It’s been quite a while since you had a nice, calming trip. It’s about time you treated yourself to a nice vacation. There’s a long list of options for you, so long that you’re spoilt for choice.
But there’s a catch. Finding the best places for dog lovers is proving to be quite a challenge.
If that sounds like your dilemma right now, worry not. This post takes you on a deep dive into some of the best destinations in Japan to visit before the end of the year. And this is not about just any other destination. These are cherry-picked, fun places to travel and have a fantastic time interacting with dogs.
And for some, you’re even allowed to bring your furry friend along and enjoy those stunning views together.
Hachiko Statue
To kick things off with a rather emotional one, the Hachiko statue is one stop-by that would be on any dog lover’s checklist. It is quite easy to find, right by the all-famous Shibuya crossing (one of the world’s busiest junctions) near the Shibuya station.
Hachiko statue is more than just that; it is indeed a story of love, friendship, and unwavering loyalty. Erected in 1934, Hachiko attended his statue’s unveiling. Unfortunately, it had to be recycled during WWII, with the one that is present today having been erected in 1948.
This statue stands in honor of a faithful Akita dog who had the habit of waiting for his owner, who worked at the Shibuya station in the 1920s. And so much was his loyalty that he continued to turn up and wait for his owner in the same spot every day, long after his death.
For those who are planning to visit Shibuya, the area around the statue is vibrant and full of life. After taking the photo with the statue, you can explore nearby shops, cafes, and other entertainment options.
If you’re staying in Shibuya, Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu is one of the best places to spend the night. With its large glass windows, you get a spectacular view of the Shibuya crossing and the city beyond.
Tsukuba Wan Wan Land
After paying tribute to Akita’s statue, head over to Tsukuba Wan Wan Land – which easily passes as every dog lover’s paradise.
And once you get there, it’s easy to see why. With around 500 dogs on the property, you can bet you’ll have more than a handful of cute furry friends to pick and choose.
You can play with the different dogs in this massive park. To kick things up a notch, some staff members even do cool tricks with their dogs on stage for visitors’ amusement. It’s a joy to watch them leap, fetch, and follow commands with enthusiasm, much to the delight of the audience.
You can even bring your dog along for some playtime.
Harajuku Mame-Shiba Café
Are you craving a bite? Stop by the Harajuku Mame-Shiba Café, which is located in Harajuku. This is where you can find Mame-Shiba Inu, which is a smaller version of the renowned Shiba Inu dog native to Japan.
Here, you’ll enjoy a welcoming, calming atmosphere with a traditional touch. But what makes this café stand out is the tatami flooring, with dining tables that sit low. And that’s not all; the experience you get from playing with the tiny cuties here is something else.
Lost in the fun and dining, you will easily forget the bustling Tokyo streets beyond the café walls. It’s no surprise then that you should make sure to arrive early to avoid waiting in the queue.
Dog Heart From Aquamarine
If you’re looking for a truly up-close fun time with your favorite furry friend, Dog Heart is your ideal destination.
Here everything goes. They will be on your lap, giving playful kisses to you or your keys, phone, wallet…And if all the play and fun leave you longing for a bite, there’s a cozy café tucked away at the back of the compound, so don’t leave hungry.
In case you haven’t had enough fun with any furry friend of your choice, you can still rent a dog and go for an hour’s walk. Yoyogi Park is just nearby.
Dog Spotting in Tokyo
If you’d prefer to watch dog’s theatrics from afar than be all hands-on with them, then this next destination is where you need to be. Whether you are in town on weekends, or during weekdays (mostly in the late afternoon), you need to take a stroll around Yebisu Garden Place.
Around here, you can sit anywhere in the outdoor area and treat yourself to the beautiful, smartly dressed pups being walked by their owners.
And now, ahead are some wonderful picks for those who like to take the unbeaten path into some quiet solitude with their furry friend.
Kiyotsu Gorge
This serene outdoor destination lies along the Kiyotsu River and spans a length of 12.5 km. It is ranked among Japan’s top 3 major canyons.
This gorge boasts a variety of lookout points and spectacular tunnels that display nothing short of natural wonder. The opening time is around 8:30 am, and you can wander up and down the tunnels, freshen up on the washroom platform, grab some mementos in the gift shop, and more.
There’s so much you can do for a lone-time adventure with your dog in Kiyotsu Gorge. And yes, you can visit all year round.
Mount Mitake
There is a shrine up in Mount Mitake that any dog lover visiting Japan should visit, and better yet, you should take a furry friend up there with you.
Legend has it that this shrine is dedicated to dogs’ ancestral connection to a wolf that is said to have saved a prince in the woods.
Not good at climbing? No problem! A few minutes of cable car ride will get you up there without breaking any sweat.
That doesn’t mean you won’t get the chance to commune with nature. You can explore the mountain’s rock garden, enjoy the different waterfalls, and take different hikes to nearby peaks.
A special dog ticket, priced at approximately 350 Yen, ensures that your furry companion can join you on this adventure. The best times to visit Mount Mitake are during spring and autumn.
Kurohime Kogen Snow Park
For a family-friendly time in a snow park, Kurohime Kogen Snow Park is the place to be. Here, you can enjoy a variety of fun activities, including skiing.
And the best part is, you can do it all with your dog, more so during the summer season, when play activities for dogs and pups (such as social dog runs) are at their peak.
For any dog lover traveling with their pet, this is a must-see. You will need to pay around 500 Yen per dog. The best time to visit Kurohime Kogen Snow Park is during the summer.
Ainokura & Shirakawa
There’s so much to see and do in Japan, but a gentle stroll around this UNESCO World Heritage site is hands down unique.
Take in the Gassho-style farmhouses in this heritage neighborhood, which are so unique that they are the only kind found in Japan.
Cost: You only need to pay for parking, but your entry fee (along with your furry friend) is free.
Make sure to check in early so your puppy can have some great, quiet time before other tourists flock in. The best times to visit are during the peak of winter or summer.
Zakimi Castle Ruin Walks
Feeling like taking on a rather challenging stroll? Zakimi Castle Ruins Walk is one trail that will give you exactly that. The loop trail will take you on a 1.9-kilometer hike that can take only 31 short minutes to complete.
The ruins stand on what was once a castle built by Gosumaru, a renowned general. Completed around 1420, the main purpose of this castle was to monitor opposition forces – following the merger of the Ryukyu Kingdom.
The site is so magnificent and more so culturally important that it was registered among other World Cultural Heritage sites in the year 2000.
Once you set foot here, it is easy to see why this stunning beauty of old deserves such recognition. The walls and gates not only make these ruins a sight to behold, but they also speak loud of the masonry marvel that once stood here and one that has stood throughout centuries.
It’s unsurprisingly popular among those who love to commune with nature while getting in a good walk; you’ll hardly be alone on the trail at any time.
Of course, you can bring your dog along and let her enjoy the scenic views. However, you should keep her on a leash.
In Conclusion
In the end, the above ten spots not only highlight Japan’s stunning beauty but also welcome you and your furry friend with open arms. So, grab your bags and your dog’s leash, and get ready for an adventure you’ll both love. The images you see here in this post are for illustration purposes only, thank you for reading.
