Here’s what it’s like to visit Fox Village in the snow, when the foxes are at their fattest & fluffiest!
I have to confess, when it comes to which animals would get to sit in business class in my ark, it’s all about the tails. Foxes, of course, have the most magnificent fruffy tails in all of the animal kingdom, and here’s a view from up top of the feeding island at Fox Village to prove it. TAILS. (And as you can see, the number of foxlings at Fox Village does not disappoint!)
So, what does the fox say? Isn’t it the most surprising sound ever? They look sort of like dogs, move sort of like cats, but they eerily cry like babies. Here’s a view from next to the feeding platform. They’re all waiting for the people up above to toss them some fox treats.*
The minute I walked through the gate, foxes were right there. Like, trotting past close enough that they nearly ran over my snow boots. The fox habitat is surprisingly spacious, with little fox huts and a big platform in the middle so you can toss them some snax. As you can see, fox loafs everywhere.
Again, the foxes all looked well cared for, had access to plenty of water around the enclosure, and it wasn’t until after I left and was looking at the videos that I wondered…where is all the poop? Seriously, no poop. Anywhere. Either foxes are more fussy than cats, or the staff does a hella good job of pooper scooping.
*Update: Since the pandemic, visitors are no longer allowed to feed the foxes, but you can still roam around among them throughout the rest of the compound.
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The Last Tea Bowl Thief was chosen as an Editor’s Pick for
Best Mystery, Thriller & Suspense on Amazon
“A fascinating mix of history and mystery.” —Booklist
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Jonelle Patrick writes novels set in Japan, produces the monthly e-magazine Japanagram, and blogs at Only In Japan and The Tokyo Guide I Wish I’d Had
Only In Japan 
One of my cats, Monkey Boy, has strangely under developed vocal cords. He doesn’t purr or meow, just squeaks. Kinda like the foxes but cuter, although he’s not as fluffy as the foxes. Probably will be eventually, though.
Monkey Boy is s squeaker? That’s so endearing! Want to meet them all someday…
Wow I need to see this when I come to Japan this April! Where is this located?
You totally should go! It’s really worth it. I’ve been twice, and might go again myself this spring!
As for location, it’s northeast of Tokyo, a little over two hours by bullet train, near a station called Shiroishizao. Detailed directions for getting there are at the end of the post I wrote after going there for the first time (here’s the link: https://jonellepatrick.me/2015/06/06/zao-fox-village-squeeee-capital-of-the-world/) And if you’re going in April (a great time to be there, I think!) there might even be fox kits (cutest things EVER you will die). If you go, come back and tell me about it or send me a link to your own blog post/photos! ^_^
Thanks for the reply! Ok it’s good to know I can make a day trip out of it since I rented an apartment for two weeks in shinjuku! And I may die of cuteness overload! Also I plan on checking out an owl cafe in Tokyo too! Here is my Instagram which I seem to keep up with the most https://www.instagram.com/blissfullywhimsy/
I also have a wordpress beside the one this account is lincked to called cutenippon but have neglected it so maybe I’ll start that one up again! Also I need to check out your new book since I bought the last three! Looking forward to reading it! One more also, lol, if you have any other places to recommend I would love to know!
Ooo love your Instagram! (And, frankly, I am lusting after those red shoes WANT). I can’t believe you’re going to have an apartment in Shinjuku for two weeks! WIN
And it’s so excellent that you’re planning to go to an owl cafe. Have you been to animalcafes.com? My friend Robb does a pretty good job of reviewing every obscure animal-petting option out there, and includes lots of useful details to help you choose. I’ve only been to a couple of cat cafes (https://jonellepatrick.me/2011/12/26/gateway-to-kitty-nirvana/), a rabbit cafe (https://jonellepatrick.me/2014/04/24/a-rabbit-a-day-at-the-bunny-cafe/) and the hedgehog cafe (https://jonellepatrick.me/2016/10/07/a-prickly-day-at-the-hedgehog-cafe/) but there are all kinds of wild ones out there now!
And if you’d like to check out all the places where I take my friends when they come to Tokyo, I put them up with photos & maps & directions on one of my other sites, The Tokyo Guide I Wish I’d Had (https://jonellepatrick.com/destinations/) If you see anything that looks kind of interesting there, I’d be super happy to give you more details!
Also, I’m actually going to be in Tokyo from Mar 3 – May 18, so if you’re at all interested in grabbing a coffee or doing something fun one day, let me know! I love meeting people who enjoy the books, because that already means we have a ton in common. I don’t know if you speak Japanese or not, but sometimes there are places it’s hard to go unless you’re with someone who does, so hit me up!ヽ(*＾ω＾*)ﾉ
Glad you like my Instagram! I actually glued the red fabric on my old dance shoes for a Halloween ballroom dance party!
I haven’t heard of that site, but look forward to exploring it! And also I’ll check out your other site!
And yes I would love to grab a coffee or something! If you have Line I’m cutenippon or on Facebook messenger I’m 雪タヌキ I know some Japanese and actually going to have my friend in Tokyo tutor me a bit more! Though I would say it’s only enough to just get by for basic things.