TRAVEL NOTES: Pups of Japan 🇯🇵
We recently embarked on a trip to Japan where we got to see a glimpse of the pup culture in Tokyo & Kyoto. We didn’t have to go out of our way in either city to see some of the daily routines of a few sweet sidekicks and their humans.
In Tokyo, the majority of pups we saw averaged on the tiny but mighty size. No doubt living in a city of that size and density, space is considered in every aspect of life. With the warmer Spring weather, we loved seeing some of the morning rituals of dogs and their people; out at cafes, on a walk, or commuting. Some pups were in slings, others in strollers, and some sitting on blankets. If you looked closely, you might realize that there were actually two tiny pups snuggled together like two peas in a pod. No matter the activity, it was apparent that comfort was top of mind.
We also didn’t have to go out of our way to see lots of stores filled with accessories for these tiny companions. And of course we couldn’t leave Tokyo without holding our breath as we walked across Shibuya Scramble Crossing to see the statue of Hachiko; the loyal Akita who waited for his owner at the train station for 9 years after his owner’s death. Dogs… we don’t deserve them!
In Kyoto, we saw a variety of Shiba Inu, one of Japan’s most popular breeds and native to the country, in a varitey of shapes, colors, and sizes. We never grew tired of seeing these sweet pups in their daily rhythms of life in Japan. We also couldn’t help but notice the love for dogs reflected in local businesses including Minnesota’s very own Snoopy. We got a taste of it ourselves at Nishiki Market when we had a pancacke sandwhich (one with peanut butter filling and one with red bean filling if you must know) with a stamp of Snoopy himself on it.
Although our trip wasn’t planned to be dog-oriented, we can’t wait to go back and sit on the patio of a Tokyo coffee shop, gazing deeply into the eyes of a slightly anxious, loyal, snow colored chihuahua waiting for their human to order coffee.
But while we love to travel, is there really anything better than coming back home to your pup?
