Meiji era Okunikko onsen ryokan reborn for travellers with dogs

A Japanese inn with a history stretching back over 240 years in the hot spring region of Okunikko has been renovated and reopened as a dedicated retreat for travellers and their dogs. Reservations have begun for “Yururi Okunikko with DOGS”, an accommodation that preserves a piece of local heritage by adapting it for the modern tourism market.

The project represents a form of regional revitalisation, breathing new life into a historic property that first opened in the Meiji era (1868-1912). Rather than constructing a new building, the reuse of the existing structure hopes to maintain the area’s traditional character while meeting the growing demand for pet-friendly travel. The inn aims to provide a comfortable “Japanese moment” for both guests and their dogs.

The cloudy, sulphur-rich water is drawn from three private sources for the inn’s natural hot spring, or onsen, which have been in use for more than 240 years. The water is noted for containing double the typical amount of metasilicic acid, a compound associated with skin benefits. Guests can use large public baths and open-air baths, and some rooms are equipped with private semi-open-air baths.

The facility operates on a “dog-first” principle, with services designed for canine enjoyment. It features both an outdoor courtyard dog run and an indoor one for poor weather, alongside a dedicated trimming and drying room. The restaurant permits dogs, allowing them to dine with their owners, and offers a special buffet for pets.

Furthering the integration of pets into the traditional Japanese inn, or ryokan, experience, the facility offers unique cultural activities. Guests can create a commemorative ema, a small wooden votive plaque, using their dog’s paw print. Other offerings include a special dog-themed fortune slip, or omikuji, and a photo studio for capturing memories.

The inn is located in the highlands of Okunikko at an altitude of approximately 1,300 metres, an area known for its distinct seasonal beauty, from fresh spring greenery to vibrant autumn colours and winter snowscapes. This natural setting provides a backdrop for walks and outdoor activities with pets.

Yururi Okunikko with DOGS serves as a model for sustainable tourism ensuring the economic viability and preservation of a cultural asset, contributing to the local economy without the environmental footprint of new construction.