I’ve always thought foxes are just the cutest of animals. They look like little dogs, they’re fluffy, you can see in their eyes that they’re curious and smart, and as long as you don’t own chickens, they probably don’t cause you much trouble.
And in a world intent on ramping up my anxiety every day, looking at pictures of foxes hanging out together in a little village definitely takes the edge off.
This magical kingdom on earth is called Zao Fox Village, and you can find it in the Miyagi prefecture.
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They charge visitors 100 yen for admission and a small bag of food, though since the foxes are not domesticated pets, you shouldn’t attempt to hand feed them.
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And you know, if your kids aren’t much bigger than chickens, you might want to wait until they are.
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In addition to being seen as tricksters (as they are in the west), Japanese mythology sees them as having mystical powers.
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They might even be messengers of Inari Okami, the Shinto deity of fertility, prosperity, and rice.
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Fox Village is home to many red foxes, who sleep, eat, play, and wander their days away while delighting humans of all ages.
There’s also a rare silver fox or two, if you’ve got a keen eye!
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They’re just so fluffy, you guys. I literally have never had a major desire to visit Japan before now, but I think it needs to go on the list.
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Because of the foxes.
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Here’s a video to whet your whistle.
Let’s all keep our fingers crossed that the Zao Fox Village will join zoos and animal parks all over the world in putting their animals online!
What’s your favorite animal? How far would you go to hang out with them? Tell us in the comments!
