Go Out with Your Pet! Activities and Tourist Spots in the Nasu Area, Tochigi, Where You Can Enjoy with Your Dog
Accessible in about 2 and a half hours from Tokyo! The Nasu area in Tochigi Prefecture, which can be enjoyed as a short weekend trip, is one of the recommended outing spots for those with dogs. The Nasu Highlands are scattered with numerous theme parks and facilities where you can have fun with your furry friend. Here, we will introduce basic information such as pet-friendly tourist spots and etiquette.
*This article is translated using ChatGPT.
For the latest information on each tourist spot and facility, we recommend checking the official website.
- 日本 、栃木県
Pet-Friendly Activities
Wan-Daful Walk in Nikko National Park
Nikko National Park spans across Fukushima, Tochigi, and Gunma, offering diverse natural scenery throughout the seasons. In the natural hot spring area of Banjō Onsen within the park, you can enjoy a stroll through the forest with your canine companion. It's a walk tailored to your dog's regular exercise level, making it suitable for those who may be concerned about their dog's stamina during trekking or hiking. It's also recommended for small dog breeds.
Shop Information- Moora Beat
- Address: 1062 Yutsukami, Ohtawara City, Tochigi Prefecture
- Price: Adults - 3,300 yen / Children - 2,200 yen / Pet Fee - 1,000 yen
Gondola Ride & Dog Run at Mount Jeans Nasu
At Mount Jeans Nasu, you can enjoy breathtaking views of nature in every season, and pets are allowed on the gondola ride. In early summer, you can see Japan's largest population of pink moss, while summer offers a cool retreat, and autumn presents vibrant foliage. At the mountain's summit, which stands at an altitude of 1,400 meters, there is a dog run with natural turf. It features dog-specific playground equipment, water facilities, and dedicated trash bins.
- Gondola Schedule: Pink Moss Gondola: Late April to Early June
- Cool Retreat Gondola: Late July to Late August Autumn
- oliage Gondola: Mid-September to Early November
Shop Information - Moora Beat
- Address: 1062 Yutsukami, Ohtawara City, Tochigi Prefecture
- Price: Adults - 4,500 yen / Children - 3,000 yen / Pet Fee - 1,500 yen
Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP) Experience
How about enjoying a popular SUP experience with your dog at the scenic Yaganome Dam Lake in Nasu, known for its beautiful natural surroundings? Feeling the flow of water and the breeze can be a stimulating experience for your furry friend as well. Rest assured, even beginners will receive thorough instruction from the instructors. Soak in the natural landscapes while creating lasting memories with your dog.
Shop Information - Spes Corporation
- Address: 152-3 Sano, Nasu-Shiobara City, Tochigi Prefecture
- Opening Hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (SUP experience available only from late April to the end of October)
- Price: Adults - 6,500 yen / Elementary school students - 5,000 yen / Toddlers - 3,500 yen / Pet Fee - Small dogs: 1,000 yen, Medium to large dogs: 2,000 yen
Pet-Friendly Popular Tourist Spots & Theme Parks
Nasu Highland Park
Nasu Highland Park is a popular pet-friendly theme park. You'll be delighted to know that there are six attractions where you can ride with your pet! They offer a free indoor dog run for small dogs (and a separate one for medium to large dogs). After having a great time, you can satisfy your hunger at the indoor dog cafe. Note that some operations may be suspended during winter, so please check the official website for operating days.
Basic Information
- Address: 3375 Takakuotsu, Nasu-machi, Nasu-gun, Tochigi Prefecture
- Operating Hours: Vary depending on the season, please check the official website for details.
- Admission Fee: Adults - 1,600 yen, Children (3 years to elementary school) - 800 yen, Dogs - 1,000 yen
- Access: Approximately 20 minutes by car from Nasu IC on the Tohoku Expressway
Nasu Garden Outlet
Nasu Garden Outlet is a resort-style shopping mall with approximately 150 shops offering fashion, gourmet food, and more. Within the North Area's Activity Zone, you'll find a fully equipped dog run. You can enjoy shopping with your dog, as there are dog cafes and shops selling dog-related goods. Additionally, there are many shops that allow you to carry your dog inside, so pet owners can shop comfortably.
Basic Information
- Address: 184-7 Shionozaki, Nasu-Shiobara City, Tochigi Prefecture
- Operating Hours: 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM (Please check the official website for details as they may vary depending on the season.)
