On Japan's super-fast bullet trains, dogs usually have to travel in a carrier. But last week they could stretch their paws and enjoy the scenery on a special pet-friendly train.
At Ueno station in Tokyo, 21 furry passengers boarded the sleek "shinkansen" bullet train for a one-hour ride to the resort town of Karuizawa with their owners.
"We're having fun," said Yukari Seino, petting her seven-month-old chihuahua named Chobi, which sat comfortably on her lap. "We travel a lot together, but in the past I've felt bad about keeping my dog in a cage." She said that the journey had been stress-free.
Other four-legged day trippers on board the first ever "doggy holiday" service on Japan Railways included a collie, a terrier and a pointy-eared, cheerful-looking Shiba Inu.
"It's like we're at home. I'm happy we can ride the train without worrying," said Yoko Okubo, who joined the trip with her corgi.
Pets are normally allowed on the shinkansen but they must be kept inside a carrier, and their weight must not exceed 10 kilograms.
But a whole carriage was given to the loose pooches on this special tour.
The railway is keen to organise more pet-friendly excursions in the future, says railway official Shino Furukawa.
"We've received requests from customers who want to have a relaxing time with their dogs on the train," she says. "We want to create an environment where people can live in harmony with their pets, who are part of the family."
Japanese trains are famous for being spotlessly clean, and one of the biggest challenges was to keep these high standards on board, she said.
Staff put plastic covers on all the seats and brought four air purifiers into the carriage, which will be cleaned after the trip to remove all dog hair.
Five things to know about
1. There are around 400 million dogs in the world. And they come in hundreds of different breeds.
2. Some examples of these breeds are: bulldog, German shepherd, collie, golden retriever, St Bernard, greyhound, bloodhound, chihuahua, Labrador, great dane, Rottweiler, boxer, terrier, poodle and cocker spaniel. We could name many more!
3. The most popular breed of dog in the world is the Labrador. With their gentle nature, obedience, intelligence and high energy, Labradors are very good family pets.
4. Labradors are also a common choice as guide dogs for blind people.
5. Dogs have lived with humans for thousands of years. They have earned the nickname "man's best friend".
