Recommended for road trips with your dog! A guide to roadside stations and pet-friendly hotels in the Kanto region.

How to choose a roadside rest stop to visit when driving with your dog

To make road trips with your dog more enjoyable, it's important to know how to choose the right roadside rest areas to stop at. Let's start by looking at some key points.

Availability of a dog run

Long-distance drives can be stressful for dogs, as they spend extended periods inside the vehicle. In such situations,Having a dog run where dogs can run around freely is a great source of reassurance.To ensure a more comfortable experience, it's a good idea to check beforehand whether there's enough space for a medium-sized dog to get plenty of exercise, and whether there are separate areas for small and large dogs.

Roadside rest areas, with their safe and spacious environments for dogs to play freely, are a great place for both your dog to refresh itself and for you, the owner, to take a break.

Walking routes within the grounds and surrounding area

Even at roadside rest areas without a dedicated dog run, having walking areas within the premises or surrounding area can help alleviate stress for your dog.Yes, it will.

If there are grassy areas, parks, or leisurely walking paths, you can gradually loosen up your body, which may have become stiff from being in the car, and refresh yourself without any strain. For pet owners, the time spent walking while enjoying the scenery will also be a good break. Checking in advance whether there are places suitable for walking will increase your satisfaction with your stopover.

A space where you can Food with your dog

Many people feel uneasy leaving their beloved dogs in the car when they stop Food during a road trip. That's where this comes in handy:Roadside stations with terrace seating and outdoor benches where you can Food with your dog.is.

Enjoying local cuisine while having a comfortable environment where your dog can relax nearby will make your break time even more enjoyable. Checking the location of outdoor seating and available areas in advance will allow you to enjoy Food comfortably with your dog.

8 Recommended Roadside Stations in the Kanto Region for Dog-Friendly Drives

To make your weekend road trips with your dog even more enjoyable, here are some roadside rest areas in the Kanto region that you might want to stop at.

[Tochigi Prefecture, Utsunomiya City] Roadside Station Utsunomiya Romantic Village

Spanning 46 hectares, "Michi-no-Eki Utsunomiya Romantic Village" is a farm park where you can experience the rich pace of life in a rural mountain area. In addition to a direct sales market for agricultural products and Restaurant serving local ingredients, it also offers an experiential farm, Hot springs, and accommodation facilities, allowing you to relax and unwind.

For those bringing their dogs,A dog run for large and medium-sized dogs, and a separate dog run of approximately 100 tsubo (about 330 square meters) exclusively for small dogs.One of the appealing points is that the 10-hectare "Minori no Mori" (Forest of Harvest) has well-maintained walking trails, allowing you to stroll amidst seasonal wildflowers.

Access just about 5 minutes from the Utsunomiya Interchange on the Tohoku Expressway, this roadside station is easily accessible and a convenient stop for those traveling with their dogs.

[Tochigi Prefecture, Nasushiobara-shi] Michi-no-Eki Meiji-no-Mori Kuroiso

Surrounded by 7.5 hectares of nature, "Michi-no-Eki Meiji-no-Mori Kuroiso" is attractive for its direct sales market offering locally grown vegetables and dairy products. The grounds also include the former Aoki family's Nasu villa and the Hanna Garden, which is beautiful with seasonal flowers.The grassy area provides a pleasant environment for taking your dog for a walk.

One of the places to stop by is a milk factory that uses fresh milk from Shiobara, and a confectionery factory that handcrafts sweets using fermented butter. The terrace seating is pet-friendly, so you can enjoy your purchases with your dog.

Conveniently Access about 10 minutes from the Kuroiso-Itamuro Interchange and about 15 minutes from the Nasu Interchange, this roadside station is easy to stop at during your Nasu sightseeing trip.

[Gunma Prefecture, Fujioka City] Roadside Station Raran Fujioka

"Michi-no-Eki Raran Fujioka" is a lively facility centered around a fountain plaza, featuring a farm produce market, restaurants, and a mini amusement park with a Ferris wheel.

With its retro Ferris wheel, seasonal flowers in bloom, and illuminations that light up on winter nights, it's a great place to stroll around and take photos.You can walk around the outdoor plaza with your dog, and simply strolling through the flower-filled grounds is a great way to refresh yourself.The flowerbeds surrounding the "Thousand-Year-Old Purple Wisteria," a gift from Fujioka City's sister city, are also worth seeing.

Access convenient location, adjacent to the Fujioka Interchange on the Joshinetsu Expressway and directly accessible from the Fujioka Parking Area, is also a major attraction.

[Gunma Prefecture, Kawaba Village] Kawaba Denen Plaza Roadside Station

Nestled at the foot of Mount Hotaka, amidst abundant nature, "Michi-no-Eki Kawaba Denen Plaza" offers a chance to savor the bounty of the local area. This town site brings together the best of Kawaba in one place, featuring a farmers market with fresh vegetables and fruits, a bakery, local craft breweries, and yogurt and cheese workshops.

