Akita Prefecture is wide, but Akita dogs are easy to find! This guide will lead you to a close encounter with these charming and treasured dogs!
Curious about Akita dogs, Japan’s loyal companions?
This article covers their personality and history, plus a handy guide to meeting these charming, fluffy cuties on your trip to Akita!
A Few Things About the Akita Dog
The Appearance of the Akita Dog
The Akita dog (also known as Akita Inu in Japan) is the only large breed among Japan's seven native dog breeds.
Its body length ranges from 58 to 70 cm, with a weight between 40 and 50 kg.
Compared to the well-known Shiba Inu, the Akita dog stands about twice as tall and weighs 4 to 8 times more, making it a strong and muscular breed.
There are four officially recognized coat colors for purebred Akita dogs:
📍 Red – A reddish-orange coat with white fur on the face and body. This is the most typical and popular coat color.
📍 Brindle – A tiger-like pattern of dark and light stripes, giving the Akita a wild and alluring appearance.
📍 White – The only solid coat color among the four, the Akita with a pure white coat resembles the fluffy snow of winter.
📍 Sesame – At first glance, this coat may seem like red, but the red areas are interspersed with black hairs. This is the rarest and least common coat color.
The Personality of the Akita Dog
The Akita dog is known for its loyalty and obedience. Once it bonds with its owner, it follows commands unconditionally and is highly sensitive to its environment. However, they tend to be cautious around strangers.
Akitas at tourist spots in Akita Prefecture are well-trained from a young age, making them friendly and approachable. Still, due to their sensitivity, many attractions limit close contact to protect the dogs’ well-being.
In addition to the four main coat colors, there is also a long-haired variety of the Akita dog!
This is due to ancient Akitas being crossbred with long-haired Sakhalin dogs from Russia, sometimes resulting in long-haired Akitas through a "throwback" gene.
Because they are extremely rare, long-haired Akitas are considered a precious and hard-to-find breed.
Akita Dog Story ①: The Breed That Nearly Disappeared
The Akita dog was originally bred as a hunting companion for the Matagi, Japan’s traditional hunters. As the number of purebred Akita dogs declined over time, they were designated as a Natural Monument of Japan in 1931, sparking nationwide efforts to preserve the breed.
A few years later, the heartwarming story of Hachiko, the famously loyal Akita, captivated the nation, bringing even more attention to the breed’s protection.
Trouble came quickly. During World War II, food was scarce, and the military took many Akitas.
Others were crossbred and lost their pure bloodline. In the end, only a few dozen remained, bringing the breed close to extinction.
Akita Dog Story ②: Today & Beyond
The Japanese people became deeply committed to restoring the Akita dog breed, dedicating immense effort and resources. Thanks to these efforts, the Akita population reached over 40,000 by 1972.
However, as housing environments changed and breeders aged, the number of Akitas in Japan began to decline year after year.
By 2023, only around 1,800 Akitas were registered—less than one-twentieth of their peak population.
If this trend continues, Akitas will become even rarer, making it harder to see them in the future. Because of this, Akita enthusiasts are working tirelessly to preserve and protect this beloved breed.
As the birthplace of the Akita dog, Akita Prefecture is actively working on conservation efforts while promoting the breed’s charm and recognition.
Today, many attractions and events feature Akita dogs, giving visitors the chance to interact with these loyal and adorable companions.
Looking for a close-up encounter in Japan? Here are some great spots near the Akita Shirakami area!
Where can you meet the adorable Akita dogs in Akita?
🐕 Akita Dog Spot #1: Masa's Healthy Hiking
「Take a Healthy Walk with Superstar Masa!」
To promote a healthy lifestyle, Mitane Town offers a special hiking experience with its beloved local star—Masa, the Akita dog!
The walk is perfect in any season, but it's especially recommended in winter, when you can enjoy the snowy scenery and watch Masa playfully rolling in the snow—a truly heartwarming sight.
📍 Time： 9:30 AM～ & 1:30 PM～
📍 Interact：Petting & Walking with Masa
📍 Price： ¥3,000 (1.5 hours)
📍 Access:：Drive or take the train to JR "Kado Station" (pickup available)
📍 Booking:：KKDAY
🐕 Akita Dog Spot #2: Akita Dog Kennel, Kojuso
「A Kennel for Purebred Akita Dogs, One of the Few Places to Interact with Puppies」
Kojuso, a globally recognized kennel for breeding Akita dogs, offers opportunities for close interactions and walks with these charming dogs.
What sets it apart is that, if you're lucky, you might get to play with the adorable puppies!
