Getting to Zao Fox Village
To get to Zao Fox Village there are two stations within Shiroshi town where you can get on the bus to go to Zao Fox Village, Shiroshi-Zao Station and Shiroshi Station. If you are coming from Tokyo you will end up at Shiroshi-Zao station and if you come from Sendai you will end up at Shiroshi Station.
The bus starting stop is Shiroshi-Zao station I would recommend waiting in line there for the bus. If you arrive at Shiroshi Station. It’ll be about a 20-minute walk to Shiroshi-Zao station. You may be able to catch a taxi there it’ll take around 6-8 minutes and cost around ¥1000.
When we went on a Wednesday, December 29th 2024 the bus was already full by the time it got the the second station (Shiroshi Station) and wouldn’t allow anyone on.
There are only two buses a day 10:14 am and 1:04 pm get to the bus stop at least 30-20 minutes before departure, especially during high season. This is what it looked like 20 minutes before departure and we are near the front of the line. The bus costs ¥1000 per person and you pay when you get on board and its CASH ONLY.
Zao Fox village bus line from Shioshi station 20mins before bus arrival
Leaving the Zao Fox village
You can either catch the bus (2 per day) at 12:10 pm or 3 pm same price as going up to the village by bus. Again get to the stop 20-30 minutes before departure as there will be a lot of people waiting during peak seasons and you'll have to fight to get on the bus. The bus also arrived around 10 minutes early on our return trip. You can also ask the payment desk at Zao Fox Village to order you a taxi. Though when we went the wait for the taxi was one and a half hours but there is a waiting spot inside while you wait for your taxi.
Left Busses from Shiroshi-zao Station to Zao Fox Village /// Right Busses from Zao Fox Village to Shiroshi-Zao Station
Alternatively, you can catch a taxi to the Zao Fox Village. There are sometimes taxis outside the station or if you stay a hotel in (fox village town name) get your hotel to call a taxi for you. Though the wait for one after calling can be up to 30 minutes or more. The taxi will take around (put in time) and will cost around ¥5000.
Personally, I stayed in Shiroshi the night before in town and after the fox village went to Shiroshi castle afterwards. I stayed in the Pacific Hotel Shiroishi and can recommend it.
TLDR:
Get on the bus at Shiroshi-Zao Station, Go early 20-30 minutes early due to the lines, Bus costs ¥1000pp (cash only) and takes 36 minutes. Do the reverse to go back to Shiroshi-Zao Station.
Bus Timetable (as of 29/12/2024)
Leaving Shiroshi-Zao Station: 10:14 am and 1:04 pm daily
Leaving Zao Fox Village: 12:10 pm and 3:00 pm daily
Alternatively, catch a taxi and that will cost around ¥5000
