Can you believe that there is a hot spring where you are welcomed by Akita dogs?
Located in Odate City, Akita prefecture, this is one of the top “100 famous hot springs” in Japan.
Akita Hospitality: Japan’s Coziest Welcome
And why wouldn’t it be? One of the best things here is you are greeted by Akita dogs before your soak! The current dog “hospitality staff” is often a pair named Haru and Hana, who are available to greet guests for most of the day. A great chance to hang out with these gorgeous fluff balls!
The dogs seem comfortable with people around. A wonderful opportunity for shutter bugs to do a photo session too.
On the walls, you see images of the dogs when they were newborns. How adorable is this?
On the first floor, you can purchase various souvenirs from Akita prefecture.
This is somewhere you’d definitely want to visit in early winter to warm yourself by looking at these cute dogs and enjoying the famous hot spring water, which is known for its soft, creamy feel on the skin.
Furusawa Onsen Koyokan (ふるさわ温泉 光葉館)
Address: 27 Niizuna, Odate-shi, Akita (Google Maps)
Opening hours (Public Bathing/Day Trip Onsen): 6:00 – 22:00 (Summer) / 6:30 – 21:30 (Winter)
Akita Dog Greeting Hours: Typically 9:00 am to 6:00 pm (Note: Hours and dog availability may vary based on weather or the dogs’ rest schedule.)
Souvenirs: Available for purchase on the first floor.
Official website: https://visitakita.com/hotel/004/
A Warm Akita Welcome
Furusawa Onsen Koyokan offers a unique blend of traditional Japanese hospitality and the charm of one of Japan’s most famous dog breeds. This ryokan is a perfect stop for travelers in Akita who wish to relax and capture a memory with the iconic Akita-inu.
