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Dogs ride bullet train to Nagano

33 Comments
By Natsuko FUKUE

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Great move! Having a dog here is something I always wanted to do, but gave up on the idea after we moved out of her parents house and realized how limited our lives in Tokyo would be if we owned one, you have to shop at selected markets, restaurants, malls, even some parks dont accept pets. Find a place to live with a pet can also be an ordeal.

6 ( +11 / -5 )

When are they going to do this for cats?

-3 ( +10 / -13 )

Pets are allowed on the shinkansen but they must be kept inside a holder, and their total weight including the cage must not exceed 10 kilograms.

I am not a dog owner, but love to get one when the right time arrives. I don't understand the weight limit!!??

is it because large digs will need the extra space or a full seat!? which owners will be more than happy to pay for it!!!! this puzzles me!

Why deny the ride for a large dog let's say a German Shepherd or a Husky and so on when traveling with the owner and on a leash ??

7 ( +11 / -4 )

Ha! Cats would be climbing the walls if taken out of their carriers like this!

- @kurisupisu 7:50am: “When are they going to do this for cats?”

10 ( +12 / -2 )

One more thing I wanted to add, I'd rather travel with pet cats & dogs rather than any other animals including Some Humans, LOL

I hope JR will allow more and more pets to ride in designated carriages with the owners so people can travel and see their relatives and friends or just enjoy themselves with their love ones.

4 ( +9 / -5 )

Let these people have their fun. Something only pet lovers can understand.

Our little guy is still going strong years later after getting those numerous shots, an 18 hour flight, an overnight at a Tokyo dog spa and then, another few hours on the Shinkansen home.

Best investment rather than leaving him with family back home. He’s adapted well here but will take a pass on any future travel.

11 ( +14 / -3 )

I wonder if it was a wan wan man car train.

-3 ( +8 / -11 )

Our little guy is still going strong years later after getting those numerous shots, an 18 hour flight, an overnight at a Tokyo dog spa and then, another few hours on the Shinkansen home.

Your story reminds me of a touching and very funny Chinese movie called "Finding My Way Home". And yes Hao-Hao eventually reunites with Nai-Ping (Milk Bottle, so named because of his white coat).

https://cafilmfestival.com/en/portfolio-items/find-my-way-home/

4 ( +6 / -2 )

One more thing I wanted to add, I'd rather travel with pet cats & dogs rather than any other animals including Some Humans, LOL

Thank you for saying what I often think O_o.

4 ( +7 / -3 )

A pawsome day trip.

-4 ( +6 / -10 )

stretch their paws and enjoy the scenery

They would enjoy the scenery if they could poke their heads out of the windows. Will be dogsitting my brother-in-law's dog this summer. Anyone have experience staying at a hotel that allows dogs?

-1 ( +3 / -4 )

In Europe, large dogs are allowed without cages if they're muzzled and remain at the feet of their owners. JR should do the same. I see tons of people with dogs when I travel into the Japanese countryside areas.

3 ( +6 / -3 )

Without the windows open, seems like doggie torture. All those smells of the passing country - DENIED!

But at those speeds, a bug in the snout would hurt.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

I'd love to take my 40+kg GSD on a trip like this, but he's a bit too frisky and talkative to coop up in a train car with a bunch of other dogs. He, like me, would rather stay home in our little country village, take long walks a few times a day and go for a swim in the nearby river.

8 ( +9 / -1 )

I love animals and all, but I don't think I would be able to stand the stench of that carriage.

-11 ( +4 / -15 )

Now remember doggies - no talking unless your wearing your masks and remember to socially distance.

Canine caboose comedy.

-7 ( +2 / -9 )

NOMINATION

Will be dogsitting my brother-in-law's dog this summer. Anyone have experience staying at a hotel that allows dogs?

Dog-friendly hotels can be a bit pricey in Japan, as most of them cater to the whole pet-lover experience, and include all sorts of amenities and activities for the owners and their pets to enjoy together - Dog runs, dog beds, dog toys, special menu items for the dogs, etc. We've been to a few, and have had nice times at all.

