「Ise-Shima National ParkThe concept is to spend time surrounded by the rich nature of "NEMU RESORT"Spanning approximately 250 hectares and surrounded by forests and the sea, this resort features hotels, hot spring facilities, and activity areas, allowing each visitor to enjoy their time as they please."
Nestled in a corner of that vast forest is a place where you can stay with your dog.Forest Villa DOGAfter checking in at the main building, let's head to the villa where we'll be staying. It's located just a few minutes' drive from the main hotel building. As you drive through the forest, you'll find the private villas nestled in a circle, surrounded by quiet trees. There are a total of eight villas where you can stay with your dog. Three of them can accommodate large dogs up to 50kg, and the remaining five can accommodate medium-sized dogs up to 20kg.
"Forest Villa DOG Room 104"
This is a special accommodation area where you can relax with your beloved dog. Surrounded by a lush forest, the only sounds you'll hear are birdsong, insects, and the wind rustling through the trees. You'll feel less like you're staying in a hotel and more like you're living in a private villa.
One of the biggest attractions of "Forest Villa DOG" is the presence of a private land car provided for each villa. The vast grounds of Nemu Resort, spanning approximately 250 hectares, are far too large to explore on foot, and having a land car transforms the act of getting around into an attraction in itself, adding to the enjoyment. Whether it's an early morning stroll to the "Eastern Observation Deck," an evening stroll to the "Hill Bathed in the Sunset," or a trip to the main building to access the hot springs and restaurants, the time spent driving through the forest, feeling the breeze, is a luxurious experience unique to this resort. Guests staying in the main building can also rent one of these land cars (1,650 yen for 1 hour, 6,600 yen for 24 hours).
The villa I stayed in this time was room 104.
A washing area is provided at the entrance, allowing you to wash your dog's paws after their walk before entering the house. This is a welcome feature in a natural setting, ensuring that both dogs and their owners can enjoy playing outdoors without any worries.
The entrance features a card key-operated automatic lock, adding to the sense of security that comes with staying in a private villa. With security in mind, you can truly relax and enjoy your stay with your beloved dog.
One of the key features of this dog-friendly villa is the use of non-slip floor mats inside, designed with your dog's legs and joints in mind. Not only is it easy to walk on, but it's also easy to clean and maintain a clean environment, which is a great advantage. Our dog, Chocolat, is a well-behaved dog who never has an accident, but in the unlikely event of an accident, there's a sheet map to notify the cleaning team so they can clean it up properly.
As a thoughtful amenity for their dog, a welcome set for dogs, filled with hospitality, was prepared at the entrance.
”There was a card that read, "Please take home the items in this basket," and in addition to venison jerky and egg biscuits, there were also wet wipes, waste bags, a hotel-original bag for walks, and even a towel, showing thoughtful consideration for your dog. It's a heartwarming service that makes you want to visit again.
At the entrance, there are two types of door signs: "Do not disturb" and "Please clean." This thoughtful detail, allowing guests to express their preferences according to their stay style—whether they want to spend time with their dog or request room cleaning while they are out—is much appreciated. Since our stay was three nights and four days, we requested cleaning after breakfast before going out. Daily cleaning and replenishment of amenities ensure a comfortable hotel stay.
The villa is 41.8 square meters, a comfortable and just-right size for a couple plus their dog. The interior has a warm, woody feel, but also features accent colors, creating a calm and unified decor.
The bedroom has a natural feel and features twin semi-double beds; however, dogs are not allowed on the beds.
The daybed by the window is a comfortable space where you can relax and gaze out at the garden while sitting like on a sofa. Looking out at the lush green scenery beyond the window, the breeze blowing through the forest and the swaying of the trees soothe the mind, and time seems to slow down. The daybed has a sturdy triangular back cushion, and one of its charms is that you can freely change its position and orientation to suit your preference. Designed to gently support your body, you can comfortably spend your time however you like, whether reading, gazing at the scenery, or simply relaxing.
Beyond the large windows, vibrant greenery stretches out, creating a sense of openness as if you're one with the forest, even while indoors.
Just watching the sunlight filtering through the trees and the trees swaying in the breeze, as the time of day changes, makes the hustle and bustle of everyday life gradually fade away.
The guest rooms are fully equipped with amenities including free Wi-Fi, an air purifier, safe, refrigerator, electric kettle, ice bucket, stirrer, charger, and Bluetooth speaker.
For drinks, drip coffee packs, Earl Grey tea bags, and Ise tea are provided, and "Aosa-flavored rice crackers" are served as a snack.
The chest of drawers is equipped with an LED camping lantern from the Japanese outdoor brand "Mozambique." The soft, retro-style light is perfect for spending time on the terrace from dusk to night. As you gaze at the lantern's glow while surrounded by the silence of the forest, you can enjoy a sophisticated outdoor resort atmosphere that is different from typical camping. Furthermore, a "SONY" Bluetooth speaker is also provided, so you can connect your iPhone or other device and enjoy a relaxing time while listening to your favorite music. You can listen to the birds chirping or the rustling of the trees in the wind, or relax with soothing music playing in the background. The ability to create your own luxurious moment according to your mood each day is one of the unique charms of this villa.
