Top 3 Tohoku Spots for Animal-Loving Families

 

 

 

Located on the northern side of Honshu, the Tohoku region is famous for its hot spring areas and heritage sites. Apart from that, there are also lots of zoos and animal attractions that families traveling with kids will love. 

 

Ahead, we introduce the top three family attractions that’ll surely make your Tohoku trip memorable for you and your little ones. 

 

※ Entrance fees differ depending on the grade level of the child. In Japan, elementary school students are approximately 6 to 12 years old, junior high school students are 12 to 15 years old, high school students are 15 to 18 years old, and university students are 18 to 22 years old.

 

 

 

1) Foxes at Miyagi Zao Fox Village

 

Located on the border of Miyagi and Yamagata prefectures is Zao, which is famous for its hot springs and huge rime ice. The latter happens when supercooled water droplets freeze on contact with a surface, creating rime. Trees with rime are nicknamed winter ice monsters. 

 

Recently, another spot in Zao has attracted public attention: the Miyagi Zao Fox Village.

 

The Miyagi Zao Fox Village has more than 100 foxes in its property―from the Ezo red fox to the silver fox and arctic fox. Take a short stroll around the village, and you’ll find foxes peeking from behind trees, or even pulling your clothes to invite you to play. They delight adults and children alike!
 

 

If you visit in winter, you can also see the lovely sight of them walking through the snowy landscape or curling into a ball to keep warm. In addition to the foxes, there are also rabbits, goats, ponies, and other animals that you can interact with. 

 

Facility Information

Name: Miyagi Zao Fox Village Location: 11-3 Kawarago, Fukuokayatsumiya, Shiroishi, Miyagi Operating hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.（Last admission 4:30 p.m.） ※ The facility is closed every Wednesday. Admission fee:  ¥1,000~/adult (junior high school and above);  free for kids aged 12 and under  ※ A child under primary school age (12 years and under) must be accompanied by at least 1 adult. ※2 adults with 3 children cannot enter. Access: Go from Tokyo Station to Shiroishi Zao Station by bullet train. It takes about 20 minutes by taxi from the station to Fox Village. Website: Miyagi Zao Fox Village (Japanese)

 

2)  Kandachime horses at Shiriyazaki

 

 

The Shimokita Peninsula in Aomori Prefecture is famous for its magnificent natural environment. Amid the lush landscape, you’ll find horses called Kandachime grazing at Shiriyazaki in the northeastern area of the peninsula. 

 

Unlike most horses, Kandachime horses are thick yet short. This solid and sturdy build allows them to withstand even the harshest of winters. 

 

 

In the far reaches of Honshu, where the conditions are extremely cold, they have supported the lives of people as farm horses for many years. However, at one point, the total number of Kandachime horses in the village dwindled to nine, and they were in great danger of extinction. Now protected as a Prefectural Natural Treasure of Aomori, their numbers have increased to 25.

 

Facility Information

Name: Shiriyazaki Location: Shiriya, Higashidori-mura, Shimokita-gun, Aomori Operating hours: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. (April 1-30） 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. (May 1-November 30） 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. (May 1-November 30） ※ Shiriyazaki is closed from December 1- March 31 Admission fee:  Free Access: Go from Aomori Station to Mutsu Bus Terminal, and then get on the Shimokita Kotsu Bus Shiriya Line. Get on the bus for about 1 hour and get off at Shiriyazaki. ※ Bus service period：May 1- October 31  Website: Shiriyazaki (English)

 

3) Wildlife at Tohoku Safari Park

 

 

The Tohoku Safari Park in Fukushima Prefecture features around 140 species and 900 animals in an area of approximately 300,000 square meters. When you visit with your family, check out the free-roaming area where you can get a close-up view of  animals living in a wild environment.

 

It’s a thrilling experience passing by carnivorous animals such as white lions and Bengal tigers in the safety of your vehicle. Interacting with animals is also possible, and you can feed herbivores such as zebras, giraffes, and African elephants.
 

 

Tohoku Safari Park also has entertaining shows. Visit the Tohoku Monkey Theater, where your kids can enjoy the comical performances of monkeys, and the Sea Lion Show that allows you to have your picture taken with the friendly creature. If you’ve never seen a lemur before, head over to Fureai Square to feed the ring-tailed mammals.

 

Facility Information

Name: Tohoku Safari Park  Location: 1 Sawamatsukura, Nihonmatsu, Fukushima Operating hours: [Weekdays] 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (Last admission 3:30 p.m.） [Weekends & Public Holidays] 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. (Last admission 4 pm.） 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (1st May to 30th November） Admission fee:  ¥2,900~/adult, ¥1,800~/child (free for kids above 3 years old and under primary school age), ¥2,100~/senior (65 years old and above) Prices are subject to change.  ※ Cars can be requested on the day of use (no reservations allowed). ※ Remember to bring an ID that certifies your age. Access: After getting off at Nihonmatsu Station on the JR Tohoku Main Line, take the Fukushima Kotsu Bus to Safari Park Mae. The safari park is right by the bus stop on foot. Website: Tohoku Safari Park (Japanese)

 

Click here for more information on the facilities mentioned in this article.

 

JNTO
https://www.japan.travel/en/destinations/tohoku/

Tohoku Tourism Promotion Organization
https://www.tohokukanko.jp/en/index.html

Miyagi Zao Fox Villageｓ
http://zao-fox-village.com/en
https://www.japan.travel/en/spot/1773/

Kandachime at Shiriyazaki
https://www.en-aomori.com/?s=Shiriyazaki&x=0&y=0
Tohoku Safari Park
http://tohoku-safaripark.co.jp/