A tourism and community center that held its grand opening in May 2019 near JR Odate Station.

The building’s exterior is modeled after Shibuya Station during the Taisho era, when “Hachiko, the Faithful Dog”—who was born in Odate—continued to wait for his owner.

The Akita Dog Exhibition Room, where visitors can meet adorable Akita dogs, is the most popular attraction. Here, you can meet a variety of Akita dogs on a daily rotating basis, starting with “Sora,” the Akita dog who serves as the tourist stationmaster at JR Odate Station.

With the Akita Dog Museum, where you can learn about Akita dogs in a fun way, and a souvenir corner selling Akita-related goods and local specialties, it’s a place Akita dog lovers simply can’t resist.

On the premises stands the “Statue of Hachiko, the Faithful Dog” from Odate City, where events such as Hachiko’s birthday celebrations and memorial services are held; it is also a hugely popular photo spot.

Starting in August 2020, the museum began exhibiting the “Tokyu 5000 Series”—commonly known as the “Blue Frog”—rail cars operated by the former Tokyu Electric Railway Co., Ltd. (now Tokyu Corporation) from 1954 to 1986. Visitors can tour the interior of the cars, except during the winter months.

There are plenty of other highlights as well, including a hand-pulled trolley ride experience (available only on weekends and holidays) that utilizes the abandoned tracks of the former Kosaka Railway, and the Rail Park, which showcases the history of the Kosaka Railway—including the ore and other cargo mined at the Kosaka Mine, as well as its role in passenger transport!

The Odate City Tourism Association office located within the facility provides tourist information and handles reservations for rental bicycles—a convenient way to explore the city—making it a great base for sightseeing.

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