Meet the Akita Inu
Meet cute Akita dogs in their hometown
In Odate City, the where the Akita dog breed originated, there are plenty of locations where visitors can meet the cute dogs.
Places to see Akita dogs
Akita Dog Visitor Center
- See・Experience
- Buy
The Akita Dog Visitor Center was opened across from Odate Station in 2019. Visitors can take pictures of the dogs at the center and enjoy the large selection of Akita themed souvenirs.
Akita Dog Profile
As part of a special initiative to introduce the wonder of Akita dogs to visitors, Odate City hired two full-time dog owners in 2016. Their furry companions the two Akita dogs work as animal ambassadors to tourists at the Akita Dog Visitor Center at Odate Station. In recognition of their hard work, the two Akita dogs were named honorary station masters. Make sure to check out their social media accounts and say hello to them as your tour the northern Akita region!
Homare
【Birthday】June 26, 2019
【Sex】Female
【Coat】Tiger-striped
【Name origins】
She was named 'Homare' in the hope that she will combine the strength and beauty of the highly respected Akita Inu. The name was chosen from more than 240 entries.
アクセス
【Address】1-13-1 Onari-cho, Odate City
【Hours】
April-October: 9:00 to 18:00
November-March: 9:00 to 17:00
*Akita dogs on duty from 9:30 to 16:15.
【Closed】
December 31 - January 1
*Akita dogs are not available to visit on Mondays.
【Website / SNS】
Websitehttps://akitainunosato.jp/
Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/odate.akitainu/
Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/odate.akitainu/
Twitterhttps://twitter.com/odate_akitainu
Furusawa Hot Springs
- See・Experience
- Stay
Enjoy the warmth of the waters and the cute Akita dogs at thislocal hot spring.
Akita Dog Profile
The two Akita dogs, mother and daughter, on staff are tasked with welcoming visitors.
Haru
【Birthday】March 10, 2017
【Sex】Female
【Coat】Red
【Name origins】
Haru means "warm" and it taken from the Japanese word for hot spring. After meeting Haru-chan you'll feel all warm and fluffy inside too!
Hana
【Birthday】May 14, 2018
【Sex】Female
【Coat】Red
【Name origins】
Hana is one of the six puppies from her mother Haru’s first litter. Her name means “gorgeous; flower”. This beautiful pup has no problem living up to her name!
Access
【Address】27 Niizuna Odate City, Akita
【TEL】0186-48-4295
*Haru-chan may be out on walks
Ani Ski Resort
- See・Experience
Mt. Moriyoshi has something to enjoy every season. Down at the gondola lifthouse, visitors can meet their Akita dog year-round.
Akita Dog Profile
Visitors to Kitaakita have been treated to seeing a real Akita dog at Ani Ski Resort since August, 2016.
Hokuto, the dog, has his own private room at the main building where visitors can stop by and say hello to the friendly dog.
Hokuto
【Birthday】November 30, 2016
【Sex】Male
【Coat】Red
【Name origins】
Hokuto means "north star" in Japanese.
He was given that name to act as a guiding light for visitors coming to Mt. Moriyoshi.
Access
【Address】79-5 Ani Kaginotaki Kitaakita City, Akita
【TEL】0186-82-3311
*Hokuto takes days off with his owner. Please call beforehand to see if he is present.
【Website】http://www.aniski.jp
Royal Hotel Odate
- See・Experience
- Stay
Hotel with hot spring and Akita dogs on staff conveniently located close to Odate Station.
Akita Dog Profile
The two dogs at Royal Hotel are waiting for you with wagging tails!
*If you'd like to say hi to them, just ask at the front desk.
Eito Nakamura
【Birthday】July 10, 2017
【Sex】Male
【Coat】Red
【Name origins】
Eito (栄斗) got his name from the Japanese words sakaeru (prosper) and hokuto (north star). Put together, the words represent the hope that Odate City and its guests are prosperous in all things. Of course, it is also a pun on the the famous dog Hachi, whose name means "eight" in Japanese.
Hina Nakamura
【Birthday】July 9, 2017
【Sex】Female
【Coat】Red
【Name origins】
Hina's name comes from the characters for Hinai neighborhood of Odate. Together wither her Sempai Eito, she works to greet guests at the hotel.
Access
【Address】1 Chome-2-26 Nakamichi Odate City, Akita
【TEL】0186-49-4511
Akita Dog Museum
- Learn
- See・Experience
Meet Akita dogs and learn all about their history at the Akita Preservation Society. Out front there is a statue of Hachiko looking towards his birthplace.
Akita Dog Profile
On weekdays, an Akita dog greets visitors on the first floor. There are dogs of all colors on staff, so you'll never know who you're going to meet!
Access
【Address】13-1 Sannomaru Odate City
【TEL】0186-42-2502
【Business hours】9：00～16：00
【Closed】
Saturday afternoon: November 4 - April 20
New Years: December 12 - January 3
Afternoon: August 13