Interact with foxes at Zao Fox Village
Sendai, Japan • 
Underrated
Underrated
Best months to visit
Apr, Jul, Aug
6°C – 16°C, mild temperatures with occasional rain, high crowds, peak season
6°C – 16°C, mild temperatures with occasional rain, high crowds, peak season
Walking required
Yes
Not wheelchair accessible; walking and stairs required.
Not wheelchair accessible; walking and stairs required.
Value for money
Medium
Mixed reviews on welfare, but unique experience.
Mixed reviews on welfare, but unique experience.
Highlights we curated for you
See what similar travellers think of this activity
C
Reviews from other travelers
Summarised by AI
Unique Encounter
Couples found the up-close fox interactions incredibly memorable and romantic. A must-do!
Scenic Setting
The mountainous, snowy setting made for stunning photos and a perfect backdrop for couples.
Photo Ops
Visitors loved the chance to capture unique photos together with the beautiful foxes.
Welfare Concerns
Couples were disturbed by reports of overcrowding and potential animal welfare issues.
Strong Odor
Many couples noted a strong smell, which detracted from the overall experience.
Remote Location
The taxi ride from the train station was costly and made the trip less accessible for couples.
How to book
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Hours of operation
Monday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Tuesday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Wednesday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Thursday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Friday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Saturday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Sunday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
In-depth experience
May contain spoilers
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When to visit
We've analysed user reviews and geographical data, and identified the best and worst months to visit.
Month
Crowd Level
Weather
Availability
Our recommendation
December
LOW
-2-4°C
December introduces winter conditions with average highs of 4.3°C and lows dropping to -2.4°C. Snowfall becomes more common, and the region receives about 61 mm of precipitation over 8 days.
December introduces winter conditions with average highs of 4.3°C and lows dropping to -2.4°C. Snowfall becomes more common, and the region receives about 61 mm of precipitation over 8 days.
Closed
Zao Fox Village is typically closed during the winter months, including December.
Zao Fox Village is typically closed during the winter months, including December.
Not recommended
December is not recommended for visiting Zao Fox Village due to its closure during the winter season. The cold temperatures and snow make access challenging.
December is not recommended for visiting Zao Fox Village due to its closure during the winter season. The cold temperatures and snow make access challenging.
January
LOW
-2-5°C
Cold temperatures with occasional snowfall.
Cold temperatures with occasional snowfall.
Open
Shorter operating hours; closes at 4:00 p.m.
Shorter operating hours; closes at 4:00 p.m.
Not recommended
January brings cold temperatures and occasional snowfall to the Zao Fox Village area. The foxes may be less active during this time, and the village operates with shorter hours, closing at 4:00 p.m. Visitors should dress warmly and be prepared for winter conditions.
January brings cold temperatures and occasional snowfall to the Zao Fox Village area. The foxes may be less active during this time, and the village operates with shorter hours, closing at 4:00 p.m. Visitors should dress warmly and be prepared for winter conditions.
February
LOW
-1-6°C
Cold temperatures with occasional snowfall.
Cold temperatures with occasional snowfall.
Open
Shorter operating hours; closes at 4:00 p.m.
Shorter operating hours; closes at 4:00 p.m.
Not recommended
February continues with cold temperatures and occasional snowfall. The foxes may remain less active, and the village maintains shorter operating hours, closing at 4:00 p.m. Warm clothing is essential for visitors.
February continues with cold temperatures and occasional snowfall. The foxes may remain less active, and the village maintains shorter operating hours, closing at 4:00 p.m. Warm clothing is essential for visitors.
March
MEDIUM
1-12°C
Gradually warming temperatures with occasional rain.
Gradually warming temperatures with occasional rain.
Open
Regular operating hours; closes at 5:00 p.m.
Regular operating hours; closes at 5:00 p.m.
Recommended
March sees a gradual warming trend, making it a more comfortable time to visit. The foxes become more active, and the village returns to regular operating hours, closing at 5:00 p.m. Visitors should be prepared for occasional rain.
March sees a gradual warming trend, making it a more comfortable time to visit. The foxes become more active, and the village returns to regular operating hours, closing at 5:00 p.m. Visitors should be prepared for occasional rain.
How to get there
Taxi
Recommended
Taxis are available at Shiroishi-Zao and Shiroishi Stations for a 20-30 minute ride to the village.
Train
Recommended
Take the JR Tohoku Line train to JR Shiroishi Station or the Tohoku Shinkansen to JR Shiroishi-Zao Station.
Bus
Take a bus from JR Shiroishi-Zao Station to Zao Fox Village. Check the latest schedule as services are limited.
Car
Drive to Zao Fox Village via mountain roads. Parking is available at the village.
Shuttle
Shuttle services may be available from Shiroishi-Zao and Shiroishi Stations; confirm the schedule and availability.
Additional info
Here's what you need to know about this experience
Mobility
Wheelchair Accessible
Walking Required
Stairs Present
Seating Available
Flat Terrain
Hiking Required
Elevator Available
Mobility Scooter Friendly
Ramps Available
Pregnancy
Not suitable for pregnancy
Allowed during pregnancy
Pets
Pets not allowed
Driving
Driving License Required
Idp Required