Most dogs need to get their exercise just like us. The question is where do you take your dog when you live in the middle of the biggest city on Earth?
Good news, Tokyo actually has many great places to take your dog where they can get plenty of exercise. I will list a couple favorites here but with a little research you will find even more.
The first place and probably the most famous is Yoyogi Park. Just a short walk from JR Harajuku Station this park is a very popular tourist spot on the weekends. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yoyogi_Park . The good news is that Yoyogi Park has a decent sized dog run on the Western side of the park. Just in case you do not already know a “dog run” is an enclosed area where you can let your dog off leash to run around and play with other dogs. Most dog runs have a sort of “air lock” system of fences to prevent accidental escapes, although it still a good idea to keep an eye out, just in case.
My personal favorite is the massive Showa Kinen Park in Tachikawa (JR Ome Line). http://www.showakinenpark.go.jp/english/index.htm This park is not only giant with tons of places to walk your dog but it also has a huge dog run for dogs of all sizes. Ask the staff at the gate when you go, it’s a little tricky to find the first time.
