Tokushima Botanical Garden Dog Run Now Open

A dog run has opened at Tokushima Botanical Garden on May 13 (National Dog Day). Registration applications are now being accepted for those wishing to use the facility.

The dog run is free to use, but prior registration is required. Note that registration certificates for the Azuma Construction Dog Run Kawachi (Tokushima City Komatsu Coast Green Space Dog Run) are not valid here — a separate registration must be completed for this facility.

Dog Run Overview

Opening Date: May 13

Admission Fee: Free (registration required)

Hours: Sunrise to sunset

Note: There may be times when the dog run is unavailable due to maintenance work. Announcements will be posted on the Tokushima City website.

Location: Inside Tokushima Botanical Garden, Hōnoue-chō and Shibuno-chō, Tokushima City

Getting There:

• By car: 60 parking spaces are available at the Urban Greening Botanical Garden parking lot (near the Green Consultation Office).
• From the parking lot, it is approximately a 20 to 30 minute walk to the dog run, including uphill sections.
• Visitors with physical disabilities may use the Woodland Experience Zone parking lot, which is just a 1-minute walk from the dog run. A disability certificate or Parking Permit card must be presented at the Green Consultation Office to access this parking area.

Registration (First-Time Users)

Registration is accepted at any time and there is no registration fee. For now, only new registrations are being processed; renewals will be available from July 1, 2027.

How to Register

Registration can be completed in person at the window or by mail.

In Person:

The following locations accept registrations on weekdays from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Offices are closed on Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays, and during the year-end and New Year period.

• Tokushima City Park and Green Space Management Foundation (59-1 Tsujinishi, Shibuno-chō, Tokushima City)
• Tokushima City Hall, 4th Floor, Parks and Green Space Division (5 Saiwai-chō 2-chome, Tokushima City)

Note: Dogs may not be brought to the registration offices.

By Mail:

Send the required documents to:

Tokushima City Park and Green Space Management Foundation
59-1 Tsujinishi, Shibuno-chō, Tokushima City, Tokushima Prefecture, 〒771-4267

Please enclose all required documents. Submitted documents cannot be returned.

Required Documents

The following five items are required for registration. Color photos of the dog's face and full body should be approximately L-size prints (color prints are acceptable). Note that submitted documents cannot be returned.

1. A photo clearly showing the dog's face
2. A photo clearly showing the dog's full body
3. Either of the following: (a) a photo or copy of the dog's registration tag showing the registration number, or (b) a registration certificate for a microchip issued by a registration organization designated by the Minister of the Environment
4. A photo or copy of the dog's rabies vaccination tag showing the number (must be within one year of vaccination)
5. A completed Dog Run Use Application Form (a pledge signature is required)

Additional Notes:

• One registration per dog.
• For registrations by those under 18 years of age, consent from a parent or legal guardian is required.

Usage Rules

Eligibility

Who May Use the Dog Run:

• Those who can supervise their dog at all times
• Those who can control their dog
• Those who can attend to their dog's physical and mental condition
• Those aged 16 or older who bring a registered dog (those under 16 may use the facility with a guardian present; infants are not permitted to enter)

Who May Not Use the Dog Run:

• Those who cannot supervise or control their dog
• Those who cannot follow the rules and guidelines
• Those who may cause harm to other dogs or users
• Those who do not bring a registered dog

Dogs That May Use the Dog Run:

• Registered dogs whose behavior can be controlled by their owner and who are in a controllable state (if there is a risk the dog could jump over the fencing, owners should use their own judgment and refrain from using the facility)

Dogs That May Not Use the Dog Run:

• Unregistered dogs
• Dogs that are aggressive or threatening toward other dogs or users
• Extremely timid dogs
• Dogs whose behavior cannot be controlled by their owner
• Dogs that bark excessively, have a biting habit, or are highly excited
• Dogs in heat
• Dogs with contagious skin conditions
• Dogs infested with external parasites such as fleas or ticks
• Dogs infested with internal parasites such as roundworms or tapeworms

Rules and Prohibitions

1. The dog run is open from sunrise to sunset. Closures for maintenance will be announced on the Tokushima City website.
2. Any accidents, disputes, illness, injuries, or other incidents that occur inside or outside the dog run are the sole responsibility of the parties involved. The facility management bears no responsibility.
3. Disputes between owners must be resolved between the parties involved.
4. Always carry the dog run registration certificate when visiting (it may be requested for verification).
5. If the registration certificate is lost, the facility may not be used until a replacement is issued.
6. Dogs may be off-leash only within the fenced dog area. Leashes must be worn at all times outside the designated area.
7. To avoid congestion and accidents, a maximum of one dog per person is permitted in the area. Check conditions inside before entering, and refrain from entering if 20 or more dogs are already present.
8. Do not enter the free area when other dogs are already inside.
9. To protect dogs, do not open both entry gates at the same time. Wait until the first gate is fully closed before entering the free area.
10. From the free area, enter the section corresponding to the size category listed on the registration certificate.
11. On garden paths, keep the leash to 2 meters or shorter and maintain control of the dog at all times. Owners are liable if their dog injures another visitor.
12. Enter the area initially with the dog on a leash, and remove the leash only after the dog has calmed down.
13. A dog toilet area is available in the dog run. Dogs should urinate in the designated toilet, and the area should be rinsed with water after use. The same applies on garden paths.
14. Dog waste must be taken home by the owner — do not flush it down public toilets, as it can cause blockages.
15. Eating, drinking, and smoking are prohibited inside the area. Feeding dogs is also prohibited, though giving water is permitted.
16. Toys such as balls and frisbees may be used, but must not disturb other users. Temporarily stop use if there is a risk of conflict between dogs. All toys must be taken home.
17. Grooming, shampooing, and bathing dogs is prohibited.
18. Baby strollers, dog carts, and other items that could cause accidents are not permitted inside the area.
19. Owners must not leave the area while their dog is off-leash inside.
20. Pets other than dogs are not permitted. Visitors without a dog may not use the facility.
21. When visiting by car, please use the designated parking lot. Roadside parking is strictly prohibited.
22. Commercial activities, group monopolization of the facility, and any behavior that inconveniences other dogs or owners are prohibited.
23. Users who cause inconvenience to others may be asked to stop using the facility or leave the premises.
24. Users who do not comply with the rules may have their registration revoked and may be denied re-registration.
25. If violations and complaints persist without improvement, the dog run may be temporarily closed.
26. In all other matters, users must follow the instructions of the facility management.