1-day tour to Zaō Fox Village + Ginzan Onsen in Miyagi

Must Do Experiences

• Get up close and personal with over a hundred free-roaming red foxes at the Zao Fox Village.

• Wander across the iconic red bridge and capture stunning photos of the Taisho-era wooden ryokans in Ginzan Onsen.

• Indulge in a traditional foot bath or a soothing soak in the healing hot spring waters of the Ginzan Onsen area.

• Savour local Miyagi street food and warm winter treats while exploring the picturesque onsen town.

Hidden Gems

• Visit the small shrine nestled within the Fox Village dedicated to the fox deity, Inari, for a quiet moment of cultural reflection.

• Seek out the hidden public footbaths scattered along the Ginzan riverbank, which are free to use and often less crowded than the main bathhouses.

• Look for the unique fox-themed omamori charms and exclusive local crafts available only at the village gift shop.

What Makes it Special

• Enjoy a pure sightseeing experience with absolutely no shopping stops or hidden fees, backed by our directly operated group tours.

• Benefit from seamless communication and engaging storytelling with our experienced Chinese, English, and Japanese-speaking guides.

• Relax with hassle-free round-trip transportation and pick-up services, eliminating the stress of navigating rural Japanese transit.

Perfect Timing

When to visit for the best experience

The absolute best time to visit is during the winter months from December to February when Ginzan Onsen transforms into a magical, snow-covered landscape illuminated by gas lamps at dusk. For the Fox Village, early morning arrivals offer the best chance to see the foxes active and playful before they nap in the afternoon. Weekdays are highly recommended to avoid the heavy weekend crowds that flock to the narrow onsen streets.

Photography Guide

Capture the perfect shots

• Capture the iconic view of Ginzan Onsen from the red bridge just as the sun sets and the traditional gas lamps flicker on for a truly cinematic shot.

• Use a fast shutter speed and get down to eye level when photographing the foxes to capture their expressive faces and playful movements.

• Respect the no-flash photography rules inside the traditional ryokans and avoid using flash around the foxes to prevent startling them.

Cultural Etiquette

Respect local customs and traditions

When using the public footbaths in Ginzan Onsen, it is customary to wash your feet before soaking and to dry them thoroughly with your own towel before walking away. Tipping is not practiced in Japan, so simply offer a polite thank you to your guide and local vendors. Maintain a quiet and respectful demeanour when walking through the residential areas of the onsen town, especially in the early evening.

Special Events & Experiences

Enhanced experiences and seasonal highlights

• The Ginzan Onsen Snow Festival and winter illuminations light up the town with magical snow sculptures and glowing gas lamps from December through February.

• During the autumn foliage season in late October to November, the mountains surrounding the Fox Village and the onsen town burst into vibrant shades of red and gold.

• Spring brings the beautiful cherry blossom season in April, offering a stunning contrast of pink petals against the historic wooden architecture of the hot spring town.

Important Guidelines & Safety

Essential safety information and guidelines

• Keep your hands in your pockets and avoid holding food or plastic bags while walking through the Fox Village to prevent the foxes from mistaking them for treats.

• Exercise extreme caution when walking on the snowy or icy cobblestone streets of Ginzan Onsen during winter, and consider bringing attachable shoe spikes.

• Stay on the marked paths in the Fox Village and strictly follow the safety briefing provided by the staff to ensure a safe encounter with the wildlife.