[Dog-Friendly Stays] Carry Your Dog Through the Palace Grounds: A Glimpse into The Peninsula Tokyo's "Dog Stay Program."

TRAVEL | THE PENINSULA TOKYO

Don't Compromise on Food or Room! A Luxurious Trip with Your Dog: The Peninsula Tokyo Edition

Opened in 2007, The Peninsula Tokyo began welcoming guests with dogs in 2008, the year after its opening. It is, in a sense, a long-established luxury hotel where you can stay with your dog, ahead of its time. What's more, it was rare for all room categories to allow stays for one dog per room (under 15kg) for an additional fee of ¥15,000 (tax included).

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

Maximum Freedom from Arrival: Wonderful, Advanced Dog-Friendly Rules!

Hello everyone. First, allow me to introduce my beloved dog, Kerry, to all of you readers of OPENERS. Kerry, a miniature dachshund, came into my life in January 2015. I'll share the story of how she became my dog on another occasion (when?), but Kerry, my first dog, quickly became a cherished, indispensable member of my family. I tell her 'You're so cute!' almost every day. Yes, I'm a doting pet parent. Kerry's photo is my icon on Twitter and LINE too! Oh, sorry for the irrelevant information!

Lately, I've become hooked on 'traveling with my dog.' Honestly, I wasn't interested at first. I thought, 'Traveling with a dog is just restrictive and troublesome; I can just cuddle with my dog at home.' But when traveling became difficult due to the pandemic, I took Kerry for a staycation in a Tokyo hotel on a whim, and it was surprisingly fun. I believe experiencing the extraordinary is one of the joys of travel, and I've belatedly discovered the pleasure of sharing that with my beloved dog. It's become quite a habit, and recently, I've been taking Kerry somewhere for a stay about once or twice a month. In the beginning, my dog would bark and cause a commotion at the front desk, and at night she'd be restless, unable to sleep, asking, 'Where's my bed?' or 'Where should I pee?' But she's gotten used to it lately. I'm sure Kerry is enjoying the trips too, though I can't be sure (laughs).

So, for Kerry's birthday this year (she turned 8; like her owner, she's getting on in years), we had an anniversary stay at The Peninsula Tokyo, which she particularly loves (I'm certain!). I'll report on our special one-night, two-day trip, including Kerry's inner thoughts!

[Dog-Friendly Stays] Carry Your Dog Through the Palace Grounds: A Glimpse into The Peninsula Tokyo's "Dog Stay Program."

Kerry's inner thoughts: 'Huh? What do you mean? I don't have to be in a cage to go inside? Mom's going to get in trouble!'

We arrived by car this time. The Peninsula Tokyo offers valet parking. After getting out of the car at the entrance, I said, 'Kerry, we're here~,' and carried my beloved dog into the hotel.

This is it, this is the crucial first point I want to shout about: The Peninsula Tokyo allows you to carry your dog inside the hotel! 'Huh? What do you mean?' you might ask. Let me explain. While hotels that welcome dogs are increasing rapidly, most hotels, unless they are specifically for pets, require dogs to be in a cage or carrier when moving around the premises. I understand this is necessary as some people may dislike dogs, but carrying a cage around for walks is a bit cumbersome. In that regard, carrying your dog is incredibly easy. Given its excellent location right in front of the Imperial Palace East Garden and Hibiya Park, I got carried away and went for walks multiple times.

Kerry's inner thoughts: 'Ah, I remember! We've been here before! We get to stay in a spacious, sparkling room, right? I love it! I think we got toys and delicious treats last time too. I can't wait. Oh, but I remember being made to wear something... I hope that won't happen this time?'

And then, as proof that 'carrying is okay!', we took a photo with Kerry in front of the 'Reclining Dragon Gate' in the first-floor lobby, an object behind bamboo that symbolizes a dragon protecting the earth. A gorgeous chandelier sparkled on the ceiling. Doesn't it look like a power spot with good fortune? Or is that just my imagination?

I really do love a spacious walk-in closet. I hardly have any clothes to hang (laughs), but it's super convenient for spreading out my luggage. Plus, there's even a nail dryer! Amazing. The cage is available for rent at ¥3,300 (tax included) per night.

