Matsusaka Doggie Paradise Hotel Smeall
8/10 Excellent - Based on 3 reviews
Matsusaka Wanwan Paradise Mori no Hotel Smeal is a purpose-built dog-friendly resort set in a forested gorge near Matsusaka, Mie. The property combines spacious guest rooms and dedicated canine facilities with a natural hot spring drawn from the Oku-Kahada onsen source; communal large baths and an open-air rotenburo are presented as the primary bathing options, creating a ryokan-like bathing experience adapted for visitors with pets. For travelers seeking a ryokan with onsen Mie, the resort emphasizes easy access to river-side walks and evening soaks in mineral-rich water.
Accommodation starts at roughly 42 m² and ranges from traditional Japanese rooms to twin and hybrid Japanese–Western layouts, all designed to keep dogs comfortable without sacrificing guest comfort. The hotel operates multiple off‑leash dog parks, an indoor play space, river-edge areas for supervised wading, and select room types include fenced private dog-runs; a canine menu and on-site pet supplies simplify stays with animals. Practical on-site services such as laundry for pet bedding and a small retail counter for essentials make longer stays straightforward for owners travelling with active dogs.
On the grounds guests will also find a sauna, barbecue areas, tennis courts and a compact putting course, while nearby trails and clear streams encourage low-impact outdoor activity for both people and pets. Managed as part of a small chain of pet-focused resorts, the property balances resort-scale amenities with a rural setting and local seasonal cuisine, making it a pragmatic choice for visitors who want a ryokan with onsen in Mie Prefecture where dogs are welcome but bathing facilities are communal rather than private.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Matsusaka Doggie Paradise Hote…
Positive Reviews
Polite, helpful staff
Multiple guests noted staff were courteous and provided friendly, attentive service, contributing to a pleasant stay.
Relaxing onsen and comfortable stay
Guests found the onsen relaxing and the overall accommodation comfortable, allowing for a restful experience.
Spacious, open atmosphere
Visitors described the property as having a feeling of openness and freedom, with roomy spaces that enhance relaxation.
Clean air and pleasant location
Reviewers praised the fresh air and the property's location; the natural surroundings were appreciated and added to guest satisfaction.
Attractive natural surroundings
Several comments indicated that the natural environment and scenery were a strong positive that helped justify the overall experience.
Negative Reviews
Perceived understaffing
One guest felt the property may be short-staffed, suggesting service could be affected by a limited number of employees.
Higher price compared to similar properties
A reviewer mentioned the accommodation felt somewhat more expensive than comparable locations, although they also noted the nature setting partly offset this.
Uncomfortably hot in summer
A guest reported that during a summer stay it was very hot outside, limiting enjoyment of outdoor areas and recommending choosing a different season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms range from twin and Japanese-style doubles to family and maisonette layouts; some family rooms and maisonettes sleep up to six guests.
Yes — the property features a natural hot spring with an open-air bath and public onsen facilities; pets are not permitted in the bathing areas.
No regular airport shuttle is listed; the nearest major airport is Osaka Itami (around 70 miles / 115 km), and most guests arrive by car or taxi from local stations.
Staff primarily speak Japanese; English support is limited, so advance requests or a translation app are recommended if you need help in English.
The hotel offers a quiet, rural, dog-focused ryokan experience with traditional Japanese rooms, mountain and river views, on-site dog runs, and attentive service.
Nearby highlights include Matsusaka Castle, local botanical and ceramic art sites, and riverside areas ideal for walking and playing with dogs.
There is no immediate train access; the nearest stations require about an hour by car, so arriving by car or taking a taxi from a regional station is recommended.
Check-in begins at 15:00 (3:00 PM) and check-out is until 11:00 AM.
The property advertises public hot spring and open-air baths; private-bath availability is not shown online, so contact the hotel directly to request private-bath options.
Yes — pets are welcome, rooms include pet amenities, and the hotel provides indoor and outdoor dog runs and pet-friendly dining; there is no large supermarket on site, so bring supplies or drive into Matsusaka for wider shopping options.