In early summer, the fresh greenery shines beautifully in Sengokuhara, Hakone. Enveloped in a gentle breeze, I visited the following place with my beloved dog, Chocolat:Hotel Mori no Kaze Hakone SengokuharaThis inn, nestled in the lush natural surroundings of Sengokuhara, is a Japanese-modern hot spring resort with a total of 44 rooms. Of these, only 5 rooms are available for guests to stay with their dogs, making it a truly special place for dog lovers.
The room we stayed in this time was room 3107, a corner room with a "Shikisai Nagomi Western-style twin room with open-air bath," which is the only one of the five rooms that has a private open-air bath.
The staff guided us to our room and explained how to use the facilities, demonstrating their exceptional hospitality down to the smallest detail. The room can be unlocked smartly with the two provided key cards, and the door has an automatic locking mechanism, ensuring a safe stay even when traveling with your dog. From the moment you enter the room, you can feel the thoughtful design that prioritizes privacy and comfort.
Just like the elevator doors, the guest room doors are also subtly adorned with Hakone's traditional marquetry technique. The geometric beauty created by the delicate wood grain elevates a simple door into a "work of art," transforming even the moment you step into the room into a special experience.
The moment you open the door, you are greeted by tranquility and the warmth of wood. This Japanese-modern space, blending the serenity of traditional Japanese aesthetics with modern comfort, has the atmosphere of a hidden retreat for adults.
On top of the shoe box, you'll find a selection of dog-related items and grooming supplies, allowing you to clean your dog's paws before entering the room after a day out. The thoughtful attention to detail from the inn, ensuring a comfortable stay for you and your dog, is evident in every aspect.
Next to it, there is a tea counter and refrigerator, where you can freely enjoy coffee from a coffee maker and tea.
A full-length mirror is installed at the entrance to each guest room, allowing guests to check their appearance before going out, as well as those who want to enjoy dressing up while traveling. A foldable entrance stool is also provided, which can be easily pulled out to sit on while putting on shoes, ensuring comfort for guests with mobility issues.
"Shikisai Nagomi (Twin Western-style room) with private open-air bath" 39.6㎡
The interior features a calming design unified by the warmth of wood and soft colors, a setting befitting the name "Shikisai Nagomi" (meaning "four seasons of tranquility").
The windows leading to the balcony are equipped with screens and shoji screens to soften the sunlight, creating a relaxing atmosphere.
With twin beds, a sofa by the window, and a coffee table, the room is spacious and comfortable for a couple, creating a relaxing atmosphere.
A pet cage (90cm wide x 60cm deep x 60cm high) is provided for your dog, and up to two small dogs weighing 6kg or less can stay in each room.
We also have a full range of dog supplies, including a ceramic food bowl, toilet sheets (47cm wide x 35cm long), pet waste bags and bin (Pad Locker), lint roller, dustpan and bucket, and more.
The bathroom mirror is large, and a magnifying makeup mirror for women is also provided. Two bath towels and two face towels are also available.
Skincare is,DHCIt uses the OLIVE GOLD series.
「POLAThis product uses AQUA BALANCE HOMME, a men's skincare and haircare amenity series. It is fragrance-free and colorant-free, and contains ingredients that suppress sebum and odor.
The drawer contains a hair dryer and a curling iron.
The amenities include a toothbrush, razor, cotton pads, cotton swabs, hairbrush, hair ties, etc.
Bath amenities, like skincare products,DHCThe WAGOKORO series was installed, allowing for a smart flow from showering to the open-air bath located on the balcony.
Next, we headed to the private open-air bath, which is arguably the greatest attraction of this room, and is enveloped in the scent of cypress wood.
The bathtub is generously filled with free-flowing hot spring water from our own source, allowing you to enjoy a luxurious soak whenever and as many times as you like. The comfort of being able to soak in the hot springs at your own pace, undisturbed by anyone, is a unique charm of having a private open-air bath in your room.
The view from the balcony, with its dazzling expanse of lush green garden and the gentle breeze, is so calming that it makes you forget the hustle and bustle of the city.
In the closet, you'll find a bath basket to take to the public bath, a haori jacket, loungewear, tabi socks, and pajamas.
"Love and Bonds" by Masakazu Goma
A short rest for the horse-and-wife team on their long journey. Everything will surely go smoothly.
The rooms are adorned with a work by Masakazu Goma titled "Love and Bonds," depicting a pair of horses embracing each other, accompanied by the warm message, "A short rest in the middle of a long journey. Everything will surely go well." Taking the time to pause and appreciate such words and artwork during your travels is one of the unique charms of this inn. Looking at them in the quiet space, you feel a sense of calm and contentment spreading through your heart.
The LCD TV displays a hotel guide for the group's hotels across Tohoku, Hokuriku, and Tokai regions, allowing you to plan your next trip and think, "This place would be nice next time♪". The room also features a collection of works by Masakazu Goma and books on Japanese painting, making the peaceful time spent surrounded by art another appealing aspect. The CD player is stocked with standard classical and jazz albums, allowing you to relax while listening to your favorite music. Hot springs, beautiful art, and soothing music – this sensory-stimulating stay makes the "luxury of doing nothing" even more special.
The toilets, equipped with bidet functions and handwashing facilities, also feature handrails to assist elderly people and those with mobility issues when sitting down or standing up.
On the table were "Beni Takosen" and "Takowasabi," which are popular souvenirs from Hakone, as well as items from the popular shop "Grand Rivière HakoneRusks from "[brand name]" are provided, and the welcome sweets, which allow you to enjoy both Japanese and Western flavors, are sure to delight. The savory flavor of octopus crackers, the spicy kick of octopus wasabi, and the crispy texture of the rusks. Enjoying tea time while relaxing in your room is a small luxury that can only be experienced while traveling.
Inside the refrigerator, there is a reservation siteIkkyuA luxurious fruit platter, a perk of being a Diamond member, is provided.
"Fruit platter"
I chilled the Californian Chardonnay I brought with me and enjoyed a superb aperitif time with a fruit platter featuring seasonal fruits such as red-fleshed melon, grapes, dragon fruit, and oranges.
After a relaxing bath, the refreshing taste of chilled white wine and fruit is the perfect way to soothe your body.
While it's a dog-friendly room, there are a few rules in place to ensure a pleasant stay for both you and your dog, such as prohibiting dogs from getting on the beds or using the bathroom. Otherwise, dogs are free to roam the room as they please, and Chocolat was completely relaxed. She stretched out her legs on the comfortable sofa and relaxed as if she were at home (lol).
When traveling with your dog, the most important thing is to be able to relax without worrying about disturbing others. In that respect, the dog-friendly rooms at Hotel Mori no Kaze Hakone Sengokuhara are extremely comfortable, including the spaciousness, tranquil environment, and the warm hospitality of the staff. These rooms are highly recommended for anyone who wants to cherish time with their dog. Soak in the hot springs, gaze at nature, and relax with your dog. A stay in Hakone in early summer offers a different kind of luxury than sightseeing, allowing you to experience the "luxury of doing nothing." Next time, I'll visit the large public bath, which has separate times for men and women, offering different views and bathing experiences.
Hotel Mori no Kaze Hakone Sengokuhara
Address: 817-444 Sengokuhara, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture 250-0631
TEL: 0120-489-166
https://www.morinokaze-hakone-sengokuhara.com/