There are a total of 314 guest rooms. Even the most standard room boasts a spacious 54 square meters. The moment I stepped into the walk-in closet, which I could boldly declare 'You can live here, no, I want to live here,' I felt the start of an extraordinary experience.

Experiencing the overwhelming sense of the extraordinary in the heart of Tokyo has my human (me!) spirits soaring.

And the marble bathroom, which makes me want to start my own ranking of Tokyo hotel bathrooms, declaring 'This level of luxury is the best in Tokyo!,' is also lovely.

From the large windows, you can overlook Hibiya Park and the moat of the Imperial Palace East Garden. Let's go for a walk later, Kerry! (Photos are of the Grand Premier Park Room).

The guest rooms, while modern, incorporated elements of Japanese craftsmanship, such as the 'ajiro' ceiling made from thinly shaved cedar bark, tables using vermilion lacquer techniques, and sliding doors made from single planks of tochi wood.

It seems my beloved dog has finished her room exploration. Next, let's check out the amenities for dogs. This is a point where the hotel's passion for its dog plan is truly reflected (according to my research). In that regard, The Peninsula Tokyo is, as expected, superb!

Sorry for waking you up by taking so many photos. But you were just so cute! (Doting parent mode activated).

While the human bed is from Simmons, the dog bed is from 'P.L.A.Y. Pet Lifestyle And You,' a luxury pet brand based in San Francisco. When I first started traveling with my dog, Kerry wouldn't sleep on hotel beds and would curl up in her small hard travel crate. But this time, she nestled into this luxurious bed and slept soundly.

Amenities include pet sheets, waste bags, additive-free dog treats, toys, and original water bowls. The original cap with the hotel logo is also very cute. It looks especially good on dogs with big ears! Kerry, who dislikes costumes, please try a little harder!

The existence of 'Doggy Yellow Pages,' which lists walking routes, animal hospitals, and nearby dog-friendly restaurants, is also reassuring. It even has your dog's name printed on it~. Dog lovers will be deeply moved by such thoughtfulness.

Kerry's inner thoughts: '!!! You again?! I tell you every time I don't like costumes. Can't you understand? But no matter how many times you take it off, you end up putting it back on until you get the perfect photo. Fine, I get it. I'll put up with it for a while, so hurry up and take those photos you love so much!'

And now, let me introduce the signature program that draws countless dog lovers to The Peninsula Tokyo: the 'Dog Stay Program,' which allows you to rent a dog-sized version of the hotel's iconic Page uniform during your stay. This is a request-based service, available on a first-come, first-served basis due to limited availability. Unless there are exceptional circumstances, guests with dogs will surely want to photograph their beloved pets dressed in the uniform with the white jacket and sparkling gold buttons. I highly recommend reserving the uniform when you book your stay (laughs).

Furthermore, a complimentary 15-minute walk service around the hotel with a real Page staff member is available by prior reservation. And it's free (lol)! A Page and your dog in matching white uniforms walking together... This is a situation that demands endless photos! By the way, during our first stay, Kerry only kept the hat on for a few seconds, but this time she endured it much better (compared to last time).

The kind glances from passersby watching the Page and Kerry, who was dressed up as a Page, were also memorable. Kerry felt like a celebrity dog (laughs) that day. Incidentally, this dog uniform is now on sale for ¥22,000 (tax included) at 'The Peninsula Boutique & Cafe' on the B1 floor (available in 5 sizes).

After a walk that felt like floating on air, it was time for a swim in the pool. Oh, that was me, sorry. You can leave your dog in the room for a maximum of two hours. Your dog will need to stay in its cage while you're out. When I returned to the room, I decided to relax in the spacious and moody bathroom. Oh, that was me too (laughs). Sometimes, my dog would peek into the bathroom asking, 'What are you doing?', which was also cute. 'Aren't you enjoying yourself more than the dog?' you might ask. Well, yes. I won't deny it.

