open all year from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but winter (November to March, especially December to February) is recommended for seeing the foxes with their extra fluffy coats against the snow. Entry costs ¥1,500. The creator recommends allowing at least 2 hours for a visit, but notes the last bus leaves at 3 p.m.
Japan, 〒989-0733 Miyagi, Shiroishi, Zaō Fox Village, 福岡八宮川原子１１−３
- Free-roaming foxes — About 100 foxes of various types, including black-furred silver foxes and white platinum foxes, roam freely in a large, cage-free environment. They are not wild, having been born and raised by humans, making them less wary of people. While adorable, touching them is not allowed as they might bite, and they often engage in territorial disputes. Their coats become extra fluffy in winter, making it a prime time to visit.
- Fox Village Shrine — A small, lovely shrine located within the Fox Village, accessible via a beautiful torii gate. Foxes are considered messengers of the gods in Japan, making this a unique and sacred spot where a fox might even be found resting on the shrine.
- Rabbits — Adorable rabbits are also housed at Fox Village. While interaction isn't always possible, on some days you can feed or play with them. They get very excited during feeding time, typically eating hay and pellets.
- Goats — Chunky and charming goats with impressive beards are also part of the animal collection at Fox Village.
Experience here
Feeding the foxes at Zao Fox Village
Head to the designated feeding area where you can purchase special treats for 200 yen. When the staff make a sound, the foxes come running, creating a lively 'fox party.' Throw the treats one at a time to start, then try throwing a bunch at once for a fun finale. It's an incredibly fun experience, and the foxes' soulful eyes are impossible to resist. I could have stayed forever, forgetting how cold it was!
Fox feeding experience · ¥200 — Purchase special treats for ¥200 and throw them to the free-roaming foxes in a designated area. The staff will signal when it's time, and the foxes will gather, creating an exciting and interactive experience. This experience is usually on weekends and holidays, but may be held on weekdays if there are enough visitors.
Experience here
Cuddling an arctic fox at Zao Fox Village
Participate in the fox cuddling experience, available twice a day at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. for ¥1,000 (cash only). You can't choose which fox you get to hold, but I got to hold a super cute brown fox! Video isn't allowed, but photos are. It's a truly fun and fluffy experience, and if you're lucky, you might even get to hold Hanako, an arctic fox.
Fox cuddling experience · ¥1000 — A special experience where you can hold a fox, available twice daily at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. for ¥1,000 (cash only). You cannot choose the fox, but it's a chance to get up close with these fluffy animals. Video recording is not permitted, but photos are. In May and June, a baby fox cuddling experience is also available.
5
Aone Onsen Ryusen
Japanese inn · Kawasaki
4.4 (376)
Creator's voice
A wonderful hotel in Miyagi Prefecture, known for its special fox-themed rooms and excellent hot springs. Stays start from ¥18,760 per person, including dinner and breakfast. The hotel offers a pick-up service from Togatta Onsen bus stop.
Japan, 〒989-0908 Miyagi, Shibata District, Kawasaki, Aoneonsen, １−1 青根温泉湯元不忘閣
- Fox Room 301 · ¥18760~ — A super cute fox-themed room that makes you feel like you've stepped into a world of nature. It features two beds, one with a big fox and one with a small fox, and comes with a fox costume set for photos. The room also includes a sweet mochi gift, a big TV, and udon cup noodles. It doesn't have a private bath, but guests can use the hotel's hot springs.
- Fox costume set — A fun costume set available in Fox Room 301, allowing guests to fully transform into a fox for unique photo opportunities.
- Fox Room 208 · ¥18760~ — Another fox-themed room at the hotel, offering a more elegant vibe than Room 301. It includes a dining table, cute slippers, and a nice view of the snowy landscape. This room is also fully equipped, providing a comfortable and stylish stay.
- Premium meat hot pot & seasonal Japanese cuisine — Dinner at the hotel features a premium meat hot pot, complemented by seasonal Japanese cuisine that changes throughout the year, offering a fresh and varied dining experience.
Experience here
Soaking in the hot springs at Aone Onsen Ryusen
The hotel boasts three amazing hot springs, including a beautiful open-air bath with an incredible atmosphere. I had a lovely time soaking in them. There's also a private outdoor bath, currently available to all hotel guests. Even if you're not staying overnight, you can use the bath from 11 AM to 2:30 PM for ¥1,000. I had it all to myself before check-in, which was amazing!
Open-air bath — One of the hotel's three hot springs, offering an amazing atmosphere for relaxation. It's a beautiful outdoor bath where you can enjoy the natural surroundings.
Private outdoor bath — A private open-air bath available to all hotel guests. It provides a more secluded and intimate hot spring experience.
6
Tendo Station
Train station · Tendō
3.7 (250)
Creator's voice
A train station in Tendo, Yamagata Prefecture, serving as the starting point for the Ginzan Onsen night tour. The creator noted the train was frozen but still ran without issues.
Tendō Station, 1-chome-1-1 Honcho, Tendō, Yamagata 994-0034, Japan
Experience · 1 place
Experiencing the magical night view of Ginzan Onsen
Join a night tour (¥8,000) to experience Ginzan Onsen's magical atmosphere. The historic inns, lit by gas lamps, create a breathtaking scene, especially with the snow. It's been on my bucket list for ages, and it's totally worth it just to see this view. The tour gives you about an hour to explore, which is enough for a day trip. I found a tofu shop that was open and enjoyed some hot, soul-warming tofu for ¥250.
- Hot tofu · ¥250 — A hot, gentle-flavored tofu dish, a blessing in the cold snowy weather of Ginzan Onsen. It warms the soul and costs ¥250.
7
Ginzan Onsen
Obanazawa
Creator's voice
A picturesque snowy mountain town in Yamagata Prefecture, famous for its historic inns with 500 years of history lining the streets. At night, the gas lamps create a magical atmosphere, making it a popular bucket-list destination, especially after gaining worldwide attention on YouTube. While reservations for overnight stays are difficult to secure due to its popularity, a day trip is sufficient to enjoy the views. You can also visit hot springs and cafes without staying overnight. The town is said to have inspired the movie Spirited Away.
Ginzan Onsen, Ginzanshinhata, Obanazawa, Yamagata 999-4333, Japan

