Ginzan Onsen and Zao Fox Village Animal Interaction Tour
- Explore the hidden gems of Tohoku with a day trip to Ginzan Onsen and Zao Fox Village
- Experience hugging a little fox, there are also little rabbits and mini ponies in the park, and you can also feed the little animals and have close contact
- Free Ginzan Onsen tickets and free choice of Yamagata specialty lunch
- This tour is provided by Green Car and its experienced Japanese driver.
Sightseeing Tours
| Tour Type | Private tour |
| Transportation method | Transfer from meeting point |
| Departure Time | Standard Departure (8-9 am) |
| Tour types | None |
| Meal arrangement | Arrange yourself |
| Sightseeing type | Natural sights, Theme parks |
| Transport | Charter car |
Product Info
The content of this product is provided by machine translation and may not reflect the actual information, please take this into consideration before booking.
【Fox Village】
The Yamagata Zao Fox Village is an open-air park where over 100 foxes live freely. You can observe their daily lives up close and even cuddle these adorable little creatures. Here, you can encounter eight species of foxes: the common Ezo red fox, the whimsical silver fox, the mysterious Arctic fox, the blue fox, the distinctively patterned cross fox, the marble fox, and the elegant platinum fox and brown platinum fox. Each fox has its own unique personality, so enjoy a close encounter with these adorable little creatures.
※ Wednesdays are closed, please purchase your own tickets. Elementary school students and younger are free. ※ Foxes are very curious, so please be careful not to wear flowing skirts or hanging items from your backpack. ※ Credit cards cannot be used to purchase fox snacks in the Fox Village, so please bring cash.
【Ginzan Onsen】
A quiet and charming hot spring town, a place to slow down and explore and find magic in the small details, a place to check in on your bucket list.
※ Includes Ginzan Onsen ticket, which may be adjusted according to the regulations of Ginzan Onsen
- Itinerary Information -
Departure time: 8:30 AM
Meeting place: JR Yamagata Station West Exit Taxi Stand
Disbanding time: 18:30
Dismissal location: JR Yamagata Station West Exit
- Vehicle Description -
Small car
Number of passengers: 2-3
Luggage: One 28-30 inch suitcase, two 23-25 inch suitcases, or three 20 inch suitcases.
Large models
Number of passengers: 4 to 8
Luggage: You can bring up to eight pieces of 28-30 inch suitcases.
Hug the cute little one, the healing index is bursting
Experience feeding foxes and get up close and personal with the furry little animals
Japanese nostalgia and romance
A collection of souvenirs from all over Yamagata
Important Info
Reminders
In the event of inclement weather such as typhoons or snowstorms, a decision on whether to cancel the tour will be made 3 day(s) before departure (local time 13:00). Notifications will then be sent via email
Please arrive at the designated location 10 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
Please arrive at the meeting point before departure. Late arrival will be considered a cancellation and will incur a cancellation fee.
The itinerary includes Ginzan Onsen entrance fees and does not require a shuttle bus. (Subject to changes based on Ginzan Onsen regulations)
When traffic is affected by weather (strong winds, heavy rain, heavy snow, etc.), adjustments will be made based on actual conditions.
Due to force majeure such as weather, the itinerary will be adjusted accordingly.
Winter is cold, so please prepare cold-proof gear. It is also recommended to wear a coat, scarf, hat, gloves, etc., and waterproof and non-slip shoes.
When the temperature is low, the battery life of mobile phones and cameras will be accelerated, so it is recommended to carry a portable charger.
The license plate number and driver information will be provided at least one day before departure.
Try to avoid eating, drinking, and especially drinking in the car.
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellations 11 day(s) (inclusive) before the selected date are allowed. Unused orders can be canceled for free
- For cancellations made 8 to 10 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 20% will apply
- For cancellations made 2 to 7 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 30% will apply
- For cancellations made 1 to 1 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 40% will apply
- Cancellation is not allowed between 0–0 days from the selected date. Orders cannot be canceled or modified, and refunds will not be granted.
- Due to time zone differences, the confirmed cancellation date is based on the supplier’s local time. Please allow 2–5 business days to process your cancellation request, after which the cancellation fee will be charged according to the product’s cancellation policy. Once the cancellation is confirmed, you will receive your refund within 14 working days.
FAQ
Yes, Ginzan Onsen offers a unique and enchanting experience. Its beautifully preserved Taisho-era wooden inns lining the Ginzan River, especially illuminated at night, create a nostalgic atmosphere often compared to scenes from Studio Ghibli films. It's a perfect destination for those seeking a tranquil retreat and a glimpse into traditional Japan, offering soothing onsen baths and scenic winter landscapes.
Ginzan Onsen is distinguished by its charming early 20th-century architecture and gas lamps, evoking a classic, nostalgic Japan. The town is pedestrian-friendly, allowing visitors to stroll along the river, enjoy traditional footbaths, and admire the cascading Shiragane-no-taki waterfall. Its remote mountain setting enhances the tranquil, time-slowing experience, making it distinct from more modern hot spring towns.
To fully immerse yourself in Ginzan Onsen's atmosphere, a visit of 2-3 hours is generally recommended. This allows enough time to stroll through the main street, enjoy the views, take photos, visit a public footbath, and perhaps enjoy a snack. For a more relaxed experience, staying overnight in one of the traditional ryokans offers the magic of the evening illuminations.
Visitors are encouraged to respect the peaceful ambiance of Ginzan Onsen. While strolling, keep noise levels down, especially in the evenings. Many areas are pedestrian-only, so vehicles are restricted. When using public footbaths, ensure proper hygiene. Also, be mindful of local customs, such as removing shoes before entering certain establishments, to maintain cultural respect.
Ginzan Onsen is primarily accessed by bus from Oishida Station, which is a Shinkansen stop. From Tokyo, take the Yamagata Shinkansen to Oishida Station. From there, a local bus service directly connects to Ginzan Onsen, taking approximately 35 minutes. Alternatively, arranging private transportation offers a convenient, hassle-free journey directly to the ryokan or town entrance.
The best way to visit Zao Fox Village is by arranging transportation, as it is located in a rural area. Upon arrival, you'll enter an open-range area where various fox species roam freely. Visitors can also observe rabbits and ponies. Interaction rules are strictly enforced for animal welfare and visitor safety. Feeding is permitted only with designated food purchased on-site, allowing for safe engagement.
Entry to Zao Fox Village provides access to the main sanctuary area where numerous foxes, including rare species, roam freely. It typically includes access to other sections featuring rabbits, goats, and miniature ponies, allowing for diverse animal viewing. For convenience, you can book packages through KKday that bundle transportation and admission, ensuring a seamless visit and a driver who handles the route without any hassle.
At Zao Fox Village, visitors must follow strict guidelines to ensure safety. Do not pet or attempt to pick up the foxes, as they are wild animals. Maintain a safe distance and avoid sudden movements. Feeding is only allowed in designated areas using food purchased at the village. Always supervise children closely. Following these rules ensures a safe and enjoyable experience for both visitors and animals.
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