With the JR EAST PASS, exploring eastern Japan by Shinkansen is now easier and more affordable. Our travel writer finds out how
Dashing through the snow, we rode through the magical landscape of eastern Japan. Only two hours away from sunny Tokyo, winter had already made a dramatic entrance in Tohoku, providing an entirely different view of the country. Snow-capped mountains rose in the distance, framed by pine trees, fields and homes donning pure-white coats.
This beautiful region of Japan has now opened up thanks to the JR EAST PASS (Tohoku Area) by the East Japan Railway Company, which covers the area of Tokyo all the way to Shin-Aomori on the edge of Hokkaido. Here are seven treasures we uncovered in the reaches of Tohoku.
7. Miyagi Zao Fox Village
Station: Shiroishizao
It sounds too good to be true, but it’s definitely real. The Miyagi Zao Fox Village is home to oodles of foxes that are free to roam around, and you are free to roam with them too. We walked through the pathways lined with the sleeping creatures, curled up in the cold and ready to turn in for the day.
In a rare moment, we would find a lone fox wandering through the trees, chasing its tail or stretching its legs before settling back in for a nap. As you stop to snap photos of these darlings, remember that they are wild creatures and have a reputation for being wily for a reason.
Watch out for your bag and any loose items, which can get nipped while you’re distracted by one laying out in the middle of the path. (We’re speaking from experience.)
Miyagi Zao Fox Village, 989-0733 11-3 Fukuokayatsumiya Aza Kawarago, Shiroishi City, Miyagi Prefecture, Japan.
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