Photo/Illutration A Tokaido Shinkansen bullet train (Provided by Central Japan Railway Co. )

For one day only, dogs will be allowed to stretch their paws on the Tokaido Shinkansen Line and not be caged.

Central Japan Railway Co. (JR Tokai) said the trial “Wan-wan (bow-wow) Express” initiative will be held March 9 aboard a Nozomi 421 train departing Tokyo Station after 4 p.m. for Shin-Osaka Station.

A special car will be set aside for the project.

Officials said dogs must be taken aboard in carriers, and when disembarking. For part of the 2-and-a-half-hour journey, the canines will be allowed out of their cages.

The event is being held in collaboration with Sopra Ginza, a Tokyo-based pet services business.

JR Tokai said it had received numerous requests from pet owners for dogs to be allowed out of their cages.

The railway operator will set aside the No. 16 car of the Nozomi train for passengers to spend hands-on time with their pets during the ride.

FESTIVE SPIRIT

The onboard experience includes opportunities for photo sessions featuring dogs in miniature train conductor hats and a lecture from a professional dog trainer.

There will also be gifts: dog collars, treats and hand towels for owners.

Under the terms of the special ride, 13 dogs accompanied by single owners and another 13 dogs with paired owners will be allowed to board. Tickets are on a first-come, first-served basis.

The fare is 59,000 yen ($388) for a single owner and 114,000 yen for paired owners. Reservations can be made through the JTB Corp. website.

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