Traveling with your dog in Japan? Pet friendly places to stay are easier to find than you might think, especially if you look beyond hotels to private vacation rentals and kominka (traditional Japanese houses).
This guide brings together 10 pet friendly stays on STAY JAPAN that go one step further: places with dog runs, rooms you can share with your dog, or whole houses where no one minds a little barking. Most make an easy trip from Tokyo or Osaka, with a few worth the longer journey.
Not Just “Pets Allowed”: What Makes a Truly Pet Friendly Stay
“Pets allowed” can mean very different things in Japan. At some places, for example, dogs must stay in the entryway and cannot enter the guest rooms.
Every stay in this list offers something extra for your dog. We picked places that meet at least one of these points:
✔ A dog run or lawn where your dog can run freely
✔ Your dog can stay with you indoors
✔ A whole-house rental or one-group-a-day stay, so you don’t have to worry about other guests
Not just a place where your dog is allowed, but a place your dog will enjoy too. That’s what makes the trip worth remembering.
How to Choose Pet Friendly Accommodation in Japan
? Entire House Rental: Space for Your Dog and Your Family
- No need to worry about barking or footsteps
- Places with a garden or dog run let your dog play outside
- Popular for multi-generation and two-family trips
? Private Room: For Small Groups and First-Time Pet Trips
- Your own private space
- Some hosts enjoy chatting with their guests
- A good choice for small groups on a budget
✅ 5 Things to Check Before You Book
Rules differ by property, including the size and number of dogs and where dogs can go indoors. Check these five points before booking:
✔ Size and number limits, and pet fees
✔ Indoor rules (whether a crate is required, and which rooms dogs can’t enter)
✔ What to bring (crate, manner wear, pet sheets, bowls, etc.)
✔ Required documents such as vaccination certificates
✔ Walking routes and the surrounding area
Bringing your dog into Japan from overseas? Import rules are strict and preparation can take several months, so check the requirements of Japan’s Animal Quarantine Service well in advance.
? Enjoying Each Season with Your Dog
- Spring: Fresh greenery and blossoms make countryside walks a pleasure
- Summer: Cool highlands and waterside stays are ideal. Walk your dog in the cooler hours of the day
- Autumn: Perfect for walks among the fall leaves and for running around the dog run
- Winter: Stay cozy at a place with a hot spring or wood stove. If your dog doesn’t like the cold, bring a sweater or blanket
1. Pet Friendly Stays for Trips from Tokyo: Boso Peninsula and Izu
【Isumi, Chiba】Malama Monstera
— A Boso Villa with a Lawn and Terrace to Share with Your Dog
For families who want to enjoy the Boso Peninsula with a large dog. This private villa sits in a quiet holiday-home area, with a lawn and terrace where you can play with your dog. One large dog or up to two medium dogs can stay.
The spacious garden is also set up for barbecues and campfires. Onjuku and Ohara beaches are about 10 minutes away by car, and you can visit the Ohara fishing port morning market or join a fishing boat tour.
▶︎ Entire house · Up to 6 guests
▶︎ Dogs: 1 large or 2 medium dogs (¥3,000 per dog, excl. tax); dogs stay in a crate indoors (bring your own crate, pet sheets and bowls)
▶︎ Meals: Self-catering (dinner plan with a local kaiseki restaurant available)
▶︎ Access: About 5 min by taxi from Namihana Station (JR Sotobo Line)
【Tateyama, Chiba】Ocean Resort Tateyama K House
— An Off-Leash Stay at a Seaside Villa with Its Own Dog Run
For groups who want a seaside getaway with their dog. This private villa is a one-minute walk from the sea and comes with a dog run. Dogs can stay off-leash, so after playing in the dog run they can relax with you indoors.
There’s also a Japanese cypress barrel sauna and an outdoor jacuzzi with adjustable temperature, so you can use it in any season. Up to 11 guests can stay, which makes it a good fit for multi-generation trips or three families traveling together.
