Fukushima

【Aizu-Wakamatsu】12 Dog-Friendly Spots and Stays with Your Pet

We suggest a trip to Aizu-Wakamatsu where you can enjoy history and nature with your dog. From historic sites like Ouchi-juku and Tsuruga Castle to dog-friendly activities and pet-welcoming hot spring inns, we’ve carefully selected spots that let you share special moments with your furry companion!

Aizu-Wakamatsu|Nature and Scenery to Enjoy with Your Dog

Aizu-Wakamatsu is a region renowned for its beautiful nature and historical landscapes, perfect for enjoying with your beloved dog. Parks and gardens dotted throughout the area offer scenery that changes with the seasons, providing numerous spots ideal for walks with your dog. In particular, the Inawashiro Herb Garden allows you to relax with your dog while surrounded by colorful flowers and fragrant scents. Additionally, enjoying the thatched-roof scenery of Ouchi-juku and the historic atmosphere of Tsurugajo Castle with your dog is a unique charm of this area.

Inawashiro Herb Garden|A Healing Garden Enveloped in Flowers and Fragrance

猪苗代ハーブ園
Inawashiro Herb Garden

Inawashiro Herb Garden is a wonderful spot in the natural surroundings of Aizuwakamatsu where you can relax with your beloved dog. The expansive grounds are filled with vibrant herbs and flowers in full bloom, offering visitors a soothing experience. Especially from spring through summer, the fragrances of lavender and rosemary waft through the air, allowing for pleasant strolls.

The garden features walking paths where you can stroll with your dog, and your furry friend can run freely. There’s also an attached cafe serving handmade sweets and drinks made with herbs, making it the perfect spot to take a break with your dog. Come experience Inawashiro Herb Garden for yourself.

Kaede

Photos of dogs with seasonal flowers are absolutely adorable!

Ōuchi-juku|Explore this Edo-era thatched-roof post town with your dog

大内宿の風景
Ōuchi-juku

Ōuchi-juku is a place that vividly retains the atmosphere of an Edo-period post town, making it an ideal spot for strolling with your dog. The scenery of old houses with thatched roofs lining the streets feels like stepping back in time. You can walk comfortably with your dog, and there are many shops selling local specialties and handmade crafts, allowing you to enjoy them together.

Spring brings cherry blossoms and autumn brings colorful foliage, making it a great spot for taking photos with your dog. Strolling through Ōuchi-juku is a wonderful experience, allowing you to spend special time with your dog while feeling the weight of history.

Kaede

Some soba restaurants are dog-friendly!

Tsuruga Castle|Aizu’s Historical Symbol: Walking with Your Dog

鶴ヶ城と犬
Tsuruga Castle and a dog

Tsuruga Castle, a symbol of Aizu-Wakamatsu, is the perfect spot to visit with your beloved dog. While you can’t enjoy the historical exhibits inside the castle, you can savor the surrounding scenery together with your dog. Especially in spring, when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, enjoying hanami with your dog is one of its charms. The vast castle ruins park is an ideal place for strolling. Many people walk their dogs here, making it perfect for walks where your dog can interact with other pups. Tsurugajo Castle, where you can create special memories with your dog while feeling the history, is a spot well worth visiting.

Kaede

t’s the perfect spot for a walk!

Akabeko Park | Enjoy Aizu’s symbol and nature

赤べこ公園の赤べこ
Akabeko in Akabeko Park

Akabeko Park is a beautiful park featuring a statue of the Akabekoーa traditional red cow figurine from Aizu, symbolizing good luck and protection from illness. Its spacious grounds are surrounded by nature, making it an ideal spot for strolling with your beloved dog. The well-maintained paths within the park allow you to fully enjoy nature with your dog. Plus, with the large Akabeko statue in the park, taking pictures with your dog guarantees adorable photos! You can create lasting memories in Aizu-Wakamatsu. The environment, surrounded by greenery, is also a refreshing place for your dog. Please enjoy a special moment with your dog at Akabeko Park, the symbol of Aizu.

Kaede

A photo of you and your dog together is sure to turn out adorable!

Aizu-Wakamatsu|Activities to Enjoy with Your Dog

Aizu-Wakamatsu offers various options for enjoying outdoor sports with your dog in an environment rich in nature, as well as experiences like snow dog activities where you can play together in the snow. You can also spend special time with your dog at roadside stations serving delicious local cuisine and hidden gem restaurants that welcome dogs. Create wonderful memories with your dog at the spots introduced below.

Outdoor Sports Club Backs|Activities to Enjoy with Your Dog

湖の上で犬とのカヌー体験
Canoeing with a dog on the lake

To fully enjoy the nature of Aizu-Wakamatsu, Outdoor Sports Club Backs is the perfect choice. Here, you can experience activities on lakes and mountains together with your beloved dog. Enjoy water trekking on Lake Hibara while gazing at Mount Bandai amidst the great outdoors.

