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Turtles have a lot of upsides as pets, such as being quiet and low-maintenance. Of course, they’re not perfect animal companions. For example, just think of how much fun dog-owners have taking their pooches for a walk. You can’t do that with a turtle, can you?

Sure you can, as long as you’re not in a hurry, like this resident of Tokyo out for a stroll with his gigantic pet turtle.

Tokyo’s Tsukishima is mostly known for its concentration of monjayaki restaurants, where you can dine on the popular crepe-like dish. The neighborhood also has a few treats for animal lovers, though. You can visit its owl cafe, and if you’re lucky enough, you just might run into this guy on the street.

While it’s not clear if this smooth-headed gentleman lives in the area or not, he’s been spotted multiple times out for a walk in Tsukishima accompanied by this African spurred tortoise.

▼ The animal is native to the southern Sahara desert, but seems comfortable enough in the concrete jungle of downtown Tokyo.

As you’ve probably guessed, the laid-back pair have been getting a lot of attention online. Mixed in with all of the reactions of “LOL!” and “Cute!” is an observation from a fellow African spurred tortoise owner who remarks that the animal must have been kindly and properly cared for over many years to develop the sort of bond where it diligently follows after its master. The two were even spotted in Ginza, which is a decent-length walk even if you don’t have a reputation as one of the slowest members of the animal kingdom.

▼ Tsukishima (marked in red) and Ginza (blue)

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And of course, this being Japan, it’s important that your pet have a cute outfit when you’re out on the town together.

▼ All of that soft quilting has us a little worried someone might mistake him for a cushion and sit down on him, though.

https://twitter.com/1995_peach_n/status/566831605914677248

Dog-lovers will probably point out the drawback to taking a walk with a turtle, though, in that you can’t head to the park and play fetch together. That’s true, but as these pictures show, there’s also an advantage over canines.

You don’t have to worry about hooking up a leash before you leave the house.

▼ After all, it’s not like he’s going to suddenly dash off and outrun you when you try to catch him.

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Source: Togech
Top image: Twitter (edited bby RocketNews24)
Insert images: Google Maps, Twitter (edited by RocketNews24)