▶︎ Entire house · Up to 11 guests
▶︎ Dogs: Dog run on site; off-leash indoors too (pet fee ¥3,000)
▶︎ Meals: Self-catering (gas BBQ grill in a covered garden)
▶︎ Access: About 3 min walk from Nakofunakata Station (JR Uchibo Line); about 70 min from central Tokyo
【Izunokuni, Shizuoka】Dream House
— A Hand-Built Earthen House in the Woods, with a Dog Run and a Mt. Fuji View Bath
For travelers who want a special day with their dog in the forests of Izu. This hand-built earthen house, made without heavy machinery, is rented to one group per day. There’s a dog run on the grounds where your dog can run outside.
Outside are three private baths: a clawfoot tub, a cave-style open-air bath and an open-air bath with a view of Mt. Fuji. There’s also a private BBQ hut and a campfire spot, plus a wood stove in the living room.
▶︎ Entire house · Up to 6 guests
▶︎ Dogs: Pets allowed; dog run on the grounds (please check the conditions when booking)
▶︎ Meals: Self-catering (breakfast at the neighboring café can be reserved)
▶︎ Access: About 5 min by taxi from Takyo Station (Izuhakone Railway Sunzu Line)
2. Pet Friendly Stays for Trips from Osaka: Countryside, Lakeside and Kyoto Kominka
【Nantan, Kyoto】Kominka Inn THYME
— A 100-Year-Old Kominka with Its Own Dog Run and Dog Café
For those who want to slow down and savor time with their dog. This kominka (traditional Japanese house) has stood for 100 years and comes with its own dog run and dog café. You can relax as if you were at home, without worrying about others.
Take walks with your dog through the nature of Miyama. Meals include a breakfast made with local ingredients, and you can add a dinner plan such as a charcoal BBQ or a hearth-style hot pot from a local inn. Free pick-up is available from Sonobe Station.
▶︎ Entire house · Up to 5 guests
▶︎ Dogs: Dog run and dog café on site
▶︎ Meals: Local breakfast; charcoal BBQ or hot pot dinner plans available
▶︎ Access: Free pick-up from Sonobe Station (JR Sagano Line), about 30 min from Kyoto Station by limited express
【Tamba, Hyogo】Satoyama Hotel Kanenone Tamba Cottage B “Akane”
— Step Off the Veranda onto a Natural-Grass Dog Run
For those who love watching their dog run free. A wide veranda leads straight onto a natural-grass dog run, so you can lounge on the veranda while your dog plays.
At the main building’s restaurant, you can dine with your dog at the indoor terrace seats. The same property also has other pet friendly private rooms, so you can choose the one that suits your group size.
▶︎ Entire house · Up to 4 guests
▶︎ Dogs: Up to 2 dogs, medium size and 15 kg max (¥7,260 for the first, ¥4,840 for the second); rabies and 5-in-1 or higher combination vaccine certificates required
▶︎ Meals: Room only (dogs welcome at the main building’s restaurant)
▶︎ Access: About 5 min by taxi from Kaibara Station (JR Fukuchiyama Line)
Pet friendly private rooms on the same property: Kanenone Tamba “Sumire” and “Midori” (private room, up to 4 guests)
【Gobo, Wakayama】MOUNTQ Boathouse
— A Lakeside Boathouse Where Your Dog Can Stay with You Indoors
For travelers who think of their dog as family. This lakeside boathouse is designed for staying with pets. As long as you follow basic manners, you and your dog can use the space freely.
Along with a dog run, there’s a private sauna, pool and jacuzzi. A fire pit area and BBQ terrace let you enjoy the breeze by the water.
