Odate and Akita Dog: A Journey Meeting Akita Dogs in the Hometown of Loyal Hachiko

Odate and the Akita Dog

Odate, Akita, is the origin of the Akita dog (Akita Inu) — said to be Japan's largest and most powerful native dog breed. The loyal Hachiko of Shibuya fame was also an Akita dog, known to have been from Odate.

Highlights

- Akita Inu no Sato (Akita Dog Village): City-operated facility for Akita dog exhibition and interaction; meet real Akita dogs - Loyal Hachiko Statue (Odate Station): The prototype for the Shibuya Hachiko statue; bronze statue at Odate Station - Akita Dog Preservation Society: Organization for Akita dog protection and promotion - Hanaoka Town Cherry Promenade: Cherry blossom scenic spot in Odate

About Hachiko

- Born 1923 in Odate, an Akita dog - Kept by Professor Hidesaburo Ueno, accompanying him daily to and from Shibuya Station - After the professor's death, waited at Shibuya Station for nearly 10 more years - The real-life model for the world-famous "Loyal Hachiko" story

Getting There

- Alight at JR Ou Main Line Odate Station (about 1 hour from Akita) - About 10 minutes by car from Akita Expressway Odate Kita IC

Tips

Akita Inu no Sato can be visited without reservation (check business hours). Akita dogs are large — families with children should follow staff instructions. Don't forget to try Odate's specialty "Hinai Jidori chicken cuisine" as well.