6 Curious Places to Walk Your Dog in Japan

Philippa & Rocky
1 day ago
2 min read

Following on from Philippa and Rocky's last blog of places to visit in Japan, Philippa and Rocky are back to share 6 more interesting dog-friendly spots to walk your dog for your next visit to Japan with your pup!

Important Notes!

In Japan, most public places and parks require dogs to stay on leash at all times, which is why “Dog Runs” (gated dog-friendly areas within public grounds or parks) are so popular for owners to socialise their pups and enjoy some off-leash play time. Japan is far stricter than Hong Kong with rules applying to dog owners, so be sure to:

Respect local customs.
When in doubt, keep your dog tethered (no longer than 2 metres).
Have plenty of wipes, water, and poop bags to clean up.
Other than inside a Dog Run, it is expected that owners take all rubbish home to dispose of - that means no poop bags in general trash bins!

Enjoy!

Futtsu Park, Chiba
Views of Yokohama across Tokyo Bay. Funky geometric levels. Sunny, sandy coastline.
Narai-juku, Nagano
Explore the preserved historic Edo-period hamlet along the mountainous Nakasendo Pilgrimage Trail, with historical wooden homes, restaurants and shops to browse.

Aokigahara Forest, Yamanashi

Dense, mossy, lava-rock forest in proximity to the famous Wind, Ice, and Bat Caves.

Nyukasa Marshlands, Nagano

Enjoy a short and satisfying climb from Fujimi Panorama gondola station, above a ski resort, for views of Mount Fuji from the summit of Mount Nyukasa.

Yagizaki Park, Fujikawaguchiko

Take a stroll around the dog-friendly lakeside park in the Kawaguchiko Lake District.

Jigokudani and Oyunuma Nature Trail, Noboribetsu
Also known as Hokkaido’s “Hell’s Valley,” the trails are well sign-posted with winding paths around craters of sulphuric hot springs and natural foot baths.