[Dog-Friendly Stays] Drive to Nikko with Your Canine Companion. Enjoy Door-to-Door Convenience and a Town That Welcomes Dogs with Open Arms.

TRAVEL | HOSHINO RESORTS Nikko

Don't Compromise on Food or Rooms! A Luxurious Trip with Your Canine Companion: HOSHINO RESORTS Nikko Edition

While the lingering heat persists, we're starting to feel the first hints of autumn. As the pleasant weather of fall approaches, don't you feel a growing desire to travel? With the peak travel season just around the corner, I'm currently in the midst of planning a trip with my beloved dog, Kelly (8 years old, female, miniature dachshund).

Photographs by OHTAKI Kaku | Text by HASEGAWA Aya | Edit by TSUCHIDA Takashi

From the Entrance, Leash Your Dog and Head to the Front Desk

The pandemic made long-distance travel difficult, leading me to discover a new joy: staying at hotels in Tokyo with my dog! It's surprisingly refreshing. Lately, I've been staying at Tokyo hotels with Kelly once or twice a month. This spring, I felt a desire to 'go somewhere further!' and 'enjoy a drive,' so I ventured to HOSHINO RESORTS Nikko. I hope this might be helpful for your autumn dog-friendly travel plans.

[Dog-Friendly Stays] Drive to Nikko with Your Canine Companion. Enjoy Door-to-Door Convenience and a Town That Welcomes Dogs with Open Arms. | TRAVEL

Passing through the main entrance, you're immediately greeted by a golden folding screen. Naturally, it's a perfect spot for a dog-friendly photo opportunity.

HOSHINO RESORTS operates the 'Hoshino Resorts KAI' brand of hot spring inns nationwide. Just recently, in August 2022, 'KAI Yufuin' opened its doors (it's said to have detached rooms where guests can stay with their pets). 'KAI Unzen' is set to open in November, showing the unstoppable momentum of the 'KAI' brand.

In fact, HOSHINO RESORTS has been very proactive about dog-friendly travel lately. As of September 12, 2022, there are 46 facilities offering rooms where guests can stay with their dogs. Within the 'KAI' brand alone, all facilities offer dedicated dog rooms. 'KAI Nikko,' where Kelly and I stayed, is a luxurious hot spring inn where all 33 rooms boast a spacious 60 square meters or more. In May 2022, one of these rooms was designated as a dog-friendly room.https://www.hoshinoresorts.com/sp/pet/While there are many accommodations that welcome dogs, the rules vary by facility. What's great about 'KAI Nikko' is that they allow up to two medium-sized dogs (under 20kg) per room. Many hotels in the city only allow one small dog. For owners of medium-sized dogs (even if my own dog is small), this is undoubtedly welcome news!

[Dog-Friendly Stays] Drive to Nikko with Your Canine Companion. Enjoy Door-to-Door Convenience and a Town That Welcomes Dogs with Open Arms. | TRAVEL

The rules within the facility are also clear. Dogs are allowed on leash in areas where shoes are permitted. In areas where shoes are not allowed, dogs must be in a pet carrier. Unlike many accommodations where pets must be in carriers immediately upon exiting the car, it's wonderful to be able to walk with your dog to check-in. Good job, Kelly!

Now, HOSHINO RESORTS, and particularly the 'KAI' brand, is known for its strong emphasis on local charm (am I right in thinking this?). 'KAI Nikko' was also impressive (lol). For example, Kanuma kumiko, which originated from artisans gathered from all over the country to build Nikko Toshogu Shrine, was incorporated throughout the inn, including in the guest rooms. I've never seen so much Kanuma kumiko at once (lol). In the entrance area, there were 'Nikko Geta' sandals, with straw soles and wooden bases, provided. They are surprisingly sturdy and were apparently useful for long journeys like Sankin-kotai (alternate attendance). Visitors to Nikko also wore these 'Nikko Geta' to visit shrines and temples. A Noh stage, built without a single nail, hosts tap dances using 'Nikko Geta' every night. There's also plenty of Tochigi's traditional crafts like Oya stone, Nikko carving, and Mashiko pottery. You can admire Nikko's unique crafts together with your dog. Well, your dog probably thinks, 'What's that got to do with me!' (lol).

Now, without further ado! Let me introduce you to the one-of-a-kind dog room (dog-friendly room) at 'KAI Nikko.' It's 72 square meters and can accommodate up to four people. It comes equipped with a cage and a full set of dog amenities (toilet, toilet sheets, waterproof mat, sticky roller cleaner, deodorizer, plastic bags, lidded waste bin, food bowls, wet wipes for paws, etc.). Dogs are allowed to roam freely in the area where the cage is placed. We even tried a craft activity here, making wooden coasters using Kanuma kumiko. We 'forced' Kelly to join in (lol). Perhaps thinking they were edible, Kelly watched intently. Please note that dogs are not allowed on the tatami mats, even in guest rooms. When we were relaxing on the tatami, we kept Kelly in her carrier beside us, and enjoying sake in such an environment was quite special.

Speaking of drinks, all 'KAI' facilities nationwide are offering 'Blissful Post-Bath Beer' (¥1,200) until October 31 (Monday). This includes a specially selected beer developed exclusively by the 'KAI' brand, with a hint of lemon as a secret ingredient, enjoyed in a unique setting at each facility, along with local snacks.

