A café where visitors can pet, photograph, and spend time with fluffy, soft-coated Akita dogs opened in May in Omachi, Odate City, Akita. Its name is “Akita Dog Café.” The space has quickly become a dream destination for Akita dog fans and a relaxing spot filled with guests seeking comfort and joy.
As visitors step in, they are warmly welcomed by two charming Akita dogs with striking red fawn coats, Mutsu (a two-year-old male) and Genta (a nine-month-old male), their tails wagging with joy. These two have not only won the hearts of the café’s guests but also amassed a significant following on social media, with their combined TikTok and Instagram followers exceeding 80,000.
The café’s owner, Chisato Ueda (32) of Kazuno City, is also the dogs’ caretaker. After adopting Mutsu two years ago, she began taking him to local events where people could interact with dogs, and she often heard comments like, “There aren’t many places in Akita where you can actually touch an Akita dog.” Seeing how people passing by smiled whenever they saw Mutsu during walks or events, she became convinced, “Dog lovers must want to pet him, and many people are looking for that kind of healing.” About a year ago, she began planning to open a café.
She chose Odate City, the birthplace of the Akita dog and home to the Akita Dog Visitor Center (Akita Inu no Sato) and Preservation Society, as the café’s location. To qualify for operating an animal-interaction business, she studied hard and gained the necessary certifications. While preparing for the café’s opening, she also welcomed a second Akita dog, Genta, in February, Mutsu’s nephew. His puppy charm only increased their popularity online.
Mrs. Ueda’s vision extends beyond the café. She has established ‘MofuMofu Inc.’ to foster Akita dog–related ventures and collaborate with other industries. She said, “I want this place to be more than just a café where you can meet Akita dogs. I’d like to create a tourism hub, a place where people can delve into the history of Odate City or discover dog-friendly inns.”
Thanks to steady promotion through posters, word of mouth, and social media, the café’s popularity has soared. In July, just two months after opening, the number of visitors had doubled. Social media exposure has played a significant role, with approximately 80% of guests now coming from outside Akita Prefecture. “Many visitors tell us, ‘We came all the way here just for this café,’” Mrs. Ueda said with a smile. “It made me realize that when people truly love something, distance doesn’t matter. Some come to experience Akita dogs in general, while others specifically say, ‘We came to meet Mutsu and Genta.’”
With its growing popularity, Mrs. Ueda is careful to manage the dogs’ stress and ensure a safe environment for both the animals and their guests. To keep things balanced, Mutsu and Genta are joined by six other Akita dogs owned by local friends who take turns serving as “shop dogs.” “We’re also using this as an opportunity to train more Akita dogs for future interaction programs,” she said. “It would be wonderful if more places offered experiences where people can feel close to Akita dogs.”
The café is open from Friday to Monday and on public holidays, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. (last orders at 5 p.m.). The admission fee is 2,000 yen for adults and 1,000 yen for children, which includes a 30-minute visit, one drink, and 10 minutes of interaction with the dogs. There are also options for ‘interaction only’ or ‘café only.’ For more details, visit their Instagram page.