The spacious grounds are easy to walk around, allowing you to enjoy a stroll with your dog while admiring the seasonal scenery.Another great thing is that there are plenty of Restaurant and shops, so you can enjoy not only taking a break but also your entire stay.

With easy Access, just about a 10-minute drive from the Numata Interchange on the Kan-Etsu Expressway, this roadside station is a convenient stop for those enjoying a drive through Gunma's natural beauty.

[Ibaraki, Itako-shi] Roadside Station Itako

Surrounded by abundant nature, "Michi-no-Eki Itako" (Roadside Station Itako) offers a variety of delicious local products, including fresh vegetables, Koshihikari rice grown in Itako, and homemade side dishes.

In addition to a fresh produce market and a specialty goods corner, the area boasts a variety of convenient facilities, including a cafeteria-style restaurant called "Ofukurotei" and the Niji Kobo confectionery workshop.The spacious ground golf course includes a dog run for small dogs, making it perfect for your beloved pet to relax and unwind.There's a free space and a kids' space, so you can relax and take a break.

Access approximately 800 meters from the Itako Interchange on the Higashi-Kanto Expressway, this roadside station is easily accessible and a convenient stop during a drive.

[Chiba Prefecture, Kyonan Town] Michi-no-Eki Hota Elementary School

"Michi-no-Eki Hota Elementary School," a renovated elementary school with a 126-year history, has been reborn as a community center that conveys the charm of the region while retaining the appearance of the school building.

You can enjoy shopping and Food in a nostalgic atmosphere at the market held in the gymnasium, as well as at the restaurants and specialty shops lined up in the school building. The adjacent "Yasuda Elementary School Affiliated Kindergarten" has a kids' space and a co-working space, and its covered corridor, "Wakka," is its symbol.A dog run where you can feel the breeze of the countryside has also been set up, making it perfect for a change of scenery with your dog.

Located right off the Kyonan-Hota Interchange, it's a convenient stop for those driving through Minami-Boso.

[Chiba Prefecture, Minamiboso City] Michi-no-Eki Chikura Shiokaze Oukoku (Roadside Station Chikura Sea Breeze Kingdom)

Located along the coast, "Michi-no-Eki Chikura Shiokaze Oukoku" is a pleasant and open roadside station with a spacious lawn and promenade.

The approximately 7,000 square meter grassy area is perfect for walks with your dog, and you can also enjoy ocean views from the top of the hill.The facility features a fresh fish shop selling local delicacies from the waters near Chikura, such as Boshu shrimp, abalone, and dried fish, as well as souvenir shops offering famous sweets and goods from Minami-Boso, and seafood Restaurant and cafes, allowing visitors to enjoy shopping and Food. Climbing atop the "Daiichi Chikura Maru," a replica of a fishing boat once used for fishing, will give you a closer look at the coastline scenery.

The most convenient Access are via the Tateyama-Futtsu Expressway, heading towards Chikura from the Tomiura Interchange, or via National Route 410 from the Kimitsu Interchange.

[Tokyo, Hachioji City] Roadside Station Hachioji Takiyama

"Michi-no-Eki Hachioji Takiyama," the only roadside station in Tokyo, features a row of direct sales outlets where you can experience the bounty of Tokyo, with locally grown vegetables, fruits, and livestock products available.

The area boasts a wealth of culinary delights, including the direct-sale farm produce market "Farm Takiyama," local mothers who make prepared foods using traditional recipes, and "Milk Ice MO-MO," popular for its gelato and soft serve ice cream made with milk from the farm.The outdoor terrace seating is a great feature, allowing you to enjoy your purchased Food with your dog.

Conveniently located about 5 minutes by car from the Hachioji Interchange on the Chuo Expressway, this roadside station is an easy stop for Access from central Tokyo.

Looking for a dog-friendly hotel for your road trip in the Kanto region?

To make your road trips with your dog even more enjoyable, why not broaden your travel options by choosing accommodations where you can stay overnight?

[Tochigi Prefecture] Wan Wan Paradise Premier Shiobara

One of the main features of "Wan Wan Paradise Premier Shiobara" is that you can stay with your dog in all rooms.

Located approximately 20 minutes by car from the Nishinasuno Shiobara Interchange, this property offers free use of three dog runs: one in the courtyard, one outdoors, and one indoors. Restaurant welcomes dogs, and dog Food is available. Guest rooms are equipped with amenities such as food bowls, cages, and pet sheets.

*The maximum number of dogs allowed to stay is 3 small/medium-sized dogs and 2 large dogs.

[Tochigi Prefecture] KAMENOI HOTEL KITSUREGAWA

KAMENOI HOTEL KITSUREGAWA is a hotel that offers 10 private Guest rooms in 5 different types where you can stay with your dog.

The hotel is approximately a 20-minute drive from the Yaita Access. A spacious dog run is located just a 5-minute walk from the hotel's main entrance. There is also a large dog run facility about a 15-minute drive away, offering even more fun for your pet during your stay. Guest Guest rooms are well-equipped with amenities such as food bowls, cages, and pet sheets. Pets are not allowed in Restaurant, so please bring Food 's favorite food with you.