The selection of glasses is extensive, including champagne glasses, wine glasses, tumblers, and mugs. For ice to fill the ice bucket, please go to the ice-making machine corner located within the villa area (more details to follow).
The drinks in the refrigerator are all-inclusive and free of charge. We provide two bottles each of Asahi Super Dry, Hyoketsu, Natchan (orange and apple), Ise tea, and mineral water. Even if you finish them all, they will be replenished after cleaning the next day, so you can rest assured even if you are staying for multiple nights.
The extension cord and electronic mosquito repellent, both kept in a drawer, proved very useful on the terrace. Other items stored there include a multi-purpose lighter, a ballpoint pen, nail clippers, and a charging cord.
The loungewear is a comfortable, easy-to-move-in two-piece set, and the separate top and bottom design allows for complete relaxation.
The loungewear provided is also a two-piece set, suitable for moving between facilities such as the hot springs.
A blanket is essential during the colder months. It's especially useful for spending time on the terrace during the chilly mornings and evenings.
The spacious closet is positioned to connect the living room and powder room, and its sliding doors can be opened and closed from both sides. Because you can access what you need from either side, the flow of movement is beautiful, making your movements during your stay very smooth. It may seem like a simple feature, but once you actually use it, you'll be impressed by its practicality.
A safety deposit box provides peace of mind when you go out.
Below that, you'll find thoughtful amenities to ensure a comfortable stay in the forest. In addition to mosquito and insect repellent sprays like Earth Jet, there are also deodorizing sprays and even a deodorizing and disinfecting spray for your dog, demonstrating the kind of consideration you'd expect in a natural setting.
A spacious powder room equipped with a double-bowl vanity. Designed to allow two people to get ready at the same time, the large mirror and natural light create a bright space, making your morning routine a comfortable experience.
The amenities are individually packaged and very clean, and include a toothbrush set, hairbrush, body towel, cotton pads, hair ties, shower cap, and razor. The hairdryer is from a popular beauty appliance brand that I also use.KINUJOIt employs a powerful airflow while also being gentle on the hair, allowing you to achieve a salon-quality, manageable finish even while traveling.
What made me happiest was "MOONPEARL (formerly Mikimoto Cosmetics)The skincare set included four base products: cleansing cream, cleansing foam, Moisture Rich Lotion II, and Vitalizing Cream. I was able to enjoy the high-quality skincare products, which contain pearl-derived moisturizing ingredients, at my leisure during my stay.
And, as always,Ikkyu.comAs one of the perks for Diamond members, a welcome gift was prepared for this trip as well. This time, it was the "MOONPEARL" Mikimoto Cosmetics Essence Mask LX. This face mask, unique to a skincare brand born from pearl research, will make your skincare time while traveling even more luxurious and make the beautiful skin you achieve in the hot springs even more special.
At the back, there is a glass-enclosed shower room and a bathroom with large windows overlooking the garden. Soaking in the bath while gazing at the greenery of the forest is a moment of healing that allows you to forget the worries of everyday life.
The showerhead is popularReFaThe bath uses a special water flow that is soothing and gently relieves the fatigue of the day. The bath amenities are all from "MOONPEARL," and include body soap, moisturizing hair shampoo, and moisturizing hair treatment. The high-quality feel makes bath time feel even more luxurious.
Next to the powder room, there is also a toilet equipped with a heated bidet.
The cage is large enough for Chocolat the Chihuahua, and it comes with a litter box and food bowl, making it a comfortable home even when traveling.
As soon as we entered the room, I showed her where the toilet was, and she seemed to remember it right away, behaving very well this time too. I can travel with her with peace of mind thanks to Chocolat's good manners.
Make sure to stay well-hydrated to quench your thirst after a long journey. And for summer travel, take all necessary precautions against heatstroke.
After unpacking, Chocolat and I settled down on the sofa, enjoying a freshly brewed cup of coffee and taking a moment to relax. We savored the leisurely pace of time in our room while gazing at the forest stretching out beyond the window.
The wooden deck terrace was slowly drying after the rain. The green of the forest, still clad in raindrops, shone even more vividly, and a pleasant breeze blew through with the crisp air. Just gazing at this scenery gave me a premonition that the next four days would be an irreplaceable experience.
The gentle sounds of birds and insects fill the forest, and listening to the sounds of nature creates a tranquility that can only be experienced in this place, offering a truly healing experience.
Chocolat is also very interested in the spacious garden, going back and forth between the terrace and the private garden, smelling the plants and enjoying the scents, as if she were having her own garden all to herself. Being able to go outside whenever she wants without worrying about people's eyes or other dogs provides great peace of mind for our beloved dog.
Sitting in a reclining chair and gazing at the lush, verdant scenery, I feel as if time is slowly passing by.
The greatest luxury that can only be experienced at this villa is the time spent comfortably surrounded by the forest, which enriches the soul and transforms it into a truly special trip.
Forest Villa DOG goes beyond being just a hotel where you can stay with your dog; it's a place where you can feel like you're living in the forest. It's a luxurious experience where both you and your dog can relax and unwind in harmony with nature.
NEMU RESORT
HOTEL NEMU
Address: 2692-3 Sakako, Hamajima-cho, Shima City, Mie Prefecture 517-0403
TEL: 0599-52-1211
https://www.nemuresort.com/