Gliding across the lake surface in a canoe, you can feel the beauty of nature together with your dog. Since you rarely get the chance to spend time together on the water, it’s sure to be an unforgettable memory. Numerous courses are available, and with guided tours, even complete beginners can enjoy themselves with peace of mind. Hiking through the surrounding mountains also offers refreshing time with your dog while enjoying the scenery of the four seasons. Outdoor Sports Club Backs is the perfect place to create special memories with your beloved dog.

Kaede

It’s also a recommended spot for practicing your dog’s swimming skills!

Bandai Snow Dogs | Lakeside Dog Run

犬のドックランでの様子
The dog at the dog run

For dog runs in Aizuwakamatsu, we recommend “Bandai Snow Dogs.” This dog run is nestled among trees on the shores of Lake Inawashiro. It features separate areas for small and large dogs, so you can let your pets play safely. With plenty of trees within the facility, you can let your beloved dog play amidst nature. They also offer grooming services, so you can use them for shampooing or haircuts. It’s a spot highly recommended for those wanting to enjoy activities with their dog.

Kaede

Since it’s a membership-based service, we recommend registering in advance!

Roadside Station Bandai|A Local Gourmet and Souvenir Spot stopping By with Your Dog

ドックランでの犬の様子
a dog at dogrun

Roadside Station Bandai is a must-visit spot when traveling to Aizu-Wakamatsu. Here, you can enjoy gourmet food made with fresh local ingredients and souvenirs unique to the Bandai area. There’s also a dog run where your furry friend can play. The dog run features natural grass throughout with wood chips in some areas, and includes a water station for dogs, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

Highly recommended is the restaurant serving dishes made with local vegetables and fruits. The creative bakery & gelato shop, bursting with originality, offers adorable breads inspired by the Aizu region. They even have a menu for your dog, so you can enjoy meals together.

Kaede

It’s also the perfect spot for a break during your road trip!

Hortel&Ristorante Il Regalo|Hidden Gem Restaurant Where Dogs Are Welcome

テラス席での犬の様子
dogs at terrace

会津若松の隠れ家レストラン「hortel&restrante il regalo」は、愛犬と一緒に訪れることができるレストランです。地元の新鮮な食材を使った料理は、見た目にも美しく、味わい深いものばかりで、「高原のイタリアン」を楽しむことができます。愛犬用のメニューも用意されているため、愛犬も一緒に楽しい食事の時間を過ごせます

テラス席では、自然の中での食事を楽しむことができ、周囲の景色を眺めながらリラックスしたひとときを過ごせます。美しい景色と美味しい料理で非日常感を満喫できます。また、お店の方は愛犬に対しても優しく接してくれるため、安心して訪れることができます。会津若松の観光の合間に、ぜひ立ち寄りたいスポットです。

Hidden gem restaurant “hortel&restrante il regalo” in Aizu-Wakamatsu welcomes guests with their dogs. Using fresh local ingredients, the dishes are both visually stunning and deeply flavorful, offering a taste of “highland Italian cuisine.” A special menu for dogs is also available, ensuring your furry friend can enjoy a delightful meal alongside you.

The terrace seating allows you to dine amidst nature, relaxing while taking in the surrounding scenery. The staff are also kind to dogs, making it a place you can visit with peace of mind. It’s a spot dog owners will definitely want to stop by.

Kaede

Enjoy unique Aizu cuisine amidst nature!

Aizu-Wakamatsu|Hot Spring Inns where dogs can stay together

Aizu-Wakamatsu has various hot spring inns that allow pets. At the “Aizu-Ashinomaki Onsen Ashinomaki Prince Hotel,” where you can enjoy beautiful valley views, you can relax together with your dog in the hot springs. Additionally, the long-established Marumine Kanko Hotel offers a luxurious lodging experience you can share with your dog. Other recommended options include Aizu-Wakamatsu Higashiyama Onsen, located near the castle town, and Bandai-san Onsen Hotel, where you can enjoy breathtaking views throughout the seasons. Enjoy a heartwarming lodging experience together with your beloved dog.

Aizu Ashinomaki Hot Springs Ashinomaki prince hotel|og-Friendly Valley Hot Springs Inn

ホテル内での犬の様子
a dog at a hotel

Nestled in the natural surroundings of Aizu-Wakamatsu, the Aizu-Ashinomaki Onsen Ashino-maki Prince Hotel is a hot spring inn located at the entrance to Ashino-maki Onsen, where you can enjoy a luxurious stay with your dog. Pet-friendly rooms are available, offering a choice of Western-style rooms, Western-Japanese style rooms, or traditional Japanese-style rooms.

