An event has been held in northeastern Japan allowing tourists to walk and interact with Akita dogs in the snow.
The Akita Convention & Visitors Bureau organized the sightseeing tour at a park in Akita City to promote local tourism in winter.
Participants were briefed on the characteristics of the large dog breed before heading out for a walk, holding the dogs’ leashes.
The dogs did not seem to mind the cold. Some tourists were pulled along by the dogs as they walked a course of about 600 meters through the park. Participants also took photos together against the snowy scenery.
According to the tourism bureau, the tour, which was limited to eight groups, sold out immediately after it was released in late November.
A woman in her 30s from Tokyo said she became a fan of Akita dogs after seeing photos and videos of them on social media during the coronavirus pandemic. She said the snowy landscape was also fantastic and that she made great memories.
Sasaki Katsuya, an official at the bureau, said he is confident that tourists will visit Akita even in winter if attractive events are organized. He added that the bureau hopes to promote Akita’s charm more effectively.
AloJapan.com