Walking the dog is an essential part of everyday life. For dog owners, nearby parks can be good places to bring their dogs. However, some parks do not allow dogs, and even when dogs are permitted, most of these parks require dog owners to follow specific rules. Here you can find park rules and tips on how to locate parks to walk your dog, as well as information about dog runs.
１．What to know about walking the dog
Basic rules for dog walking
２．What parks can I walk my dog in?
３．Which types of parks totally do not allow dog walking?
４．Public dog runs in Tokyo and Yokohama
How to use a dog run
The dog runs in 12 metropolitan parks
５．Dog runs in Tokyo
６．Dog runs in Yokohama
1. What to know about walking the dog
Dogs are like part of the family for their owners. It is natural that everyone wants their dog to have a blast on walks, no matter where they are in the world. That said, the way people live with dogs can differ from one country to another, depending on the culture and customs of your country of origin, and you may unknowingly violate rules and manners in a new place.
In Japan, there are laws and local rules about walking dogs that owners have to stick to. It is important for everyone to follow these guidelines to keep pets and people safe. Breaking rules is not just a neighborhood issue; local governments can impose fines as well. Please keep in mind that saying, "I didn't know that," is not an acceptable excuse.
Basic rules for dog walking
- When in public places, always keep your dog on a leash.
The leash should be no longer than 2 m (6.56 ft.) according to a general standard set by local governments.
- The owner disposes of pet waste.
The owner is responsible for cleaning up after the dog.
When you go for a walk, take a bag to pick up dog waste and bottled water to rinse away urine. This way, the owner can clean up properly.
2. What parks can I walk my dog in?
The parks available for dog walking are large parks mainly operated by municipalities. Most large parks allow dogs, but if you are unsure, check the signage for any restrictions related to their use. Usually, a warning sign is located near the entrance, clearly stating prohibited activities and precautions in the park. If you cannot find or understand the sign, ask at the management office in the park. Or see if there are people walking their dogs in the park. If you see people walking their dogs, it should be OK.
Yoyogi Park in Shibuya, Tokyo
Follow park rules and manners
The park is a public place open to many people. Even in parks where dogs are allowed, follow the basic rules: keep dogs on leashes and dispose of dog waste properly. To avoid trouble, consider the distance between park visitors and your dog. Some people may feel uneasy around dogs.
Some parks have no-pet allowed areas.
Even in parks that allow pets, there are specific areas where pets are prohibited, such as the playground, the children's water play area, and the lawn. This policy helps maintain hygiene by keeping pet waste away from these areas. Pet waste can harm the lawn, especially dog urine, which can cause the grass to die. Additionally, it’s important to keep these areas clean to prevent others from accidentally stepping in waste.
3. Which types of parks totally do not allow dog walking?
Small parks in residential neighborhoods usually do not allow dogs, except for guide dogs and service animals. These parks are mainly for young children to play and for older people to relax. Before taking your dog to a small park, make sure to check for any signs first. If there is no warning sign, you may take a break with your dog (on a leash). Still, it's probably a good idea to assume that dog walking is not allowed in that small park.
No pet walking is allowed in Japanese gardens
Regardless of park sizes, Japanese gardens do not allow walking with the dog, except for guide dogs and service dogs.
Temples and shrines generally will not allow pets entry.
Generally, bringing pets into temple/shrine grounds is refused. However, some shrines offer purification rituals specifically for pets, and more temples are allowing dogs these days. Bringing pets may be allowed, depending on the policy of the temple or shrine, so be sure to ask beforehand.
4. Public dog runs in Tokyo and Yokohama
If you want your dog to have more fun running around, consider a dog run or a fenced-in dog park. Parks in Tokyo and Yokohama offer dog runs operated by local governments. For example, Tokyo has 12 metropolitan parks that offer free dog runs, provided users register. Dog run fields usually have different areas for different dog sizes, and some places have rules about size limits that you should check in advance.
How to use a dog run
- Register in advance
The way to use the dog run varies by facility, but generally, it requires registration in advance. To register, you need a valid Rabies Vaccination Tag that shows the applicable year your dog got vaccinated. Since rabies shots are given once a year, your registration will be based on when the vaccine expires. For instance, if you wish to use the dog run in 2025 (令和7年 Reiwa 7), only the rabies vaccination tag dated 令和7年 Reiwa 7 will be accepted for your registration application.
- Dog runs without prior registration
Private and some public parks' dog runs are available without prior registration. These dog runs typically charge a fee, and the owner will need the following three items to carry.
Owner's ID card
Dog identification tag
Rabies vaccination tag
How to apply for registration (in the case of 12 Tokyo Metropolitan Parks)
Here is a summary of the registration process for 12 metropolitan parks. Registering for any of the 12 metropolitan parks allows access to all facilities. For registration to use dog runs in other parks, refer to this guide to understand the procedure, as the registration process is nearly the same.
12 metropolitan parks dog run registration
To use the dog runs of the 12 metropolitan parks in Tokyo, complete the Dog Run Common Use Registration 共通利用登録 in advance. Once you have registered, you will receive a dog run registration certificate, which allows you to use the dog runs in all 12 parks. The registration is valid until June 30 from the date the certificate is issued.
