First-Time Event in the Karuizawa Area! An Autumn Foliage Concert with Pet Dogs Report: Special Moments at “Asama Kuzanbo”

On October 12^th and 13^th, 2024, just as the Autumn colours began to emerge. The “Asama Kuzanbo Presents Enjoy the Autumn Foliage Concert with your Pet Dogs” Event was held at the Terrace of “Tenku (Sky) Dining”, the on-site Restaurant of the private Villa Resort “Asama Kuzanbo” in Northern Karuizawa. We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Everyone who attended this inaugural Concert Event at Asama Kuzanbo, as well as those who joined via Instagram Live. This article provides a glimpse into a unique experience: enjoying Music alongside beloved Pet Dogs amidst the vibrant Autumn hues of the Asama Highland.

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First-Time Event in the Karuizawa Area! A Concert to Enjoy with Your Pet Dogs

Karuizawa is known as a Pet Dog-friendly Town, attracting many Tourists who visit with their beloved Pet Dogs. Each year, the number of Pet Dog-friendly Cafes, Restaurants, and Accommodations grows. However, this Concert Event allowing Pet Dogs to enjoy Music alongside their Owners was the first of its kind (*). Before the Event, there were concerns about how the Pet Dogs might respond to the Music—whether they might bark or become overly excited. Yet, on the day, set amidst the Autumn colours with views of Mt. Asama, many Dog Lovers and their Pet Dogs quietly listened to the ensemble, enjoying a peaceful time in the rich Beauty of the Season. (*As of October 2024)

Concert Program and the Pet-Dogs’ Reactions

Under the clear Autumn sky, the Concert opened at “Tenku (Sky) Dining” Restaurant, situated at an elevation of over 1,100 meters, featuring a Trio performance on Violin, Cello, and Piano by Pet-loving Violinist Momoko Arai and her fellow Musicians. The first piece, Salut d’Amour, carried its graceful melody on the Autumn breeze, and the Pet-Dogs appeared relaxed, absorbing the music in tranquillity.

Next was Arai’s original composition, LINO. This piece was inspired by her beloved Pet Dog, LINO, who also attended the Event, and is characterized by its gentle and affectionate melody. The deep love Arai feels for her Pet Dog was evident in the Music, enveloping the venue in an even warmer atmosphere. Many Pet Dog Owners listened with tender attention, as if the song resonated with their own love for their Pet Dogs.

LINO​
Momoko Arai / LINO (3rd Album, “LINO”. Release Commemorative Live)　　

Pieces evoking the Season, such as Rain Song and Morning After the Snow Melt, were also performed, and each Dog reacted uniquely—some appearing more relaxed, others tilting their heads as if responding to the Tunes. Expressing her Passion for Music and Dogs, Arai shared, “I want to share the Joy and Charm of Classical Music with You and your Dogs.” She also performed the Classic piece Canon, creating a harmonious moment with the beautiful Autumn colours. For all attending Dog Lovers, it was a special experience that filled the venue with warmth and serenity.

“Kuzanbo”: Music Inspired by Mt. Asama

In the Concert’s second half, the original composition Kuzanbo, inspired by Asama Kuzanbo—the venue itself—was performed. This piece reflects the majestic landscape of Mt. Asama, the rich Nature of Northern Karuizawa, and the unique, calming ambiance that Asama Kuzanbo offers its Visitors. Set against the backdrop of Mt. Asama bathed in the evening glow, the melody conveyed the Joy of spending time in Nature with beloved Pet Dogs, inspiring many Attendees to express their desire to return.

Kuzanbo
Kuzanbo | Momoko Arai MV
Kuzanbo | Fall Foliage Concert Reel
*The Music Video was filmed along the “Tenku (Sky) Path”, a scenic walking trail at Asama Kuzanbo overlooking Mt. Asama.

The Finale featured the Classical masterpiece Czardas. With its lively and elegant rhythm, the piece brought the Event to a joyful close, as the Pet Dogs peacefully stayed by their Owners’ sides, and the venue was filled with smiles and heartfelt emotions.

Introduction to Pet Dog Friendly Facilities at “Asama Kuzanbo”

During the Concert intermissions, the delightful facilities of “Asama Kuzanbo,” where Guests can enjoy time with their Pet Dogs, were introduced. The on-site bathing facility, “Tenku (Sky) Spa”, offers a special retreat with open-air baths and saunas using Asama Natural Spring Water. This space, accessible for day visits, allows Guests to refresh while immersing themselves in the Natural beauty of Northern Karuizawa. Additionally, the property features a dedicated Dog-run where Pet Dogs can play freely, making it an attractive destination for Visitors.

Tenku (Sky) Spa
Address: Asama Kuzanbo, 2032-2577, Kita-Karuizawa, Naganohara Town, Agatsuma District, Gunma Prefecture
Access: 40 minutes by car from Karuizawa Station North Exit
Google Maps　　Website

Momoko Arai herself experienced the Villa and Dog-run with her beloved Pet Dog, LINO, remarking, “It’s wonderful to have a place where you can spend time with your Pet Dog.” This Event further highlighted the charm of Asama Kuzanbo’s Natural surroundings and facilities as a place to create unforgettable memories with Pet Dogs.

Charity Concert Proceeds Donated to the Animal Welfare Organization “CAHSA”

This Concert was held as a Charity Event for the Animal Welfare Organization, “CAHSA”, with all participation fees donated to support initiatives for the care and protection of Dogs and Cats. Based in the Kansai region, “CAHSA” works to protect Animal lives, and the generous cooperation of Attendees contributed significantly to these efforts. Additionally, special Souvenirs were prepared as Gifts for the Pet Dogs of all Attendees.

Upcoming Events and Announcements

The Autumn Foliage Concert to Enjoy with Your Pet Dog concluded successfully, receiving much praise from the Attendees. At Asama Kuzanbo, we plan to continue hosting Events and Special Programs for Pet Dogs and their Families, providing opportunities to enjoy the beauty of Northern Karuizawa’s Seasonal Nature together.

We are delighted to have shared a special Autumn moment with so many of You and your Pet Dogs amidst the stunning Fall colours of Northern Karuizawa. Our Staff eagerly look forward to welcoming You in person at the next Event.