The hotel provides ample amenities for your dog, including a toilet, toilet sheets, crates, deodorizing spray, and more, ensuring a worry-free stay. The surrounding area is rich in nature, perfect for walks with your dog.

Kaede

The Japanese-Western style room is our recommended.

Marumine Kanko Hotel|A Luxury Stay with dogs at a long-establishedHot Spring Inn

愛犬同伴可能客室
guest room where dogs can stay with
〈Source〉Marumine Kanko Hotel Ofiicial Website

Marumine Kanko Hotel is a traditional hot spring inn in Aizu-Wakamatsu where you can enjoy a luxurious stay with your dog. Limited to two groups per day, dog-friendly rooms are available, complete with a dedicated dog run (wood deck) and a foot washing area.

Amenities for your dog are provided, including a pet crate, pet pads, deodorizer, sticky roller, and more, allowing you to travel light and enjoy your trip. With meal-inclusive plans, you can dine in your room, maximizing the time spent with your beloved pet.

Furthermore, the surrounding area is rich in nature, making it perfect for walks with your dog.

Kaede

It’s great that they can play on the wooden deck right outside the guest room!

Higashiyama Hotsprings Niko Ryokan|Healing Hot Spring Inn Near the Castle Town

ホテルの部屋で愛犬と過ごす様子
a dog at a hotel

会津若松の東山温泉二洸旅館は、歴史ある城下町に近い立地が魅力の温泉地にあります。ここは愛犬と一緒に泊まることができ、大正~昭和のレトロな雰囲気を一緒に楽しむことができます。温泉街を散策しながら、愛犬と共に自然の美しさを楽しむことができるのも大きな魅力です。 また、周辺には散歩にぴったりな遊歩道や公園もあり、愛犬との特別な時間を過ごすことができます。歴史的な名所を訪れた後は、温泉でリラックスしながら、愛犬との絆を深める素敵なひとときをお楽しみください。

Niko Ryokan in Higashiyama Onsen, Aizuwakamatsu, is located in a historic hot spring resort area. Here, you can stay with your dog and enjoy the retro atmosphere from the Taisho to Showa eras together. Another major attraction is being able to stroll through the hot spring town and enjoy the beauty of nature with your dog. The surrounding area also features walking paths and parks perfect for strolling. After visiting historical landmarks, relax in the hot springs and enjoy a wonderful time deepening your bond with your dog.

Kaede

Enjoy a relaxing stay while immersing yourself in the atmosphere of history!

Bandaisan Onsen Hotel by Hoshino Resorts|Enjoy seasonal views and stay with your beloved dog

愛犬同伴可能客室
guest room where dogs can stay with
〈Source〉Bandaisan Onsen Hotel Ofiicial Website

Bandai-san Onsen Hotel is the perfect for spending special moments with dogs. Located with a view of beautiful Mount Bandai, you can enjoy the natural beauty of the four seasons. Cherry blossoms in spring, lush green mountains in summer, autumn foliage, and snowy landscapes in winter—you can savor wonderful scenery with your dog in every season.

The hotel offers dedicated pet-friendly accommodation plans with comprehensive amenities for your dog. Enjoy peace of mind with in-room crates, dog beds, two pet bowls (for food and water), and dog toilets. Nearby trails and parks are perfect for walks with your dog. Soothe your travel fatigue in the hot springs while relaxing together with your beloved companion.

Kaede

Up to two medium-sized dogs up to 20kg each are welcome!

Summary

Aizu-Wakamatsu offers a wide range of dog-friendly tourist spots, from historical landmarks to nature-rich areas. The thatched-roof scenery of Ouchi-juku and the majestic sight of Tsurugajo Castle are perfect for strolls with your dog. At Inawashiro Herb Garden, you can relax surrounded by colorful flowers and fragrant scents. At Akabeko Park, you can play with your dog in the spacious natural surroundings while admiring the red cow, a symbol of Aizu.

Furthermore, Outdoor Sports Club Backs offers activities on lakes and mountains, allowing you to spend active time with your dog. In winter, the Snow Dog experience at Bandai Snow Dogs, where dogs run across snowfields, is also recommended. These spots are wonderful places to create special memories with your dog. Why not enjoy a trip to deepen your bond with your dog through sightseeing in Aizu-Wakamatsu?

ABOUT ME
大﨑庸平
I founded Hinotori Inc. out of my love for regional tourism and traditional inns (ryokan). Previously, I launched and promoted SEN.RETREAT, an inn along the Kumano Kodo trail, during my time at Japan Unist Inc. My mission is to "create a world where the heartfelt hospitality of local communities is truly rewarded," and I’m passionate about revitalizing regional tourism and ryokans. Before that, I worked in marketing for the launch of indoor theme parks like SMALL WORLDS and the Art Aquarium Museum. My career has been centered around marketing. I began my professional journey at PwC Consulting.