Visiting Suns’ Komoro Shelter: A Dog Rescue and Hotel in Komoro, Nagano

Suns’ Komoro Shelter is a small animal rescue and dog hotel tucked down a quiet forest road on the outskirts of Komoro, about 25 minutes by car from Karuizawa. It's been run by a husband and wife team for around eighteen months; the shelter came first and the hotel operation followed more recently.

We visited because this kind of place is close to our hearts. Umi, our own dog, was adopted through an agency in Tokyo, and we've wanted to understand the rescue landscape near Karuizawa since moving here.

The shelter

Seven dogs are currently in residence, though the number fluctuates and some are placed in foster homes while they wait for permanent adoption. Most are taken in under the jurisdiction of the Saku Health Center. When there is room at the shelter, dogs also arrive from other prefectures. The shelter also takes in dogs surrendered by elderly owners who can no longer care for them.

During our visit we met Riku, a Tochigi Ken who had been living wild in a forest before arriving at Suns’ Komoro Shelter. He was cautious but calm, settling in at his own pace.

The facility

The standout is the outdoor dog run: large, slightly hilly, and nestled in the peaceful forest. We imagine this kind of space makes a big difference for the dogs staying here. They can run freely in nature and play every day. There's also an indoor area that serves both the shelter dogs and hotel guests.

If you're considering adopting

The process starts with a lifestyle interview, followed by a visit to the shelter, then a trial period of one to two weeks before adoption is confirmed.

The dog hotel

For dogs staying as guests, the setup is the same as the shelter environment, not a separate boarding facility. If you're based in or visiting Karuizawa and need overnight or day care for your dog, this facility and its dog run gives dogs freedom to play in nature.

Suns’ Komoro Shelter is a small operation doing quiet, careful work. Worth a visit if you're in the area and considering adoption, need a dog hotel, or simply want to support what they're doing.

If you’d like to learn more or make a donation, visit their website here.