In Japan, dogs have not been universally accepted as household pets. Prior to the end of the second World War, and with the influence of American lifestyle they were kept outside.

Mrs Keeko Akutsu is a dog lover and a hotel owner. While travelling in Europe she saw how dogs were accepted in major hotels. Following that trend she decided to open her hotel in the hot spa resort of Kinugawa to families with dogs.

For a fee of Yen 500 (£2.50) per dog, owners can come and have their dog pampered with special supper and breakfast, attended to by staff that fuss around the animals. For an additional...