Izumigo Takayama Dog Paradise Hotel
8,1/10 Excellent - Based on 20 reviews
Izumigo Takayama Dog Paradise Hotel sits in forested highland beside the Kute River at around 1,300 metres and is organised as a dog‑centred resort with a European‑style main house. The grounds include two outdoor dog parks, indoor play space and a marked riverside walking trail, plus open lawns where animals can exercise off‑lead in designated zones. Public lounges, a souvenir shop and on‑site parking support stays focused on canine comfort, making it a practical ryokan with private onsen in Gifu.
Rooms range from Western twin and double layouts to Japanese‑Western suites with tatami seating; most provide flat‑screen TV, fridge, electric kettle and private bathroom. The main restaurant serves multi‑course meals built around local ingredients, and the property can prepare dog menus while a pet salon handles grooming and basic care. Free public Wi‑Fi and parking are provided. The hotel is a short drive from Hida Honokidaira ski area and Hirayu Falls and about 45 minutes by car from JR Takayama Station.
The onsen complex sits in a separate building and offers reservable private baths — rock, hinoki and stone tubs — some of which include dog‑friendly washing facilities so owners can bathe or rinse their pets. Baths are booked at reception subject to availability and the hotel asks guests bringing dogs to present current vaccination records and ensure animals are house‑trained; check‑in begins at 15:00 and check‑out is around 11:00. For travellers seeking a pet‑focused mountain ryokan with onsen in Takayama, the property combines private thermal options with purpose‑built canine amenities.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Izumigo Takayama Dog Paradise…
Positive Reviews
Pet-friendly facilities and services
Multiple guests praised the hotel’s pet-friendly setup — dogs are welcome, there are pet supplies and sheets on each floor, a dog washing area with towels, pet carts at mealtimes, and opportunities for dog socialising.
High-quality, enjoyable meals
Several reviewers highlighted the food as a strong point: well-prepared multi-course meals, tasty dishes, and enjoyable dining experiences (some guests opted for half-board and enjoyed every course).
Attentive and friendly staff
Many guests noted polite, helpful and pleasant staff interactions, citing good customer service and overall positive treatment during their stay.
Private onsen and unique bathing experience
Guests appreciated the private onsen options (including open-air/private baths), describing the bathing experience as special and private, which added to the stay’s appeal.
Peaceful natural setting and comfortable rooms
Reviewers mentioned the calm, wooded location and atmosphere, plus comfortable and sometimes spacious rooms and terraces — ideal for relaxation and for guests travelling with dogs.
Negative Reviews
Language barrier and poor staff communication
Some guests reported that staff had limited English and, in one case, were perceived as mocking when visitors attempted to speak Japanese, leading to unpleasant interactions.
Breakfast quality or availability issues
A few guests experienced problems with breakfast — one could not be seated despite having chosen a time, and another found the breakfast bland or not suited to Western tastes.
Onsen cleanliness and condition concerns
A small number of reviewers mentioned problems with the public onsen: complaints included an old appearance, unpleasant odour, and a report of insects floating in a communal bath, indicating cleanliness/maintenance issues.
Unexpected extra charges and unclear fees
At least one guest encountered an unexpected daily heating fee charged at checkout and felt such additional costs were not clearly communicated in advance.
Room shortcomings and facility issues
Some guests noted room-related problems: certain cottages lacked a private bath (only a toilet), a room bathtub appeared unclean or gritty, Wi‑Fi connection problems in rooms at corridor ends, and high bed heights that made it difficult for pets or guests with mobility issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms range from twin and Japanese-style rooms for 2–3 people up to private cottages that sleep larger groups (up to about 8); exact maximums depend on the room type, so check the room details when booking.
The property offers several reservable private onsen, including a specific private bath that allows dogs; reserve these at reception in advance if you want a private or dog-friendly bath.
There is no regular public shuttle listed; the hotel is best reached by car or taxi, and JR Takayama Station is roughly a 40–50 minute drive away.
The hotel provides English information on its website and booking channels; staff can assist with basic English, but contacting the hotel in advance for special requests is recommended.
Expect a dog-focused resort set in forested grounds with indoor and outdoor dog parks, riverside walking paths, grooming facilities, and dog-friendly dining options for a relaxed, nature-centered stay.
Nearby highlights include Hida Honokidaira Ski Resort (a short drive) and Hirayu Falls (about 10 minutes by car); Takayama’s historic town center is accessible by car in roughly 40–50 minutes for markets and sightseeing.
Free on-site parking is available for guests; the property is in a rural area best accessed by car and requires appropriate winter preparations (road conditions and winter equipment) from November to April.
Standard check-in begins at 15:00 (last check-in hours may be limited) and check-out is at 11:00; notify the hotel ahead of time if you expect to arrive late.
You can book private cottages and reservable private baths; dogs are welcome throughout most facilities but must be house-trained and comply with vaccination requirements—confirm details with the hotel before arrival.
The hotel serves traditional multi-course meals using local ingredients and offers a dog menu plus a souvenir shop on site; for full grocery or supermarket shopping, the nearest larger shops are in Takayama town, a drive away.