While it may be a little trickier to uncover (especially for those of us who are still getting to grips with our Japanese), Tokyo and its surrounding suburbs are actually very dog-friendly and have some of the most unique places and experiences for pets and their owners that you are likely to find anywhere in the world ...
It's important to note that Japan is pet-friendly. Japan does not discriminate against specific dog breeds, so all types are "Japanese dog breeds." However, Japan is a rabies-free country, so there are strict guidelines by the Animal Quarantine Service (AQS).
In Japan, dog owners are required to follow a number of rules and manners, such as dogs must be kept on leash and excrement must be picked up while walking a dog.
Pets travelling from Australia can travel into Japan without quarantine, as long as all the import conditions are fulfilled. Pets from other countries may be subject to a quarantine period ranging from 12 hours to 180 days depending on the entry requirements.
The relationship between dogs and people in Japan may have changed over time, but, just as they did in the past, people in Japan today cherish their canine companions.
In many cases, pets are now considered to be family members. To many Japanese, pets are as well loved as children, and may even serve as a substitute for those who choose to forgo child-rearing.
Love for dogs is at peak
They are very popular in Japan and can be easily bought from any pet shop or health center. Because those who no longer can take care of their pets usually leave their pets over there. Basically, in Japanese culture, the life of dogs is fantastic.
All dogs and cats entering Japan from a non-designated region must be vaccinated against rabies twice before entering Japan. The rabies vaccinations have to be administered after implanting a microchip. Ask your vet to use inactivated virus vaccine or the recombinant modified vaccine to inoculate your pet.
They can travel without any additional charge both in the cabin and in the hold so long as they accompany a passenger with special requirements. The animal's weight will not be included in the passenger's free baggage allowance for the trip.
If dogs and cats meet import requirements upon arrival in Japan, the quarantine period will be within 12 hours. On the other hand, dogs and cats that do not meet the requirements will be subject to quarantine at a detention facility of Animal Quarantine Service for the necessary period (up to 180 days).
In Japan, dogs bark by saying wan wan (which rhymes with “on,” not “pan”).
Dogs on public transport in Tokyo
Only small breeds are allowed on the train in Tokyo. They must travel in a crate, and the weight of the pet and the crate together must not exceed 10kg. The dog must remain in the crate at all times in the train and the train station.
Summer is for the dogs -- especially in Takeno Beach in Tayooka, Japan. Every summer, from June to September, the beach is open to dogs (and their owners) for swimming, sunbathing and surfing.
Even in Tokyo, there are a handful of pet-friendly restaurants that welcome their doggy patrons with open arms. Travelers who are heading to Japan's megacity with their pooch ought to visit these dog-friendly restaurants during their stay!
Regarding pets or other small animals, it is allowed to bring them as baggage if they are entirely enclosed in a case to avoid bothering other passengers.
Small animals (pets) must not be released from their cases while in the train or station. The entire body of the pet must be put into the case. Carrying the pet in your arms or placing it in a bag is not allowed.
Japan, the land of the rising sun, is a pet-friendly country that welcomes dogs and cats from all over the world. Bringing your pet to Japan is a complex process since Japan is a rabies-free country. If you are planning on moving with your pet to Japan, the guide below will help you facilitate the process.
Start saving money immediately, since the military does not cover any costs of moving a pet during a PCS. Flying a pet to Japan can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $10,000 and up, depending on their size.
Can my cat or dog sit on my lap? No. Pets are required to stay in their carrier throughout your domestic flight, stored under the seat in front of you. What type of crate should I use for a pet in cargo?
Only large apartments/houses will accept large dogs, and the rent for these tend to be high (or one can buy an apartment/house). In summation on the cultural point: Pets are a luxury in Tokyo– from the cost of pets themselves, to the cost of apartments that will accept them.
Dogs and cats must be individually identified by an ISO compliant microchip. If the animal is not fitted with an ISO compliant (11784 and 11785) microchip, the importer must bring a microchip reader with the pet. The pet must be microchipped on the day of or before the 1st vaccination.
Not only are dogs allowed in restaurants and beaches, but Japan also has dog parks and dog-friendly cafes on the top floors of department stores!
A spacious dog park (ドッグラン = dog run in Japanese) is also available, which allows your best friend to play freely while surrounded by refreshing nature. Yoyogi Parks' dog run is divided into three areas which you can choose from according to the size of your dog.
Dogs were the most popular pets in Japan as revealed in a survey conducted in October 2022. The survey on pet ownership showed that dogs and cats were the most common animal companions kept in Japan, which is reflected in the dominance of dogs and cat goods within the domestic pet supplies market.
Arguably the most popular Japanese breed, the Shiba Inu is a Japanese national treasure. The Shiba is the smallest of the spitz breed of dogs in Japan.