Even without considering the dog-friendly aspect, this is an event I absolutely wanted to participate in. At 'KAI Nikko,' you can enjoy it on a terrace with a close-up view of the majestic Mount Nantai! A terrace, meaning it's a shoe-wearing area. Dogs are welcome. The local snacks at 'KAI Nikko' are Nikko's specialty 'fresh yuba' and colorful condiments inspired by the seven colors used in the construction of Toshogu Shrine. A beer garden with your dog – what could be more fun (lol)? Kelly was also fixated on the beer and yuba, so I shared a small piece of yuba with her.

I have another important report. At 'KAI Nikko,' you can bring your dog to the dining area. Dog-friendly guests dine in private rooms (no additional charge), and these rooms are equipped with cages. While dogs cannot be let out of their cages, leaving your beloved pet alone in the room while you dine might cause a bit of worry ('Is my good boy behaving?'). With your dog by your side, you can fully enjoy delicious food and drinks. Of course, I pretended not to notice Kelly's wistful gaze ('Are you guys eating something delicious without me?'), and savored the kaiseki meal featuring plenty of Nikko yuba, which was once served to hungry pilgrims at Nikko's shrines and temples!

From the sea urchin and yuba appetizer, I was already enchanted. The hassun, presented in vibrant dishes inspired by Toshogu Shrine, was also quite striking. This time, I indulged in a luxurious, upgraded special kaiseki meal. The 'Wagyu and Yuba Yanagawa-style hot pot,' where wagyu beef and yuba are simmered in a sweet and savory broth with egg, was truly delicious. This is a triumph of planning! By the way, for the autumn/winter special kaiseki, the main dish is a millefeuille shabu-shabu where wagyu beef and yuba are dipped in soy milk. That also sounds intriguing (lol).

The private baths at 'KAI Nikko' are a must-try. Full of atmosphere!

And let's not forget the hot springs themselves. The water is brought in from the Nan-en hot spring and is a simple alkaline spring (pH 9.5). There are large public baths (indoor and open-air) and private baths. While the spacious public baths are wonderful, the single private bath with its cypress wood tub is also quite exceptional (¥3,300 for 1 hour). It's a rather large open-air bath, truly embodying a rustic charm. While dogs cannot accompany you, it comes highly recommended!

After checking out, we took a stroll along the shores of Lake Chuzenji, near the inn. Perhaps it was the fresh scent of the lake and trees, but Kelly's steps were light. For lunch, we headed to 'Maple,' not far from 'KAI Nikko.' This popular restaurant, known for its Tochigi wagyu beef stew, hamburgers, and local fish dishes, offers terrace seating with views of Lake Chuzenji where dogs are welcome. As it's quite a popular spot, reservations are a must on weekends and during peak seasons.

Surprisingly (?), Nikko is quite a dog-friendly place.

Nikko Toshogu Shrine
Nikko Toshogu Shrine, known as one of Japan's premier power spots, allows dogs to explore the grounds, though they cannot enter the buildings. Being able to visit the five-story pagoda and Yomeimon Gate with your dog is quite remarkable for a dog-friendly World Heritage site.

Tobu World Square
Tobu World Square, which recreates famous world architectures at a 1:25 scale, allows dogs inside if they are in a stroller (strollers are available for rent for a fee). Enjoy a trip around the world with your dog!

Ryuo Gorge
Exploring Ryuo Gorge, known for its autumn foliage, also sounds enjoyable. The 'Kirifuri Highlands Kisge-daira Park,' known for its masses of Nikko Kisuge lilies, is also accessible for walks with dogs. The 'Akechidaira Ropeway,' which ascends to the Akechidaira Observation Deck, allows small dogs that can be carried.

Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura
Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura, a theme park recreating the Edo period, also allows dogs. While dogs are not permitted to walk freely and must be in carriers or strollers, the Edo period characters (staff) treat them with reverence, perhaps influenced by the Law of Compassion for Living Creatures. See, your dreams can expand!

Finally, the only thing I was worried about on this dog trip was 'Irohazaka,' the winding mountain road with 48 curves connecting the city of Nikko to Lake Chuzenji and Okunikko. It's challenging even for humans with its continuous sharp turns, but Kelly managed it! Kelly used to get carsick even on short 10-minute drives in Tokyo when she was a puppy, but as she grew, she seems to have gotten used to the car's motion. However, considering 'Irohazaka' is quite a formidable challenge, I had her prescribed motion sickness medication from the vet beforehand. She took it before both the outbound and return journeys and seemed unfazed. As long as you can manage motion sickness, Nikko is easily accessible from Tokyo, and there are many spots where you can enjoy with your dog. It's recommended even for those new to traveling with dogs. You can also take plenty of Instagram-worthy photos!

This autumn, why not try staying at a hot spring inn with your dog to enjoy the fall foliage?

HOSHINO RESORTS Nikko
Address: 2482-1 Nakamiya, Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture
Number of Rooms: 33
Check-in / Check-out: 3:00 PM / 12:00 PM
Access: Approximately 30 minutes by car from Kiyotaki IC via Nikko-Utsunomiya Road
Rates: From ¥35,000 per person (for double occupancy, including service charge, tax, dinner, and breakfast)

Inquiries

KAI Reservation Center
Tel. 0570-073-011 (9:00 AM - 8:00 PM)
https://hoshinoresorts.com/ja/hotels/kainikko/

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[Dog-Friendly Stays] Drive to Nikko with Your Canine Companion. Enjoy Door-to-Door Convenience and a Town That Welcomes Dogs with Open Arms. | TRAVEL

TRAVEL | HOSHINO RESORTS Nikko

Don't Compromise on Food or Rooms! A Luxurious Trip with Your Canine Companion: HOSHINO RESORTS Nikko Edition

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