What is Nordisk Hygge Circles UGAKEI?

Nordisk Hygge Circles UGAKEI is a unique camping and experience center built using sustainable materials that aligns with the UN Global Goals principles. Located at the foot of Mt. Ryugatake in Inabe City, Mie Prefecture, Japan, it was created by Nordisk, an outdoor brand from Denmark. The facility opened in April 2023 and offers guests an immersive outdoor experience centered around the Danish concept of "hygge."

What does "Hygge" mean and how does it relate to the facility?

Hygge is a Danish term that represents a way of spending enriching time, a lifestyle approach, and a state of mind - it refers to the sense of well-being gained through comforting time and space experiences. The facility's concept is "drawing Hygge in the nature of Ugakei," harmonizing the abundant natural resources of Inabe with Nordisk's signature hygge philosophy to create a unique outdoor experience.

What types of accommodations are available?

The facility offers multiple accommodation options including Nordisk tents for glamping experiences and standalone Hygge Cabins. Guests can choose the style that best suits their preferences, ranging from authentic camping with premium Nordisk tents to more private cabin accommodations, all designed for comfortable stays in nature.

What kind of dining experience can guests expect?

The dining theme is "Forest Grill Time," featuring locally-sourced ingredients and seasonal flavors. The facility adopts a table grill style that allows guests to enjoy the natural taste of ingredients while dining surrounded by Ugakei's magnificent natural environment, creating a true hygge dining experience.

How far is it from major cities and when did it open?

The facility is located approximately one hour by car from Nagoya. Nordisk Hygge Circles UGAKEI officially opened on April 3rd 2023, with a grand opening ceremony attended by Nordisk CEO Erik Møller, the mayor of Inabe city, and other distinguished guests.

Mie

Nordisk Hygge Circles UGAKEI, Inabe

4.3 (35)CampgroundHotelLodgingPoint Of InterestEstablishment

Hygge Circles UGAKEI opened in April 2023 as a unique camping and experience center built using sustainable materials aligned with UN Global Goals principles. Located at the foot of Mount Ryugatake in Inabe City, Mie Prefecture, the facility was created through a collaboration between Danish outdoor brand Nordisk and Japanese partners to bring Scandinavian outdoor lifestyle concepts to Japan.

The facility sits within the Ugakei quasi-national park, an area characterized by pristine mountain rivers, waterfalls, and dense forests. The site embodies the Danish concept of "hygge," a word describing a rich way of spending time, living, and mindset that emphasizes cozy contentment and simple pleasures. This philosophy guides the entire guest experience, encouraging visitors to disconnect from modern conveniences and reconnect with nature's rhythms.

Accommodation options include two wooden cabins designed with the concept of "connecting people with nature" and spacious Nordisk tents that harmonize with the natural environment. A free camping site allows visitors to bring their own equipment and camp surrounded by mountains, rivers, and waterfalls. The cabins offer comfort while maintaining connection to the outdoors, while the signature Nordisk tents provide an immersive glamping experience.

Dining features a full-course dinner using seasonal ingredients from Inabe and Mie Prefecture, which benefits from both mountain and sea produce. Breakfast blends Mie ingredients with Danish food culture. Meals are served in a table grill style, allowing guests to cook ingredients themselves while enjoying forest views. The facility emphasizes nature-based activities where visitors create their own experiences rather than following structured entertainment programs.

The site is located approximately one hour by car from Nagoya and 15 minutes from Taian IC on the Tokaido Loop Expressway. By public transportation, visitors can take a 40-minute taxi ride from Kuwana Station. Reservations and pricing information are available through the official website at nhcu.nordisk.co.jp.

Phone

+81 594-37-7769

Website

nhcu.nordisk.co.jp

The area

Address

2999-5 Daianchō Ishigureminami, Inabe, Mie 511-0266, Japan

Phone

+81 594-37-7769

Website

nhcu.nordisk.co.jp

What other travelers are saying about Nordisk Hygge Circles UGAKEI, Inabe

I used to go to this campsite often when it was under previous management before being taken over by Nordisk. It was away from the city, quiet and inexpensive. Now, Nordisk has raised the rates for all of the camping facilities, including the basic 'free' tent sites, not just the "glamping" cabins. That wasn't the worst of it! When I had to cancel a tent site because of a rainstorm, I was charged a full-day rate as a cancellation fee. This isn't unusual, but most other campgrounds (example: Biwa, Miami Autocamp, etc.) refund 80% of your cancellation fee in the form of a coupon off of your next booking. I don't think I will bother with this campground again as they want the guest to assume all risk for booking reservations of camp spaces whose rates they have raised well above what they were when the campground was under previous management.

M.A. Meek

Oct 9, 2023

Surrounded by greenery and the sounds of water, with a gentle breeze and sunlight filtering through the trees—a night at Nordisk Hygge Circles UGAKEI was a special experience, allowing me to slowly unwind from my daily routine. In the silence, the flickering of the bonfire invited conversation, and as I gazed up at the starry sky, the phrase "becoming one with nature" resonated deeply within me. Waking up to the chirping of birds and the flowing river, I savored a breakfast made with seasonal local Mie ingredients. For dinner, a course meal carefully prepared in the forest was served, and just tasting it gave me a sense of the cycle between nature and humans. During the day, a variety of activities are available, including river play, hiking, workshops, and forest walks. Listening to the sounds of nature and spending time in self-reflection truly helped to relax the mind. Though only about an hour from Nagoya or Osaka, the place felt more like a home away from home than a distant memory. Sustainable design, consideration for the environment, and a space that embodies the Nordisk philosophy...all of this makes this place special. This was the perfect place to feel one with nature. It's the perfect place to have a great time!