In the US, most hotels with pet-friendly policies simply charge a supplemental pet fee of $30-50, I assume for the extra cleaning, and, occasionally provide a few pet-related amenities like food/water bowls, etc. But, are otherwise the same as regular hotels. I would imagine there might be some hotels like that in Japan, if you search enough.

The most annoying thing is many have a weight limits. Our smaller dog has no problem meeting them. But, our Goldens wouldn't be able to pull it off, even if we dress them in little dog clothes, and have them slouch.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

This is a great initiative.

In my country even though dogs are allowed on train there are too many conditions (we have to book a separate compartment which means we have to buy tickets for 4 even if it’s only me and my dog travelling) and paperwork before journey.

So I prefer driving long distance over taking a train. My dog often creeps up from the back seat where she is put and places herself on my lap. That is why I have given her a second name - Laptop.

4 ( +4 / -0 )

I’m all for dogs, but imagine them pee corners.

-5 ( +3 / -8 )

Doing it doogy-style on the bullet train!

-6 ( +3 / -9 )

I'll bet it was noisy and it stank. A drunken oyaji would have a more bareable odour.

-5 ( +1 / -6 )

Yes, maximum disgusting. And it’s also very decadent, when considering that quite some poorer people can’t even afford a simple bus ticket or one for slower regular trains. A society that values pets much higher than co-citizens is very sick and crazy.

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

A society that values pets much higher than co-citizens is very sick and crazy.

The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.

I would love to be able to take my two on a train but at 15 and 35 kilos there’s no way I’m managing them in cages,

2 ( +3 / -1 )

to a bunch of previous posts:

I love dogs. I have dogs. But the problem is that not everyone loves YOUR dog. The dog being a reflection of the owner is undoubtedly true, and even a quick park trip can tell you a lot about a person from the behavior of their pet. I do not want to sit around that kind of punishment, despite my fondness of animals. Humans belong in trains. Dogs (animals) deserve better than that. Take a walk, drive IF you must.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

I just hope all of the puddles and deposits are removed.

who ever thought of letting loose dogs on a train they must be barking mad!

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

if you want healthy Kids, it's best not to keep Animal Pets, and to keep your Kids away from close contact with Animals until they have reached an age where they can avoid contracting basic ailments.

If you want healthy kids, it better to have the kids grow up with animals.

Research indicates that babies brought up with dogs are less susceptible to colds and respiratory infections. The dander, germs and unavoidable muck involved with living with dogs strengthen the child’s immune system.

Living with pets also teaches kids responsibility and empathy, tends to ensure kids get more exercise, and boosts the child’s self-esteem.

Unless a child has a genetic allergy to dogs, living with dogs is more likely to help prevent the development of allergies.

I just hope all of the puddles and deposits are removed.

I would hope anyone considering taking their dog into an enclosed space would make sure the dog was properly toilet-trained. Common sense.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

if you want healthy Kids, it's best not to keep Animal Pets, and to keep your Kids away from close contact with Animals.

This is exactly the opposite of current recommendations. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/can-a-pet-help-prevent-allergies/ Babies exposed to animals and having pets are much less likely to ever have pet allergies later. https://www.newscientist.com/article/2188610-the-more-pets-you-meet-as-a-baby-the-lower-your-risk-of-allergies/

To all the people who think dogs will pee on the train, I suppose you've never trained any dog to pee outside? They don't go inside, anywhere, unless there is no other choice, usually 14+ hrs after being stuck inside. Pets get on a daily schedule and learn that schedule so their toilet needs fit into it.

Dogs over 1 yr old can easily be inside for 8+ hrs, daily. I can think of just two times in all the time I've had pets that a mess happened inside by an adult dog. Both were my fault and I was a witness to one. She just couldn't hold it any longer and I couldn't get the door open. It was stuck. Obviously, no harsh words or punishment. Just love to her on that day.

And dogs don't smell if they are properly groomed for the type of dog.

I shutter to think how people get the idea that dogs pee anywhere inside and are smelly. I've seen that behavior with cats much more often, but not dogs.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Prefer the company of a dog to that of a human being (in most cases, that is).

0 ( +0 / -0 )

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