My 30 years in Japan tells me that exotic, pricey pet accommodations would be lapped up by pampering pet owners and perhaps lead to a resurgence of domestic travel.
With the birth rate in Japan declining precipitously, the Japanese love to purchase designer goods and new things to replace the missing human tots. From Gucchi to Coach Bags to exotic (and endangered!) animals, most people want to be fashionable at almost any price. Keeping up with the Tanakas is an unspoken truth of cosmopolitan Japan.
The newest craze for locals is designer dogs. They treat their pricey canines much like Barbie Doll owners treat Barbie and Ken. These animals are dressed to the nines with all the gowns, coats, hairpins and booties which can be stitched together in Third World sweatshops. Man’s best friend must look “cute” and drip of the pedigree the owner(s) may lack.
Cities and businesses are adapting to this pedigree dog boom. One accommodation, Yatsukate Wan Wan Paradise in Yamanishi Prefecture, offers 40 cottages in which guests may stay with their canine companion/dolls.
Dog city! Since an increasing number of hotels and inns are accepting these cuties, the time to build a year-round dog village has dawned.
Several pristine, depopulated areas within a three-hour drive of metropolises around Japan are looking desperately for economic revival. Locals would be happy to see an influx of cash-rich tourists coming for R&R while their canine buddies lap in luxury.
The villages could contain a dog obedience school, a dog Disneyland, a dog nutrition clinic with first-class canine treats to go, dog seminars (for owners!), low-cost spaying and neuter clinics, dog grooming boutiques, and daytime dog housing with a run. While Fido is lapping up dog beef stroganoff, the owners can be dipping in a soothing hot spring bath or a lap-of-luxury public bath (called sento).
To see the concept at workin the U.S., CLICK HERE
Join SIJ Mastermind and Networking Seminars
Twitter
Facebook