Also in this video

8
Togatta Onsen Bus Stop
Bus stop · Zaō
4.5
Creator's voice
The bus stop in Togatta Onsen, from which the hotel provides a pick-up service. The bus ride from Sendai Station takes about 40 minutes.
Togatta Onsen, Tōgattaonsen Motomachi, Zaō, Katta District, Miyagi 989-0913, Japan
9
Curie Cafe
Cafe · Obanazawa
4.4 (201)Open · until 6 PM
Creator's voice
A popular cafe in Ginzan Onsen known for its marshmallow cocoa and pudding. The creator noted that most cafes were closed during their visit and that reservations might be required at night.
Sake Sabo Kurie (Sake Teahouse Clie), 410 Ginzanshinhata, Obanazawa, Yamagata 999-4333, Japan
10
Izu no Hana Cafe
Soba noodle shop · Obanazawa
4.2Closed · opens tomorrow 11 AM
Creator's voice
A cafe in Ginzan Onsen popular for its sweets and eggplant soba. The creator expressed a desire to try their sweets.
Izu no Hana, 440 Ginzanshinhata, Obanazawa, Yamagata 999-4333, Japan
11
Soba Restaurant (Tendo Station)
Soba noodle shop · Tendō
4.3 (1,861)Open · until 3:30 PM
Creator's voice
A restaurant near Tendo Station offering handmade soba noodles. The creator enjoyed their No.1 dish, chicken ramen, which featured a perfect match of soy sauce broth and chicken for ¥870.
Ichian, 3-chome-4-50 Hitoichimachi, Tendō, Yamagata 994-0044, Japan
- Chicken ramen · ¥870 — The No.1 dish at the soba restaurant near Tendo Station. It features a delicious soy sauce broth and chicken, creating a perfect match. The creator found it very satisfying after a long day of travel.

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