*A maximum of 3 animals are allowed to stay.

[Tochigi Prefecture] Hotel Épinard Nasu

Hotel Épinard Nasu has a separate terrace building where you can stay with your dog.

Located just a 10-minute drive from the Nasu Interchange on the Tohoku Expressway, this resort boasts excellent Access and features one of the largest dog runs and shampoo rooms in the area. Guest rooms are fully equipped with amenities such as cages, food bowls, and walking supplies. In addition to Guest rooms service, Food can also utilize the dog cabin boarding service or use the in Guest rooms dog cage to dine at the various Restaurant in the hotel building.

*The maximum number of dogs allowed to stay is 3 small dogs, 2 medium-sized dogs, and 1 large dog.

[Gunma Prefecture] Kusatsu Onsen Daitokan

Kusatsu Onsen Daitokan has Guest rooms on a dedicated floor where you can stay with your dog.

Located approximately 90 minutes by car from the Shibukawa-Ikaho Interchange on the Kan-Etsu Expressway, and close to the Yubatake hot spring source, Guest rooms offers a relaxing stay with its Hot springs supplied by the Yubatake spring and tranquil guest rooms. Guest rooms are equipped with amenities such as cages and food bowls, making them convenient for guests to leave at home. While dogs are not allowed in Food area, a dog menu is available upon reservation.

*The maximum number of dogs allowed to stay is two small/medium-sized dogs and one large dog.

[Ibaraki] KAMENOI HOTEL TSUKUBASAN

"KAMENOI HOTEL TSUKUBASAN" has dog-friendly rooms where you can stay with your beloved dog.

Located in an easily Access location, approximately 35 minutes by car from the Tsuchiura Kita Interchange on the Joban Expressway. Basic amenities such as cages and pet sheets are provided in Guest rooms. Please note that dog Food if needed. Nearby is "Tsukuba Wanwan Land," where you can enjoy spending time with your dog in the dog run and petting area.

*The maximum number of dogs allowed to stay is 3 small/medium-sized dogs and 2 large dogs.

[Chiba Prefecture] KAMENOI HOTEL KUJUKURI

KAMENOI HOTEL KUJUKURI has dog-friendly villas where you can stay with your beloved dog.

Located approximately 30 minutes by car from the Yokoshibahikari Interchange on the Ken-O Expressway, the villas are designed to allow guests to fully enjoy nature, and all rooms are luxurious and equipped with private Guest rooms. Dog-friendly rooms are fully equipped with amenities such as a private dog run, cage, pet sheets, food bowls, and leash hooks. A menu for dogs is also available, allowing you to enjoy Food together in Guest rooms.

*A maximum of 3 animals are allowed to stay.

[Chiba Prefecture] KAMENOI HOTEL KAMOGAWA

KAMENOI HOTEL KAMOGAWA has dog-friendly rooms where you can stay with your beloved dog.

From Tokyo, it's about a 2-hour and 10-minute drive via the Boso Skyline. The dog-friendly rooms are luxurious spaces complete with a private dog run. There's a dedicated entrance, a foot-washing area, and a shower for your dog right outside Guest rooms, ensuring a comfortable stay even after playing outside. A room service menu for your dog is also available, offering the added appeal of enjoying a different Food than usual.

*A maximum of 3 animals are allowed to stay.

[Chiba Prefecture] Shirahama Ocean Resort

Shirahama Ocean Resort offers pet-friendly rooms where you can stay with your dog.

From Tokyo and Yokohama, it's about a 2-hour drive via the Tomiura Interchange. Guest rooms are equipped with amenities such as playpens and pet sheets. The grounds include a seaside garden for strolling, a dog run with agility equipment, and a swimming pool (open only in summer), so there's plenty to do for your dog during your stay. Another attractive feature is that you can enjoy Food with your dog at the "Doggy Lounge" inside the hotel.

*A maximum of 3 animals are allowed per room.

[Tokyo] KAMENOI HOTEL OME

"KAMENOI HOTEL OME" offers dog-friendly rooms where you can stay with your beloved dog.

Access about 20 minutes by car from the Ken-O Expressway Ome Interchange, this hotel is easily accessible by car, and the nearby Kamanofuchi Park is a popular spot for walks. Guest rooms offer a variety of options, including rooms with saunas and private dog runs, and a wide range of pet supplies are available. Pets are not allowed in Food area, so please bring your own food.

*A maximum of two small or medium-sized dogs are allowed to stay. One large dog is allowed Guest rooms with a dog run.

Summary

To make a road trip with your dog enjoyable, choosing the right places to stop and where to stay is crucial.

This article has introduced roadside rest areas and pet-friendly hotels in the Kanto region, and shared tips for making your trip more comfortable, including information on dog runs, walking routes, and facilities for spending time with your dog. We hope this information will help you plan your weekend road trip so that it will be a peaceful and enjoyable time for both you and your dog.