Niigata's Exclusive Auberge 'Né' Wins First Place at Architizer A+Awards

In Shibata, Niigata Prefecture, nestled among rice fields, sake breweries, and snowfall, the exclusive auberge 'Né' has been named the Popular Choice Winner in the 'Architecture + Environment' category at the Architizer A+Awards 2026. Out of submissions from over 80 countries, this small, one-group-per-day retreat in rural Japan rose to the top.

Architizer is the world's largest online platform for architecture based in New York. Its A+Awards, known as the 'Oscars of Architecture,' upholds the philosophy of 'democratizing architecture' and includes prestigious firms like Foster + Partners and Zaha Hadid Architects among its winners.

Concrete-Free Architecture Unlike conventional structures that rely on steel piles or concrete foundations, 'Né' uses a system of driven timber piles, compacting the ground through soil-and-wood friction to 'float' the building. This method avoids excavation and steel, embodying a philosophy that allows the building to return to the land without leaving scars. The walls are crafted from local soil, fermented for six months, giving the building its natural earthen color.

Tasting the 'Time' of Niigata Executive Chef Shin Fuse, who trained under three-star chef Antoine Westermann, presents a 13-course menu themed 'From end to beginning, until a moment becomes eternal.' Using local fermented, dried, and aged ingredients, the meal offers an experience of tasting 'time' itself rather than just seasonal dishes.

Global Standards from Rural Japan Né has been selected as the only Japanese partner by the European luxury travel platform 'The Aficionados.' This award confirms the high construction skills of local firm Kumagai Kensetsu and proves that rural Japan can produce world-class value. The project aims not just to succeed as an auberge but to serve as a model for regional revitalization, ensuring that traditional techniques remain relevant and sustainable.

Facility Overview Name: Né Location: 180 Ishiki, Shibata City, Niigata Opened: October 2025 Type: Exclusive auberge (1 group per day, 2-4 guests) Cuisine: 13-course menu by Executive Chef Shin Fuse Award: Architizer A+Awards 2026, Architecture + Environment (Popular Choice Winner) Rate: 90,200 JPY - 98,000 JPY per person