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Photo: AFP
Dogs traveling by train in Japan usually have to do so in their transport cage. However, on Saturday they had the opportunity to sit back and enjoy the scenery aboard a car reserved for them on a high-speed train.
At Tokyo’s Ueno Station, 21 four-legged passengers boarded a special Shinkansen carriage for an hour-long ride with their owners to the resort town of Karuizawa.
“We had fun,” Yukari Seino, 48, told AFP, petting her seven-month-old chihuahua, named Chobi, sitting comfortably on her lap.
" “We’ve traveled a lot together, but I felt bad about having to put him in a cage,” she continues.
“It’s like we’re home. I’m happy I can take the train without worrying about him,” adds Yoko Okubo, 39.
Among the canine travelers embarking to kick off this “doggy vacation” Proposed by the Japan Railways (JR) group, there were Pomeranians, a fox terrier and a playful Shiba with pointed ears.
JR East and its subsidiary JR East Start Up organize this pilot project, which has a full wagon.
Dogs are allowed on board the Shinkansen but they must remain locked in their transport cage and the weight, including the cage, must not exceed 10 kg.
The promoters of the project wish to organize other excursions for dogs, explains to AFP a person in charge of the subsidiary, Shino Furukawa. “We have received several requests from customers who want a comfortable time with their dogs on board the train,” he continues.
“We want to create an environment that allows people to be in harmony with your pets, they are part of the family. It is a big step forward for there to be concrete transport where animals are welcome”, he highlights.
Japanese trains are known for their cleanliness and one of the biggest challenges is to maintain this reputation. n immaculate, he insists.
The staff plastic all seats and installed. Four air purifiers have been installed in the car, which will be cleaned every day. thoroughly after the trip to remove the slightest trace of dog hair.