- Access: Approximately 8 minutes by free shuttle bus from JR Nasu-Shiobara Station West Exit
Nasu Animal Kingdom
Nasu Animal Kingdom is a place where you can visit kangaroos, sheep, alpacas, and other animals with your beloved dog. You can also enjoy shows such as bird performances and New Zealand farm performances together. The park includes a dog run, and if you want to explore areas where dogs are not allowed, you can leave your dog in the waiting room provided for them. This way, pet owners can enjoy all the facilities. Please note that there is a fee of 500 yen for a two-hour stay in the waiting room.
Basic Information
- Address: 1042-1 Oshima, Nasu-machi, Nasu-gun, Tochigi Prefecture
- Operating Hours: Vary depending on the season, please check the official website for details. (Not available during winter; only available from spring to autumn)
- Admission Fee: Adults - 1,400 yen, Children (below elementary school) - 600 yen
- Access: Approximately 15 minutes by car from Nasu Kogen SA
Pet-Friendly Accommodations
Wellness no Mori Nasu
Wellness no Mori offers a natural hot spring with flowing spring water, and they have six pet-friendly rooms available. Relax in spacious European-style rooms. They have five private baths where you can unwind and soothe your travel fatigue. One of the baths, called "Mei," even allows pets, so you can enjoy bathing together.
Accommodation Information
- Address: 6437 Takaku Ko, Nasu-machi, Nasu-gun, Tochigi Prefecture
- Access: Approximately 30 minutes by free shuttle bus from Nasu-Shiobara Station (reservation required)
- Pet Facilities: Cage, toilet, toilet sheet, pet dishes, paw-wiping towel
Hotel Forest Hills Nasu
Hotel Forest Hills Nasu is surrounded by vast forests and features cottage-style rooms. All rooms are pet-friendly, with flooring that is slip-resistant and resistant to dirt, utilizing "pet-friendly floors." In the Deluxe Cottage and Superior Cottage, you can enjoy a hot spring in your room. The hotel also offers facilities such as the "Dog Field Athletic" and "Dog Shop Terrace," providing ample space for your dog to play.
Accommodation Information
- Address: 1880 Takaku, Nasu-machi, Nasu-gun, Tochigi Prefecture
- Access: Approximately 30 minutes by car from Nasu-Shiobara Station
- Pet Facilities: Crate, toilet, 6 toilet sheets, 6 etiquette bags for walks, wet wipes, deodorizing, disinfectant and insect repellent spray, adhesive roller, mop, 2 bath towels, 2 paw-wiping towels, paw wash tray, 2 dishes, air purifier, jump prevention gate, and more.
Hotel Epinard Nasu
At Hotel Epinard Nasu, located in the middle of the Nasu Kogen area, you can stay in a dedicated hotel building for pets. It is separate from the main hotel building for regular guests, and you can check-in at a dedicated front desk, allowing you to enjoy your stay without worrying about other guests. They have a dog run, and even a dog shampoo room. They provide various amenities for dogs and offer dinner options as well, making it a recommended choice for your first overnight stay with your dog.
Accommodation Information
- Address: 1-banchi, Takaku Hei, Nasu-machi, Nasu-gun, Tochigi Prefecture
- Access: Approximately 30 minutes by car from Nasu-Shiobara Station
- Pet Facilities: Cage (width: 120cm, depth: 70cm, height: 100cm), food bowl (with welcome treats), toilet sheet, walking gear (mini tote bag, marking water, waste bags), deodorizing spray, waste bin for dog waste, insect repellent spray, bedding brush, shedding cleaner, quick mop, wet wipes, pocket tissues
Etiquette and Essential Items for Outings
Pet Etiquette to Follow
When going out with your pet, one of the most important aspects is practicing good etiquette. It's reassuring to have commands like "No" and "Wait" trained so that your pet can stay calm when they get excited. In general, it's recommended to keep your pet on a leash and hold it shorter when passing by people. When using a dog run, gradually acclimating your dog while observing their behavior is preferred over immediately removing the leash. Additionally, it's advisable to refrain from going out during the heat period or if your pet has not received their full set of vaccinations.
Essential Items to Bring Along
- Leash and collar
- Water
- Plastic bags
- Tissues
- Portable water bowl
Some facilities, such as dog runs, may require presenting vaccination certificates or ID tags, so it's good to confirm such requirements in advance for peace of mind.
Why not consider visiting the Nasu area in Tochigi Prefecture with your beloved dog this coming weekend?
Going out with your canine companion can create lasting memories for both your pet and yourself. The Nasu area in Tochigi Prefecture offers a variety of spots where you can enjoy quality time with your pet. On your next day off or a special occasion, why not deepen the bond with your pet through a unique and unforgettable experience?
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