The ‘Woof-cation‘ package includes a photographer, veterinarian and dog trainer.
JR (Japan Railways) East are offering a new tour package that allows pet owners to travel on the Shinkansen with their pets in tow. While the package is being billed as ‘Japan’s first Shinkansen for pets‘, the promotional images and name ‘Woof-cation’ suggest that the tour is aimed at dog owners.
Current train guidelines state that passengers travelling with pets must keep them in cages for the duration of their journey, but the new ‘Woof-cation’ chartered Shinkansen train service will allow 40 minutes of ‘family time’, during which passengers can enjoy the trip with their dogs out of the cage, be it on their lap or on a covered seat.
The Woof-cation chartered Shinkansen will take passengers from Tokyo’s Ueno Station to Karuizawa City in Nagano Prefecture, where they will spend the night at one of two pet-friendly accommodations that offer services for dog owners — the Karuizawa Prince Hotel East Dog Cottage, which offers services for canine guests on arrival such as nail clipping, ear cleaning and other treatments, or the Dog Dept Garden Hotel, a newly built resort-style complex with an open terrace café, restaurant, and an all-weather indoor dog run.
▼ Rooms in the Dog Dept Garden Hotel
▼ The Karuizawa Prince Hotel East Dog Cottage has a cabin-like feel
Upon arriving in Karuizawa, guests can take part in a photoshoot with a professional photographer in the hotel’s dog run, followed by a training class for the dogs, with a private evening party to finish. Professional trainers and veterinarians will be present for the run of the tour, and guests can enjoy socialising with other dog lovers, as well as letting their dogs hang out and have fun together too.
The tour will take place on May 21, 2022, with prices starting at 106,000 yen (US$812) per human couple or 67,000 (US$513) per person. The tour is also limited to 30 pairs, and anyone interested in taking a train trip with their pooch can apply via the website.
Guests should be aware that this is a test run for potential future tours, and as such the media will be there filming and taking pictures, so you’ll want to make sure your prized pup is camera ready before getting on the train!
Related: Karuizawa Prince Hotel East Dog Cottage booking site
Source: JR East via NetLab
Images: JR East press release
● Want to hear about SoraNews24’s latest articles as soon as they’re published? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!
Japan Railway to allow dogs to ride without cages on special Tokyo-Izu train
Cherry blossom-viewing bus tour for dogs now available in Japan
New Shinkansen design unveiled, bullet train exterior includes cherry blossom Easter egg
JR East announces awesomely cheap one-day all-you can ride pass, Shinkansen included
Faster! Japan’s Shinkansen to get speed boost along Tohoku route
Potama serves up epic rice balls like no other, and there’s only one store in Tokyo
Ramen for 99 yen?!? Best value-for-money noodles found at unlikely chain in Japan
Ginza hotel serves up one of the best breakfasts in Tokyo
Japan’s craziest burger chain takes menchi katsu to new extreme levels
Living tree bridges and other breathtaking scenery at the rainiest place on Earth
Brand-new Pokémon park opens in Japan with larger-than-life-size Lapras【Photos】
Can we be just like Shohei Ohtani on a budget with a Hello Kitty cap?
Tokyo street sweets: The must-snack treats of Nakano’s Refutei
Starbucks Japan releases first-ever Hinamatsuri Girls’ Day Frappuccino
The fish in rural Fukui that rivals Japan’s most auspicious sea bream
Japanese restaurant chain serves Dragon Ball donuts and Senzu Beans this spring
Highest Starbucks in Japan set to open this spring in the Tokyo sky
Tokyo Skytree turns pink for the cherry blossom season
Japan Extreme Budget Travel! A trip from Tokyo to Izumo for just 30,000 yen [Part 1]
Yakuzen ramen restaurant in Tokyo is very different to a yakuza ramen restaurant
Japan has only one airport named after a samurai, so let’s check out Kochi Ryoma【Photos】
Japanese drugstore sells onigiri at pre-stupid era prices, but how do they compare to 7-Eleven?
Japan Extreme Budget Travel! A trip from Tokyo to Izumo for just 30,000 yen [Part 2]
Adorable Totoro acorn key holders come with a special guest hidden inside[Photos]
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Foreigners accounting for over 80 percent of off-course skiers needing rescue in Japan’s Hokkaido
Super-salty pizza sends six kids to the hospital in Japan, linguistics blamed
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura Frappuccino for cherry blossom season 2026
Foreign tourists in Japan will get free Shinkansen tickets to promote regional tourism
The 10 most annoying things foreign tourists do on Japanese trains, according to locals
Take a trip to Japan’s Dododo Land, the most irritating place on Earth
Naruto and Converse team up for new line of shinobi sneakers[Photos]
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting the lines at a popular Tokyo gyukatsu restaurant?
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
All Japan Railway Tokyo trains to finally get security cameras starting this summer
Shinkansen bullet train tickets go half-off until spring of next year in east Japan travel push
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Hot coffee finally returns to Tohoku, Hokuriku Shinkansen bullet trains
Japan’s random-destination roll-the-dice Shinkansen travel packages are back and better than ever
Japan’s bullet train-upholstery chairs bring Shinkansen style to your living room【Photos】
Disney Shinkansen coming to Japan’s rails, starts service this month
Japan’s vaunted taxi service to be offered to dogs and cats with new Pet Taxis
All-you-can-ride Shinkansen deal coming to Japan for a limited time
New Japan rail pass gives you a week of free rides in a huge space to chase the cherry blossoms
JR’s new overnight sleeper train will connect Tokyo and northern Japan, is private cabin-only
New Japan Rail Pass for non-Japanese passport holders coming soon
East Japan Railway abolishes skirts, ribbons in women’s uniforms to “eliminate gender difference”
What’s the rule for where to put strollers on Japan’s Shinkansen bullet trains?
Shinkansen breaks down, causes all-day commuter chaos at Tokyo Station