KAMENOI HOTEL SHIOBARA Dog Friendly Hotel
7,7/10 Very good - Based on 179 reviews
KAMENOI HOTEL SHIOBARA Dog Friendly Hotel is a mountain onsen ryokan reborn as a "Doggie Inn" in early 2025, positioned in the historic Shiobara Onsen area surrounded by forested peaks. The property centres on a natural hot spring with a recorded history of about 1,200 years; guests can access communal thermal baths and outdoor soaking areas fed by the source. As a ryokan with onsen in Tochigi, the hotel combines traditional tatami-style accommodation with modern conveniences while allowing dogs in all guest rooms and many public spaces.
Accommodation choices range from Japanese-style rooms and twin Western rooms to Japanese–Western suites that include open-air baths; selected room types offer private open-air onsen-style baths on verandahs. On-site facilities include a restaurant that accepts canine companions, a guest lounge, a shop stocking local produce and dog goods, three dog runs (outdoor, indoor and courtyard), accessible rooms and free parking. Practical details such as 15:00 check‑in and 10:00 check‑out, free Wi‑Fi and on-site parking support longer stays and family visits.
The hot spring water at Shiobara is traditionally associated with therapeutic benefits and the hotel presents both shared and enclosed bathing options so visitors may choose a public soak or a more intimate experience; this makes the property suitable for travellers seeking a ryokan with private onsen in Tochigi as well as groups who prefer public baths. Its location in the Nasu highlands provides straightforward access to nearby nature trails, seasonal foliage and winter ski areas, while staff services focus on comfortable stays with pets and simple local cuisine.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: KAMENOI HOTEL SHIOBARA Dog Fri…
Positive Reviews
Friendly and helpful staff
Multiple guests praised the staff for being kind, attentive and welcoming, which made stays comfortable and pleasant (helpful at reception, polite during meals and attentive to guests with pets).
Good food and dining experiences
Many reviews highlighted tasty meals—both dinner course meals and breakfast—plus popular extras like late-night tantanmen and snack offerings; several guests found the food a standout feature.
Hot springs and bathing facilities
Guests enjoyed the onsen experience, noting authentic hot spring quality, outdoor baths and the option of private onsen attached to some rooms, which was especially appreciated for first-time onsen users.
Pet-friendly amenities and facilities
The property is clearly dog-friendly: reviewers mentioned dog-friendly rooms, menus for pets, multiple dog runs, and staff and other guests treating dogs kindly, making it easy to travel with pets.
Spacious, family-friendly rooms and cleanliness
Families reported rooms were suitably sized (some with two rooms or tatami space) and generally clean and comfortable, with some guests noting no pet odor and appreciation for useful in-room features like refrigerators.
Negative Reviews
Unexpected extra charges and billing issues
Several guests reported extra fees not clearly communicated—examples include separate hot-spring fees, drinks not included with dinner, and discrepancies between Booking.com prices and final credit card charges leading to frustration.
Onsen-related problems (temperature, cleanliness, debris)
Some reviewers found the hot spring water too lukewarm, or noted outdoor baths could be dark or have leaves/debris after heavy rain; a few mentioned concerns about bath cleanliness or lack of clear information about the spring’s properties.
Booking and communication mismatches
A few stays involved miscommunication or site errors (Booking.com vs hotel) that caused confusion about booking details or included services such as all-you-can-drink offers.
Local convenience and nearby services
Several guests noted a lack of nearby restaurants or coffee shops, and one review explicitly mentioned no coffee shop or restaurant within walking distance, which affected convenience.
Minor cleanliness/maintenance and amenities gaps
Comments included sticky dining room floors, insect (stink bug) entry due to window/gap issues, absence of in-room showers for some rooms, limited toiletries/amenities, occasional construction noise, and requests for small improvements (clocks in changing rooms, better pet seating in dining).
Frequently Asked Questions
The hotel offers six room types, including Japanese-style tatami rooms; some rooms accommodate up to four adults. Children are welcome but cribs and extra beds are not available.
The property uses natural Fukuwata hot springs with large public baths (typically open late morning–midnight and early morning); dogs are not allowed in baths or changing rooms and tattoo restrictions may apply. Guests may be asked to reserve bath access on arrival.
Yes — a free shuttle serves Nanatsuiwa Suspension Bridge bus stop and Shiobara Hot Springs Bus Terminal; please notify the hotel of your arrival time. From Nasu‑Shiobara Station a JR bus runs to the Nanatsuiwa stop (about 60–70 minutes).
Take the Tohoku Shinkansen to Nasu/Nasu‑Shiobara Station, then a JR bus to Nanatsuiwa (about 60–70 minutes) or use the hotel shuttle from the bus stop. By car it is about 20 minutes from the Nishinasuno‑Shiobara IC.
The hotel provides English information on its site, but front‑desk English ability may be limited; contact the hotel in advance if you need language assistance. Basic English support is typically available for standard arrival and service questions.
The on‑site restaurant serves seasonal kaiseki‑style dishes with a buffet breakfast option; parts of the dining area are dog‑friendly by hotel policy. Check at booking for any dining restrictions or seating arrangements when bringing a dog.
Nearby highlights include Mikaeri Waterfall, Nikko National Park, Senbonmatsu Farm, Momijidani Suspension Bridge and Hunter Mountain Shiobara for seasonal outdoor activities. Many attractions are reachable by car or regional bus.
The property offers free parking (around 70 spaces), EV charging, free Wi‑Fi, vending machines and a dog exercise area; a bus stop is within walking distance. For larger shops and supermarkets, drive to Nasushiobara city.
Check‑in starts at 15:00 (last check‑in around 22:00; guests with dinner should generally arrive by 18:00) and check‑out is by 10:00. The front desk operates during the day and luggage storage is available.
The hotel advertises large public hot spring baths rather than in‑room private onsen; contact the hotel to confirm any reservable family baths. Dogs are welcome in rooms with on‑site dog runs and bowls provided, but they cannot enter bathing areas; for grocery shopping use local stores or drive to supermarkets in Nasushiobara.