▶︎ Entire house · Up to 7 guests
▶︎ Dogs: Can stay with you indoors; dog run on site
▶︎ Meals: Self-catering (private kitchen and full BBQ set)
▶︎ Access: About 10 min by bus from Gobo Station (Kishu Railway); about 60 min by bus from Kansai International Airport
【Kyoto City, Kyoto】Tokuhira-an Annex
— A Modern Kominka by a Temple Carpenter, Open to Large Dogs
For those who want to explore Kyoto without leaving their dog behind. This modern Japanese-style kominka was renovated by a master temple carpenter, and large dogs are welcome. Deodorant spray, paw towels and a crate can be borrowed if needed.
If you choose the Western-style bedroom, your dog can sleep in the same room. For dinner, you can add venison dishes such as a venison feast or venison shabu-shabu, and gather around the large table with a sunken floor for your legs.
▶︎ Entire house · Up to 8 guests
▶︎ Dogs: Large dogs OK (¥2,000 for the first dog, ¥1,000 for each additional dog); crate, paw towels and deodorant spray available to borrow (wooden-floor rooms only; not allowed in tatami rooms or on the beds)
▶︎ Meals: Venison dinner and breakfast available as add-ons
▶︎ Access: Pick-up from the nearest bus stop (contact the host in advance); about 90 min by taxi from Osaka Itami Airport
3. Pet Friendly Stays Worth the Trip: Tohoku, Hokkaido and Kyushu
【Zao, Miyagi】Gekkou
— A Hot Spring Rental with a Spacious Dog Run
For those who want both hot springs and time with their dog. This vacation rental in Zao Sansuien has a natural hot spring bath fed directly from the source, and a spacious dog run on the grounds.
Up to three small dogs or two medium or large dogs can stay. Each stay also includes vouchers for nearby restaurants (¥1,000 per person per night).
▶︎ Entire house · Up to 5 guests
▶︎ Dogs: Up to 3 small or 2 medium/large dogs (dogs only; not allowed on the second floor); dog run shared with the neighboring rental
▶︎ Meals: Self-catering (restaurant vouchers included)
▶︎ Access: About 30 min by taxi from Shiroishi-Zao Station (Tohoku Shinkansen)
There are several other pet friendly rentals nearby (see the list).
【Hokuto, Hokkaido】Hill of the Wind “Hokuo-Kan”
— An Ocean-View Room Next to a Dog Run
For a relaxed seaside stay in Hokkaido with your dog. This spacious twin room has its own living area with ocean views. Guests with dogs can use the adjacent dog run.
Small to large dogs are welcome. If you’re traveling by public transport, the host can pick you up from the nearest station.
▶︎ Private room · Up to 4 guests (up to 8 together with the neighboring room; please inquire)
▶︎ Dogs: ¥1,000 small, ¥2,000 medium, ¥3,000 large (reservation required); adjacent dog run
▶︎ Meals: BBQ house available (¥4,000 incl. charcoal and equipment)
▶︎ Access: Pick-up from Oshima-Tobetsu Station (South Hokkaido Railway)
【Kirishima, Kagoshima】Onyado Boss no Ie
— A One-Group Stay That Supports Travel with Dogs
For travelers exploring Kyushu with their dog. The hosts say they support travel with dogs, and provide a crate, pet sheets, paw wipes, dog towels, poop bags and two food bowls.
It’s one room for one group per day, so you won’t need to worry about other guests. There’s also a natural hot spring and a private sauna to help you unwind after a day of travel.
▶︎ Private room (host lives on site) · Up to 4 guests
▶︎ Dogs: ¥3,300 per dog; dog supplies provided (cats not allowed)
▶︎ Meals: Breakfast and dinner available as add-ons (hot spring and sauna also available for an extra fee)
▶︎ Access: About 15 min by taxi from Kagoshima Airport
Plan Your Next Trip with a Pet Friendly Stay in Japan
Watch your dog race around a dog run, then relax together in the same room after a hot spring bath. At a stay that goes the extra mile for dogs, you and your dog can both enjoy the trip.
If you’re planning a trip over a holiday or weekend, check availability early.
