Journeys in Japan · SEASON 8
Odate: The Land of the Akita Inu
Episode 9 · 2017-04-18

- Documentary
Episode overview
The statue of Hachi the Dog sits near Shibuya's famous scramble crossing. Hachi was an Akita Inu, a breed designated as a national natural monument. The breed originated in Odate City, Akita Prefecture in northern Japan. Odate thrived on mineral mining and forestry from the beautiful forests of Akita sugi, a type of cedar. But today, it's especially known as the birthplace of the Akita Inu. On Michael's travels around Odate he meets the famed dog and gets a glimpse into locals' everyday lives. He also takes part in the Amekko Festival, which dates back 400 years.
28 minutes
Season 8 episodes
1. Koza: A Rhythm All Its Own2017-01-31
2. Ogawayama: A Rock Climber's Paradise2017-02-07
3. Niseko: Snowy Adventures2017-02-14
4. Suruga Bay: The Bounty of the Deep2017-02-21
5. Tokoname: City of Ceramics Past and Present2017-02-28
6. Ibaraki: Savoring Winter Flavors2017-03-07
7. Hokkaido: Sculpting Winter's Ice and Snow2017-04-04
8. Mt. Norikuradake: A Peak Winter Experience2017-04-11
9. Odate: The Land of the Akita Inu2017-04-18
10. Oya, Utsunomiya: Stone Town & Quarry Ruins Tour2017-04-25
11. Nagoya: Samurai Warlord Chronicles2017-05-02
12. Hakuba: Off Piste to a Hidden Hot Spring2017-05-09
13. Nara: Ancient Sanctuary for all Living Creatures2017-05-30
14. Monobe, Kochi: Tales from the Magical Mountain Hamlet2017-06-20
15. Manazuru: Good Living by Design2017-06-27
16. Nanyo, Ehime: Water for Life and Fun2017-07-04
17. Meiwa-cho, Mie: An Ancient Legend Comes to Life2017-07-11
18. Mount Daisen: Mystical Rites, Local Life2017-07-18
19. Murayama, Yamagata: Local Delicacies, Local Pride2017-07-25
20. Tottori: Sculpted by Nature2017-08-01
21. Deep into the Unspoiled Forest: Shirakami Sanchi2017-08-08
22. Yonaguni: Wild West Escapades2017-08-15
23. Obuse, Nagano: Walking and Running for Fun2017-08-22
24. Taisetsuzan: Summer Alpine Discoveries2017-09-12
25. Kochi's Summertime Fever: The Yosakoi!2017-09-19
26. Awa Odori Festival: Spirited Away in Tokushima2017-09-26
27. Yanai: Old Town of Goldfish Lanterns2017-10-03
28. Nagara River: Pristine Beauty, Waterborne Bounty2017-10-10
29. Minami-Izu: Unspoiled Seaside Getaway2017-10-17
30. A River Runs Through Hokkaido2017-10-24
31. Kagoshima: The Taste and Style of "Kuro" Culture2017-11-07
32. Kikuma, Ehime: Pride and Pageantry2017-11-21
33. Togakushi: Autumn Hues at a Sacred Mountain2017-11-28
34. Passage of Time: Lake Towada in Autumn2017-12-05
35. Karatsu: Festival Floats, Deep Community Spirit2017-12-12