Dogs in Japan 犬

Doodle Doggo has a little Japanese style. Here are a few friendly notes for visitors who love dogs.

• Hachiko at Shibuya

  Hachikō was an Akita who met his person, Professor Ueno, at Shibuya Station every day. After the professor died in 1925, Hachikō kept coming back for almost ten years. His bronze statue stands by the station today, and “meet at Hachikō” is a favourite way to meet friends.

• Shiba and Akita

  Both are native Japanese dogs. The Shiba is the smallest of Japan’s native breeds and the Akita the largest. In Japanese, “Shiba Inu” is 柴犬: inu means dog.

• Dog cafés

  Many cities have dog-friendly cafés where people bring their own dogs, and some cafés have friendly resident dogs to meet. Each café has its own rules, so read the sign and let the dogs come to you.

• Strollers and carts

  In busy cities you will often see small dogs riding in pet strollers. It keeps small paws off hot summer pavements and out of the crowds, gives older dogs a rest, and trains and many shops ask that pets stay in a carrier.

• On a lead in the park

  Dogs stay on a lead in parks and on the street. Off-lead running happens in fenced dog runs (ドッグラン doggu ran). Owners tidy up after their dogs, and many carry a little bottle of water to rinse where their dog peed.

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  At shrines and temples

  Some shrines and temples don’t allow dogs, while others welcome them, and a few even hold blessings for pets. Look for a sign at the entrance, often by the torii gate (鳥居), and when in doubt, ask.