A Tokyo Day Trip to Zao Fox Village: A Hidden Gem Adventure 🦊✨

#tokyostroll

For animal lovers and adventure seekers, a day trip from Tokyo to Zao Fox Village is a dream come true! Located in the mountains of Miyagi Prefecture, this one-of-a-kind sanctuary is home to over 100 free-roaming foxes, offering a rare chance to see these beautiful creatures up close. But the journey is just as exciting as the destination—here are the hidden gems and unique experiences to look out for along the way!

🦊 Highlights of Zao Fox Village

🔹 Meet Rare Foxes – Spot different fox species, including the rare silver and black foxes, in a semi-wild habitat.
🔹 Fox Feeding Experience – Buy specially prepared food and safely feed the foxes from a designated platform.
🔹 Fox Shrine & Lucky Charms – Visit the on-site shrine dedicated to Inari, the fox deity, and grab a unique fox-themed omamori (charm) for good luck!
🔹 Adopt a Fox – Symbolically adopt a fox and support conservation efforts.

🚂 Hidden Gems Along the Way

🛤 Shiroishi Castle – A historic samurai castle just 10 minutes from Shiroishi Station, offering stunning views and a deep dive into Japan’s warrior past.
🌿 Zao Onsen – If you have extra time, stop by this hidden hot spring town known for its milky-white sulfuric waters—perfect for a relaxing soak!
⛩ Okama Crater Lake – A breathtaking emerald-green crater lake in Zao that looks like something from another world. Best visited in warmer months!

💡 Travel & Insider Tips

✅ How to Get There – Take the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Shiroishi-Zao Station (~2 hrs), then a short taxi ride to the village.
✅ Best Time to Visit – Winter is magical with snow-covered foxes, but spring and autumn offer lush scenery.
✅ Don’t Touch the Foxes – They may be cute, but they’re still wild animals, so enjoy from a safe distance!
✅ Dress for the Mountains – Zao’s weather is cooler than Tokyo, so bring layers.
✅ Cash Only – Fox Village doesn’t accept cards, so bring cash for entry and fox snacks.

This is more than just a fox sanctuary—it’s a journey through hidden gems, history, and nature, making for an unforgettable Tokyo day trip! 🦊✨