1) Register
You can apply through the registration form linked from each of the 12 parks' websites. Fill out the form with your and your dog's information, agree to the terms and conditions, then submit it.
(Important)
- The registration requires the latest year's Rabies Vaccination Tag 狂犬病予防注射済票. For example, in the case of registration in 2025 (令和7年 Reiwa 7), the valid rabies vaccination tag tells Reiwa 7 and the tag's color is yellow.
- A photo of the rabies vaccination tag must be attached to the application form.
- The terms and conditions for the dog run vary by each park. Be sure to review the regulations of the park you are visiting.
2) You will receive a confirmation email once your registration has been completed.
Registration will be completed within 1 week or 10 days.
When registered, you will receive the following by email.
Dog run user certificate 共通利用登録証
Print out the registration certificate (a card) attached to the email and carry it with you when using the dog park. If you don't carry it, you are not allowed to use the dog run.
Entrance gate PIN
Use your PIN when entering a dog run.
5. Dog runs in Tokyo
Here are some dog runs in Tokyo. Please remember that most free dog runs are managed by volunteers. Let’s follow the rules and etiquette so everyone can enjoy time with their beloved pets.
The linked websites are in Japanese. Please use automatic translation to read in your language.
The dog runs in 12 metropolitan parks
Shibuya Ward: 渋谷区
Yoyogi Park (代々木公園)
https://www.tokyo-park.or.jp/park/yoyogi/
https://www.yoyogidogrun.jp/home
Setagaya Ward: 世田谷区
Komazawa Olympic Park (駒沢オリンピック公園)
https://www.tokyo-park.or.jp/park/komazawa-olympic/
Rokakoshuen Garden (蘆花恒春園)
https://www.tokyo-park.or.jp/park/rokakoshun-en/
Koto Ward: 江東区
Kiba Park (木場公園)
https://www.tokyo-park.or.jp/park/kiba/
Itabashi Ward: 板橋区
Johoku Central Park (城北中央公園)
https://www.tokyo-park.or.jp/park/johoku-chuo/
Katsushika Ward: 葛飾区
Mizumoto Park (水元公園)
https://www.tokyo-park.or.jp/park/mizumoto/
Adachi Ward: 足立区
Toneri Park (舎人公園)
https://www.tokyo-park.or.jp/park/toneri/
Edogawa Ward: 江戸川区
Shinozaki Park (篠崎公園)
https://www.tokyo-park.or.jp/park/shinozaki/
Outside the 23 wards of Tokyo
Koganei City: 小金井市
Koganei Park (小金井公園)
https://www.tokyo-park.or.jp/park/koganei/
Machida City: 町田市
Oyamauchi Back Park (小山内裏公園)
https://www.tokyo-park.or.jp/park/oyamadairi/
Chofu City: 調布市
Jindai Botanical Garden (神代植物公園)
https://www.tokyo-park.or.jp/park/jindai/
Tama City: 多摩市
Sakuragaoka Park (桜ヶ丘公園)
https://www.tokyo-park.or.jp/park/sakuragaoka/
Other dog parks in Tokyo
Showa Memorial Park (in Tachikawa City 立川市)
国営昭和記念公園
https://www.showakinen-koen.jp/
*Requires a fee for park admission, but the dog run is free. When entering the park, you need to submit a Pet Companionship Pledge ペット同伴誓約書.
https://www.showakinen-koen.jp/park-information/pets/
https://www.showakinen-koen.jp/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/pet_entrycontract_english.pdf
Oi Central Seaside Park Shiosai Dog Run( in Ota Ward 大田区)
大井ふ頭中央海浜公園 しおさいドッグラン
*Pre-registration required
https://www.tokyo-park.or.jp/park/oifuto-chuokaihin/
Tatsumi no Mori Seaside Park Dog Run( in Koto Ward 江東区)
辰巳の森海浜公園 ドッグラン
*Pre-registration required
https://www.tptc.co.jp/park
Dog run for local residents
Hamamachi Park Wanwan Square (in Chuo Ward 中央区)
浜町公園わんわん広場
Tsukijigawa Park Wanwan Square (in Chuo Ward 中央区)
築地川公園わんわん広場
Harumi Rinkai Park Wanwan Square (in Chuo Ward 中央区)
晴海臨海公園わんわん広場
Toyosu Gururi Dog Run (in Koto-ku 江東区)
豊洲ぐるり ドッグラン
6. Dog runs in Yokohama
The dog duns are operated by a specific manager. Be sure to check out their website for information on fees and how to use the park.
Parks with a dog run in Yokohama city
Kohoku Ward: 港北区
Shin-Yokohama Park Dog Run (Paid)
新横浜公園ドッグラン
https://www.nissan-stadium.jp/shinyoko-park/
Naka Ward: 中区
Honmoku Summit Park Dog Run (Paid)
本牧山頂公園ドッグラン
https://sancho-yokohamaueki.com/
Isogo Ward: 磯子区
New Sugita Park Dog Run (for local residents)
新杉田公園ドッグラン
https://www.kanagawaparks.com/shinsugita/
Tsurumi Ward: 鶴見区
Irifune Park Dog Run (for local residents)
入船公園ドッグラン
https://www.sakata-greenservice.co.jp/irifune/
