Journey to Japan: 5 Places to Follow in the Footsteps of the Shiba Inu

Journey to Japan: 5 Places to Follow in the Footsteps of the Shiba Inu

The Shiba Inu is more than just a dog — it’s a living symbol of Japan’s most authentic soul: sacred forests, remote villages, and silent spirituality.

Though the breed is now beloved around the world, its heart still beats along ancient paths and thousand-year-old stones.

If one day you wish to truly follow its tracks, these five places are the perfect starting point.

1. Nagano – The Sacred Mountains of the Shiba

In the snowy, misty mountains of Nagano — among the villages of Kiso, Shinshu, and the alpine valleys — the Shiba Inu preserved its wild and alert spirit for centuries.
This remote region, shaped by dense forests and frozen streams, became the natural home of a dog bred to hunt with intelligence and independence.
The Shiba learned to move with grace and precision, tuned to every detail, making its own decisions with quiet strength.

📍 Travel tip: Visit traditional breeders, hike the woodland trails, and listen to the local stories about the “little mountain dog.”

2. Kyoto – Fushimi Inari Shrine and the Animal Spirit

Fushimi Inari Taisha, with its endless vermilion torii gates, is one of Japan’s most iconic spiritual sites. While it’s mostly associated with foxes (messengers of Inari), many folk tales also portray dogs as protective and sacred beings.

In this setting, the Shiba Inu is seen as a “silent kami,” a reserved guardian watching over without interfering.
Wandering through Kyoto’s markets, you may find wooden or fabric charms shaped like Shiba Inu, and many ema (wooden prayer plaques) feature drawings or names of Shiba seeking protection or healing.

📍 Don’t miss: Write your dog’s name on an ema and hang it among the torii gates — a traditional gesture blending love and spirituality.

3. Matsumoto – The Rebirth of the Shiba Inu

In the 1920s, the Shiba Inu nearly vanished.
War, foreign breeds, and urbanization threatened to erase this ancient Japanese dog. But in Matsumoto, Nagano prefecture, a group of scholars and breeders took action to save it.

It was here that one of the first meetings of the Nihon Ken Hozonkai (the Japanese Dog Preservation Society) took place.
Today, you can still find archives holding the first Shiba Inu pedigree — a fragile yet invaluable document from which many modern Shibas descend.

📍 Historic spot: Stroll through the old town, explore the archives, and rediscover where the Shiba’s silent comeback began.

4. Yamanashi – The Shiba’s Trails at the Foot of Mt. Fuji

In Yamanashi, the region that embraces majestic Mt. Fuji, the ancient hunting trails of the Shiba still wind through sacred forests and lonely torii gates.
For generations, Japanese hunters trained Shibas here — and now, modern travelers can explore these same paths, often guided by locals and their own Shiba companions.

Trekking here is more than a nature walk — it’s a deep dive into the lifestyle that shaped the breed.
The rhythm of the steps, the silence of the moss, the wind through the pines — they tell timeless tales of patience, scent, and keen observation.

📍 Experience it fully: Book a guided hike through these historic routes — ideally with a Shiba by your side. It’s more than a walk — it’s a meeting of spirits.

5. Tokyo – The Japanese Dog Museum

In the heart of bustling Tokyo lies a quiet gem: the Nihon Ken Hozonkai Museum, dedicated to Japan’s native dog breeds.
Here, the Shiba Inu takes center stage alongside the Akita and lesser-known ancient breeds.

You’ll find statues, original documents, vintage videos, and even audio recordings of historic Shibas.
One exhibit compares the Shiba and Akita, while another explores their role in pop culture and cinema.

📍 Must-see: View the earliest ukiyo-e prints featuring Shibas, anatomical models used for breed selection, and the “Famous Shibas” wall.

A Journey Through Nature, History, and Spirit

Visiting these places means traveling into the soul of the Shiba Inu.
Each village, shrine, and path holds a piece of a greater story — one of a breed that has endured across centuries while remaining true to itself: free, proud, and quietly enduring.

📘 Want to explore more stories, legends, and curiosities about the Shiba Inu?
Discover The Secret World of the Shiba Inu — a narrative and cultural journey into the heart of this ancient and fascinating breed.