If you’ve ever lived in Vancouver, odds are you’ve had a Japadog.
Or at least heard about it from someone who swore by it.
And this week, the iconic hot dog stand is giving back with a three-day celebration, including a free hot dog giveaway to mark its 20th anniversary.
Yep, it’s been 20 years since Noriki and Miki Tamura left everything behind in Japan and opened their first stand on Burrard and Smithe in the dead of winter in 2005.
Through the cold mornings, language barriers, and grind of starting from scratch, they slowly built something legendary.
Over the years, Japadog’s Japanese-style hot dogs – topped with things like teriyaki mayo, seaweed, and miso – have become part of the city’s cultural fabric.
Celebs (Anthony Bourdain, Vanessa Hudgens, Steve Aoki, Seth Rogen, etc.) from all over the world have lined up for them, with photos of famous faces still plastered on their stands today.
They even took things global in 2011 with a U.S. location in Santa Monica. There’s even a location in Vietnam now!
But no matter how far the brand has expanded, Vancouver is still its heart and that’s where the anniversary party is going down:
Japadog shared on their social media their 20th Anniversary Giveaway Schedule:
- May 1 @ Robson Store
🌭 10 lucky visitors will score a GIANT 20-inch Japadog! - May 2 @ Burrard St. & Robson Store (5–7PM)
🌭 Free hot dogs for a limited time! - May 3 @ Burrard St. & Robson Store (12–2PM)
🌭 Another round of free hot dogs while supplies last!
The celebration is both a thank-you and a full-circle moment.
From feeding Olympic crowds in 2010 to surviving COVID shutdowns and pivoting to ghost kitchens, Japadog has weathered the wild ride of the food industry.
And they’ve kept its mission the same ever since: delivering joy through hot dogs.
So if you’re downtown this week, don’t miss your shot to relive a Vancouver classic.
Let us know if you’ll be stopping by for a free bite!
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