Steak & Grill "Peter" Private Room. Located on the 24th floor, the hotel's highest floor, "Peter" is accessed via a dedicated direct elevator. Of course, dogs are welcome too ♡

Well, it's finally time for our long-awaited dinner. At "Peter," the steak and grill restaurant on the 24th floor, the hotel's highest, a 'Dine and Stay with Your Dog' plan has been available since the summer of 2021, allowing guests to enjoy dinner with their beloved dogs in a private room at the restaurant. The private room, with windows on two sides, offers a dramatic night view of Tokyo. It will be a while before night falls. Let's start with a toast of champagne. Oh, Kerry, this is water for you!

Since it's a private room, your dog can roam freely. If your dog becomes restless, there's also a dog cage provided for them to rest in. A bed with the hotel logo was also prepared.

Kerry's inner thoughts: 'Wait! What is this delicious-looking thing?! ... It's quite different from my usual home-cooked meals that look like rabbit food, so let me confirm, this is for me, right? Why is it that when I eat somewhere other than home, I get to eat such good food? How strange.'

Additionally, guests can choose from four types of meals prepared by the hotel chef for their dogs: chicken, beef, fish, and vegetables (each available in two sizes). For Kerry, who declares, 'I'm a carnivore, so what?', we'll order the 'Labra-loaf' (beef patty with broccoli, carrot, and apple). It's cute in name and appearance. Kerry, who has been exploring the private room, has had the 'Labra-loaf' brought to her.

Kerry is really digging in. I think she doesn't need to pant so much; no one's going to take her food... but she finished the 'Labra-loaf' in an instant. Then she looked up at me with a smug look. She seems proud.

Kerry's inner thoughts: 'That was delicious. I'm full, but if it's this good, I could probably eat a little more...'

Hehehe. This is a special stay to celebrate Kerry's 8th birthday, so I made sure to order a doggy birthday cake too ♡

Kerry's inner thoughts: 'What, seriously? I get to eat this all by myself? Please don't tell me it's a prank later. Oh no, am I being abandoned? Is this my last meal?'

Kerry is currently on a diet, as she's a bit chubby. She only gets to eat this much when we're traveling. Do you understand?! Today is special!

My beloved dog is still intently focused on the cake... She probably can't hear anything else now (laughs). Still, with cream on her nose, how cute is she! (Full-blown doting parent mode!). Feeling good, I got carried away and enjoyed the hotel's original whiskey, 'The Peninsula Tokyo Single Malt Komagatake.' Oops!

Kerry's inner thoughts: 'I really do love this sparkling place. There's a lot of space to move around, and the food is delicious. Mom is happy the whole time too. The hotel staff's hospitality was also great. I'll give them some treats next time.'

A day spent at a luxurious city hotel. Kerry seems to have really enjoyed it (probably). Let's spend some elegant time together again.

Dine and Stay with Your Dog: Deluxe Room

From ¥84,755 per night (incl. tax and service)
https://www.peninsula.com/ja/tokyo/special-offers/rooms/pampered-pet
Breakfast for 2 adults at "The Lobby" on the 1st floor or in your room
Stay with your dog (1 dog, up to 15kg)
Dinner with your dog in a private room at "Peter" (includes one dog meal from the dog menu) *Owner's meals not included, ordered separately.
Dog's birthday cake in "Peter's" private room (for birthdays)
Loan of dog bed, bowls, and Page uniform
Walk around the hotel vicinity with a Page staff member (reservations required)
"Peninsula Time": Enjoy your room from 6:00 on arrival day until 22:00 on departure day at no extra charge.
Use of Fitness Center and Swimming Pool
Turn-down service
*In addition to the above plan, the standard "Dog Stay Program" allows stays for an additional fee of ¥15,000 (tax included) per room, limited to one dog.

Contact

The Peninsula Tokyo
Tel. 03-6270-2888
Tel. 0120-348-288 (Room Reservations)
https://www.peninsula.com/ja/tokyo/5-star-luxury-hotel-ginza

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[Dog-Friendly Stays] Carry Your Dog Through the Palace Grounds: A Glimpse into The Peninsula Tokyo's "Dog Stay Program." | TRAVEL

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