Dog-Friendly Activities Near Nihonbashimuromachi, Tokyo, JP

Off-leash dog run in the back of Yoyogi Park divided into two secitions for large and small dogs.

Aqua City Odaiba is a modern, dog-friendly waterfront mall in Minato City, Tokyo, JP. Fido is welcome to join you for shopping and dining but must be leashed, secured inside a carrier, or in a pet cart if weighing under 20 kgs. Retailers which welcome canines include PETEMO, Pet Paradise, and Pet's First. Stop for refreshments at pet-friendly eatery Longboard Cafe. Owners with leashed dogs should use the parking lot elevator to move between floors. Pet carts can be rented from PETEMO for a period up to three hours.

Leashed dogs are welcome to join you at Shiba Park in Minato City, one of the oldest parks in Japan. Take a stroll through this picturesque landscaped park and stop to admire the artificial gorge with waterfall, which is planted with ornamental trees. Within the grounds of Shiba Park lies Zojo-ji, a Buddhist temple surrounded by ornate buildings dating back to the 1600s.

In 1920’s Japan, Hachiko the Akita accompanied his best friend, Hidesaburo Ueno, to the Shibuya Train Station in central Tokyo every day. Hidesaburo would get on the train and go to work as a professor at Tokyo University and Hachiko would wander home, only to return at the same time every evening to walk home together. One such evening, the loyal Akita went to the train station as usual and waited patiently at his spot outside. Minutes turned into hours, but there was still no sign of his owner. Hidesaburo never arrived. Sadly, the professor had passed away earlier in the day and never caught the train home. Every morning and evening for the rest of his life, Hachiko returned to the station just in case his best friend ever came back. A decade later, he passed away peacefully outside Shibuya Train Station of old age, waiting until his final breath for his friend Hidesaburo to return. Hachiko’s story will live on forever as a statue outside the station, proving the bond between humans and their dogs can never be broken.

Within the grounds of dog-friendly Shiba Park in Minato City, JP lies Zojo-ji, a Buddhist temple surrounded by ornate buildings dating back to the 1600s. Zojo-ji is one of the seven main temples of the Jōdo-shū sect and was founded by Yuyo Shoso. Leashed dogs are welcome outside the temple and to explore the beautiful landscaped gardens which comprise Shiba Park.

Ueno Station is an urban oasis in Tokyo. The park is a mecca of culture, art, wildlife, natural beauty, incredible architecture, and of course, cherry trees! Thousands of people (and dogs) gather in the park during cherry tree season to celebrate the beautiful pinkish-red blossoms that brighten the sky. Throughout the park, you’ll also see beautiful shrines and temples.

Small Dog park at edge of sports ground. Dogs do need to be pre-registered (proof of vaccine) before you can use it. Registration at the park building.