Note: Be sure to book in advance, or you might miss out on meeting the owner and their furry friends—they could be out on an adventure!
📍 Hours： 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
📍 Interact： Petting & Walking
📍 Price： ¥2,000 per person (1 hour)
(Akita dog walk experience: additional ¥1,000 per person)
📍 Access： Drive
📍 Booking： DM via Official IG (English OK)
🐕 Akita Dog Spot #3: Mt.Moriyoshi Ani Ski Resort
「The famous Akita Dog at Moriyoshi Ski Resort, Beautiful Year-Round」
Moriyoshi Mountain, home to one of Japan’s top three Snow Monster（Frost-Covered Trees）, offers stunning views in every season.
In addition to skiing, you can enjoy beautiful alpine plants in spring and summer, and vibrant autumn leaves from the gondola.
Adding to the charm is "Hokuto," a tough-looking yet gentle Akita dog at the Moriyoshi Ski Resort.Be sure to say hello when you visit!
📍 Hours： 8:45 AM – 4:00 PM
📍 Interact：Watch & Enjoy
📍 Price： Free (Additional charges for gondola rides, skiing, etc.)
📍 Access： Drive or take the train to JR "Ani-Ai Station" and then a taxi
📍 Booking： No reservation required
🐕 Akita Dog Spot #4: Akita Dogs Welcoming You at Odate Noshiro Airport
「Akita Dogs Welcome You at Odate Noshiro Airport on the 8th, 18th, and 28th of Every Month」
At Odate Noshiro Airport, on the 8th, 18th, and 28th of each month, Akita dogs are there to greet arriving travelers.
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Not only will visitors experience the warmth of Akita's hospitality, but they'll also be healed by the adorable charm of the Akita dogs.
In addition to travelers, many Akita dog enthusiasts gather to catch a glimpse of these furry greeters. If you're lucky enough, you might be able to meet them too!
📍 Experience Time: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM, on the 8th, 18th, and 28th of each month
📍 Experience: Petting
📍 Price: Free
📍 Access: Drive
📍 Booking: No reservation required
🐕 Akita Dog Spot #5: Akita Dog Visitor Center
「Various Akita dog-themed souvenirs and an Akita Dog Exhibition Hall」
The Akita Dog Visitor Center is located near Odate Station and was built based on the iconic Shibuya Station from the era of the famous Hachiko.
In addition to selling local products and providing historical information, the center also features an Akita dog exhibition.
One of the highlights of visiting is the excitement of wondering, "Which color of Akita will be here today?" since the Akita dogs on display change every day.
(Photo Source: Akita Dog Preservation Society)
📍 Experience Time: 9:30 AM – 4:45 PM, Closed on Mondays
📍 Experience: Watch & Enjoy
📍 Price: Free
📍 Access: Drive or take the train to "JR Odate Station" and walk
📍 Booking: No reservation required
🐕 Akita Dog Spot #6: Akita Dog Museum
「A museum with extensive information on Akita dogs, also the headquarters of the Akita Dog Preservation Society」
The Akita Dog Museum contains many precious historical materials, including information about the history and ecology of Akita dogs, as well as the story of Hachiko.
The first floor is home to the Akita Dog Preservation Society’s headquarters, overseeing exhibitions. On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, visitors can meet adorable red-haired or brindle Akita dogs – they’re sure to steal your heart!
(Photo Source: Akita Dog Preservation Society)
📍 Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Dogs available on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays only
📍 Experience: Watch & Enjoy
📍 Price: Admission fee 200 yen
📍 Access: Drive
📍 Booking: No reservation required
🐕 Akita Dog Spot #7: FURUSAWA Onsen
「Stay with Akita Dogs! Relax in Hot Springs and Be Healed by Akita Dogs in Odate City」
Located in Odate City, this onsen is home to two adorable Akita dog mascots, On Haru and Hana.
Guests can enjoy the company of Akita dogs and savor delicious Akita cuisine. Day visitors can meet Haru and Hana, but interaction requires an advance reservation.
(Photo Source: Akita Dog Preservation Society)
📍 Opening Hours: 6:30 AM – 9:00 PM, Closed Tuesdays, Dogs may rest irregularly
📍 Experience: Petting, Walking(For staying guests; day visitors need reservation)
📍 Price: Hot spring 400 yen, Stay fee – see official website
📍 Access: Drive
📍 Booking: Day visitors no booking; Staying guests via Rakuten
More spots to play and enjoy with Akita dogs will be updated in the future.
We warmly welcome everyone to Akita to experience the charm and warmth of the Akita dogs firsthand.
Let's work together to protect this adorable breed and ensure their legacy is passed down for generations to come!