All you need to know about living in Tokyo with a dog

Bustling Tokyo has plenty of activities for people with pets. Tokyo may not have the reputation for being one of the most pet-friendly cities globally, however, mindsets are changing as more and more Japanese are adopting pet dogs and cats.

Tokyo dwellers prefer small dog breeds over big ones because of space constraints in the city. Apartments are not usually spacious, which makes it difficult to house big dogs. If you are planning to move to Tokyo with your pet dog, here’s all you need to know about living in the Japanese city with a dog:

Register and vaccinate your pet

All dogs must be registered at the local municipal office in the ward of your residence. New pet parents must register their dogs within 30 days of bringing them home. If you have moved to Japan from another country, your dog’s import and quarantine certificates are required to finish the registration process. After the registration, your dog will receive a licence tag that they must wear on the collar at all times.

All dogs in Tokyo must be vaccinated against rabies. The rabies vaccination is given once a year, and the vaccination tag must also be attached to the collar. New puppies must be vaccinated within 30 days of coming home.

Pet parents must report any changes in the residential address, pet ownership, or contact details to the municipal office. Pet parents must also report pet deaths to the municipal office.

Walking with your dog in Tokyo

Dog walking in the busy, bustling city of Tokyo is not always easy. It is best to avoid the busiest times of the day to take your dog out; it is inconvenient to the others and not very enjoyable for your dog. Avoid the busy office and school commuting hours and take your dog out before or after the big rush for a pleasant experience.

While walking your dog in Tokyo, remember to follow basic dog walking etiquette:

• Always keep your dog on a lead in public places
• Remember to pick up after your dog and dispose of the waste correctly
• Bring a bottle of water along to water down dog urine

Dog-friendly activities in Tokyo

Tokyo and its suburbs have some exciting places to explore with your four-legged friend. From dog runs to beautiful dog parks, Tokyo has a lot to offer. Most dog parks require you to register your dog first before using the amenities. Here are some dog-friendly places to enjoy with your dog in Tokyo:

• Yoyogi Park – This beautiful park located in Shibuya City in Tokyo is large and forested. This park has two off-lead dog runs, one for large breeds and the other for small dogs. The park also has a few dog-friendly restaurants to enjoy a snack with your canine friend.
• Showa Kinen Park – A beautiful flower garden, the Showa Kinen Park is a favourite of all Tokyoites. Just outside the city of Tokyo, the park has several attractions, spectacular scenery, and several off-lead dog runs for your doggy pal.

Dog-friendly restaurants and cafés in Tokyo

Though not all restaurants allow dogs, the number of dog-friendly restaurants in Tokyo is on the climb. Try these restaurants and cafés in Tokyo for a meal with your pet dog:

• Kushikatsu Tanaka
• Yasaiya Teppanyaki Yasai
• Saturdays NYC
• Yellow Company Ebisu
• Oreryu Shiyo Ramen

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.

Travelling with your pet to Tokyo?

Pet travel to Japan is complicated, and the rules are different depending on the country you are travelling from. International pet transport is often stressful, and the rules and regulations are confusing, especially if you are travelling with your pet for the first time. An accredited pet transport agency can help solve your pet transport troubles and ensure your pet has a smooth and stress-free travel experience.

Petraveller is Australia’s most compassionate pet transport company that specialises in zero-harm pet travel. If you plan to travel to Japan with your pet, reach out to Petraveller for more information on pet transport to Japan and a free pet travel quote.