Akita Dogs
秋田犬

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Odate is said to be the birthplace of the Akita Dog

I recently traveled to Akita Prefecture for a farm stay program organized by the Odate Cultural Activity Promotion Committee. Check out my previous blog post on “Odate Farm Stay” for my experience of authentic regional cooking, harvesting rice fields, and a special appearance in a traditional cultural festival!

During my stay in Odate, I also had a great time meeting and playing with Akita Dogs!

私は最近、秋田県大館市に行って地元の農家民宿に泊まりました!
(地方料理の体験米の収穫、伝統的な文化祭への出演については、ここをクリックして「大館市農家民宿」ブログをご覧ください!)

大館市での滞在中、秋田犬との出会いや遊びも楽しかったで~す。
今日は秋田犬について書きたいと思います~

About the Akita Dog

The Akita is a large and powerful dog breed with a noble and intimidating presence. They were originally used for guarding royalty and nobility in feudal Japan. The Akita does not back down from challenges and does not frighten easily. Consequently, they are fearless and loyal guardians of their families. Yet they are also affectionate, respectful, and amusing dogs when properly trained and socialized.

FIRST ENCOUNTER
最初の出会い

Arriving at Odate Station, you will notice statues and murals for the Akita Dog everywhere!
 
大館駅に着くと、あちこちに秋田犬の像や壁画をたくさん見ることができますよ!
Statue of Akita Dog family outside of Odate Station

大館駅前の秋田犬の一家の像
Apparently, Akita Dogs used to be called Odate Dogs as they originated from Odate City.

秋田犬はかつて大館犬と呼ばれていたことをご存知ですか?

The famous Hachiko, whose statue is erected in front of Shibuya station, was born at a farm in Odate before he was brought to Tokyo. Hachiko’s story is the ideal example representing how Akita Dogs are known for their extreme loyalty to their owners.

有名なハチ公は、東京に連れて行かれる前に大館の農家で生まれました。 ハチ公の話は、秋田犬が飼い主に対して忠誠心が非常に高いことで知られていることを示す典型的な例でしょう。

It is my first time playing with an Akita Dog, and in real life, they are SO BIG!
Historically, the Akita Dog was used to track and hunt wild boar, black bear, and deer.


秋田犬と遊ぶのは初めてで、思ったよりとても大きいです!
歴史的に、秋田犬は、イノシシ、ツキノワグマ、シカの追跡と狩猟に使用されていました。
Super cute!

超可愛い~!
Even spray paint on a garage door features the Akita Dog!
 
ガレージのシャッターにも秋田犬が登場!
Akita Dog ready to go for a drive in the rural countryside!
 
この秋田犬はドライブに行きたいようです!格好いいですね~

AKITA DOG VISITOR CENTER
「秋田犬の里」

About a 5-minute walk from the Odate Station is the Akita Dog Visitor Center.

大館駅から徒歩約5分のところに「秋田犬の里」があります。
A life-size statue of the Akita Dog can be found outside the visitor center!

「秋田犬の里」の前に秋田犬の大きな像があります!
The Mayor of Odate, Mr. Junji Fukuhara, told me about the Akita Dog Visitor Center enthusiastically when we met.
 
大館市長の福原淳嗣氏は、「秋田犬の里」について熱心に話してくれました。
The center is open every day except for the year-end holidays and features a museum exhibit on the history and stories of Akita Dogs.

「秋田犬の里」は年末年始を除いて毎日営業しており、秋田犬の歴史と物語に関する展示があります。
I learned that some of the key characteristics of an Akita Dog are its pointy ears, thick and long legs, and curly “sashio” tail!

秋田犬の主な特徴のいくつかは、太くて長い足、ピンと立った耳、そして「差し尾」というくるんとした巻き尾だということを学びました!
There is also a corner where you can meet with real Akita Dogs!

本物の秋田犬と出会えるコーナーもあります!
Akita Dogs Exhibition Room
<秋田犬展示室>

Opening Hours 営業時間 9:30~16:15
Closed on Mondays 月曜日(祝日等の場合は翌平日)

BEAUTIFUL NATURE
美しい自然

After meeting the Akita Dogs, I ventured into the nearby forest for some beautiful views.

秋田犬に会った後、近くの森に行って美しい景色を眺めました。
Is everything in Odate bigger and taller than usual?
These forest trees were massive!

 
大館のものはすべて、普通より大きくて背が高いのですか??
これらの森の木は巨大でした!
Enjoying the view of Autumn foliage on the drive back to the farmhouse.

農家民宿に戻るドライブで紅葉の景色を楽しみました。
With an Akita Dog plush toy back at the Sake Koshimai farm house!
 
農家民宿で秋田犬のぬいぐるみと一緒に遊びました!

Don’t forget to read about the rest of my very special Odate Farm Stay experience HERE!

大館市の農家民宿体験については、ここをクリックしてご覧くださいね~

Click HERE for more information about Odate Farm Stays, including reservation process, accommodation fees, and a sample schedule!

Odate Cultural Activity Promotion Committee
大館市まるごと体験推進協議会 
English website: https://marugoto-odate-eng.amebaownd.com/
日本語ウェッブサイト:https://marugoto-odate.amebaownd.com/ 
Kamidaino, Aza Inaridai 1-1, Odate, Akita, 017-0031 Japan
TEL +81 (0)186-43-7149
email: [email protected](English available)
ACCESS INFORMATION
From Tokyo, you can get to Odate by shinkansen bullet train, plane, or highway bus.
* from Odate sta. –> Farm inns: approx. 20 – 30 min. by car
* from Odate-Noshiro Airport –> Odate sta.: approx. 45 min by shuttle bus
* Free pick-up and drop-off within Odate City limits is provided.
More detailed information on the Odate Cultural Activity Promotion Committee website.

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About Rachel

Rachel Leng is COO and Co-Founder of SeiRogai, Inc., a Tokyo-based business consultancy & media production company. Previously, she was Leader of Business Development on the Investment Management team at a Japanese private equity fund, as well as Policy Analyst at a top think tank in Seoul, South Korea.

As an East Asia specialist and former Miss Singapore titleholder, Rachel is passionate about the potential of media to educate and raise awareness about history, culture, art, business, and societal issues to enhance mutual understanding.

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