2025.12 Hachi's Akita: Kiritanpo Culture and Authentic Farm Stays Escape to the countryside and experience rural Akita with adorable dogs.
Did you know Japan’s most loyal dog was born in a quiet countryside town? Hachi the faithful Akita who waited at Shibuya Station every day for his late owner, began his story in Odate, Akita Prefecture—a tranquil town in northern Japan. In Akita, visitors can experience a timeless rural way of life as well as meet the Akita Inu.
Hachi Japan’s Legendary Akita Inu
Statue of Hachi outside Shibuya Station, Tokyo
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Outside Tokyo’s bustling Shibuya Station stands a small statue with a big story. In the 1920s, a loyal Akita named Hachi waited every day for his owner to return from work—even after the professor had passed away. For nearly 10 years, Hachi kept his daily vigil, touching the hearts of commuters and becoming a national symbol of love and loyalty. Today, his statue remains one of Japan’s most beloved meeting spots—and a moving reminder of devotion that transcends time.
Odate offers a quiet escape into northern Japan’s natural beauty
Although Hachi spent most of his life in Tokyo, his story began elsewhere. He was brought by train from Odate—a northern town far removed in both distance and pace from Japan’s bustling capital. A place with stunning scenery and a more traditional way of life, Odate today offers visitors the opportunity to get in touch with a more natural and authentic side of Japan—and to interact with the magnificent Akita dog.
Famous for the Akita Inu, Odate also boasts beautiful scenery that’s just as captivating
Meeting Akita Dogs in Odate—Hachi’s Hometown
It doesn’t take long to sense Odate’s deep connection to the Akita Inu. Just steps from Odate Station, Akita Inu no Sato offers the ultimate introduction to Japan’s beloved Akita dogs. Visitors can meet real Akitas, pose with an oversized plush pup, and browse a gift shop filled with regional snacks and Akita-themed souvenirs.
Akita Inu relaxing at Akita Inu Kaikan, Odate
Nearby, Akita Inu Kaikan—home to the Akita Inu Preservation Society—delves into the breed’s origins and cultural importance. Its third-floor museum features exhibits on the Akita’s history, traits, and enduring bond with the region. You might even meet a real Akita or two during your visit.
A mini bronze statue atop the gate welcomes visitors to the museum
Outside, a bronze statue of Hachi gazes into the distance—a moving tribute to the loyal dog who captured Japan’s heart.
More Than Just Dogs: Local Flavors
Kiritanpo is a must-try while you’re in the region
While Akita dogs may be the region’s most iconic residents, they’re far from the only thing worth seeking out in this part of Japan. One local specialty you won’t want to miss is kiritanpo—freshly cooked rice, pounded, shaped around wooden skewers, and grilled over an open flame. With a texture that’s delightfully crisp on the outside and chewy on the inside, kiritanpo is often served in a rich chicken and vegetable hot pot called kiritanpo nabe, a dish that’s an essential part of local hospitality. But that’s not the only way to enjoy it—kiritanpo is also delicious grilled and brushed with miso, making it a versatile taste of Akita’s rustic culinary tradition.
Enjoy a True Akita Countryside Escape
Live like a local! A farm stay is the perfect finishing touch to an Akita dog adventure
For the most memorable experience, try enjoying kiritanpo as part of a farm stay in the surrounding countryside. Many local stays feature traditional irori (sunken hearths), where guests can even take part in making their own kiritanpo before sitting down to enjoy it together. It’s the perfect way to savor this regional delicacy while experiencing the warmth and slower rhythms of rural life.
Lake Tazawa forms an epic backdrop in Akita—the homeland of Japan’s famously loyal Akita dogs
Just like the Akita dogs that welcome guests with quiet strength and loyalty, the region’s rustic traditions and scenic beauty embody the warmth, resilience, and enduring spirit of northern Japan. If you’re interested in a farm stay, Semboku, Akita Prefecture—offers a wonderful selection of welcoming farmhouses where you can relax, explore, and eat like a local.
A moment of daily life during a farm stay experience in Semboku City.
Depending on the season, guests can often take part in hands-on experiences such as harvesting fresh vegetables, gathering wild mountain plants, or cooking regional dishes passed down through generations. The area is also blessed with a wealth of natural and cultural attractions, including the shimmering waters of Lake Tazawa, the scenic beauty of Dakigaeri Gorge, and the rugged peaks of Mt. Akita-Komagatake. After a day of adventure, unwind in one of Japan’s most famous hot spring areas—Nyuto Onsen or Tamagawa Onsen—or step back in time with a stroll through Kakunodate’s historic samurai district.
When you return to Tokyo, you might find yourself looking at Hachiko’s statue with newfound appreciation—thinking not just of his legendary loyalty, but of the serene Akita way of life that feels worlds away from the rush of Shibuya.
Check out the last link below for a list of farm stays in Semboku.
Related Links
Akita Inu Kaikan |
Akita Inu no Sato |
Farm Stays in Semboku, Akita Prefecture |
