Niki Club

Niki Club was a nature-focused hospitality brand based in the Nasu Highlands of Tochigi, Japan, where northern and southern plant life meet. Founded in 1986 as a secluded retreat with six rooms in a 32,000-tsubo forest, it became a pioneer of the auberge concept in Japan. Its philosophy celebrated the richness of simple living and encouraged guests to return, treating the property as a second home. Architecture using local materials such as Oya stone and red pine complemented the surrounding landscape.

Over time, Niki Club expanded into a distinctive resort combining hotel functionality with the hospitality of a traditional Japanese inn. Its offerings included guest rooms and cottages, restaurants serving ingredients from its own kitchen garden, forest open-air baths, spa and aromatherapy treatments, and spaces for gatherings and celebrations. The grounds also featured an outdoor stage and a tea room, connecting nature, art, and culture. The brand operated additional hospitality and wellness ventures, including a salon in Tokyo, and earned recognition for its architecture and spa services.