#Japan #Tokyo #CoCo Gourmet #Miao Gourmet #Pet Tourism

The Rise of Pet Tourism in Japan

In a recent study conducted by Biofilia Co., Ltd., the creator of the handmade pet food brands CoCo Gourmet and Miao Gourmet, it was revealed that a significant 95% of dog owners express a desire to travel with their furry companions. This survey, carried out from October 15 to 19, 2025, ahead of the National Dog Day on November 1, aimed to delve into the pet tourism phenomenon that has been gaining traction in recent years.

Survey Findings

The survey focused on 451 dog owners across Japan, and while there was a slight decrease compared to 2024, 94.5% indicated they still wish to bring their dogs on trips. Notably, 91.4% consider whether a destination is pet-friendly when making travel plans, while 81.6% stated they would be willing to incur higher costs for the opportunity to travel with their dogs. Furthermore, 77.2% of respondents reported having traveled with their pets before, with 44.7% spending over 10,000 yen on a single trip for their dog.

Popular Travel Destinations for Pet Owners

The survey also revealed the most frequented travel destinations for dog owners: Shizuoka Prefecture ranked first, followed by Chiba and Tochigi. When considering future travel aspirations, the top desired destinations included Hokkaido, Nagano, and Shizuoka again.

The Shift Towards Pet-Friendly Tourism

The findings highlight a growing trend among owners who view their pets as family members. There is a noticeable demand for accommodations and travel experiences designed with pets in mind. As such, local governments and the tourism industry are increasingly focusing on pet tourism and dog activity tourism.

In the interest of recognizing this trend, several collaborative initiatives have been launched to enhance pet tourism experiences. For example, Biofilia has partnered with various organizations, including the km Mobility Service for bus tours and HIS for glamping facilities that cater to dogs and their owners.

Culinary Experiences for Pets

One standout initiative was the introduction of the “CoCo Gourmet Shumai Bento,” a gourmet meal for dogs, which was served on the ‘Wanda Full TRAIN’ by JR East, a cage-free train experience that allows dogs to travel alongside their owners. This train initiative aims to create a welcoming environment for pet owners and alleviate the stress of traveling with pets.

Feedback from participants highlighted positive experiences, with one owner stating, "Our dog loved the bento, and we enjoyed the unique experience of having a meal together on the train."

The Future of Pet Tourism

As the demand for pet tourism rises, Biofilia is committed to creating shared experiences between pets, their owners, and local communities. The company envisions a future where travel experiences are not only enjoyable for humans but also for their animal companions.

In addressing the challenges of traveling with pets, initiatives like accommodating eateries and travel services are imperative. Biofilia aims to foster partnerships and open communication channels for collaborations that enhance the pet tourism landscape.

Innovative Pet Food Solutions

CoCo Gourmet and Miao Gourmet, which focus on fresh, human-grade ingredients and customization, continue to adapt their offerings to meet the needs of pet owners, including various meal types that cater to dietary restrictions and preferences. The brands have seen notable success, with CoCo Gourmet being recognized as the number one selling brand in its category for two consecutive years.

Overall, the study underscores the evolving landscape of pet tourism in Japan and the growing emphasis on creating inclusive experiences for pets and their families. As it becomes evident that pets are integral to travel plans, the industry must continue to adapt and innovate to meet this new norm among pet owners.