Starting at 400 yen (tax included) for 20 minutes, with the entire process managed via smartphone. Responding to shifts in consumer lifestyles—including the pursuit of 'time-performance' (taipa), the diversification of bathing styles, and the surge in inbound tourism—we propose a new option: 'casual showers in the city.'
Nikka Home Co., Ltd. opened 'Nikka Shower,' an unmanned, private-room shower spot, in the Sakae area of Nagoya in June 2026. This new business leverages the 'unmanned/self-service' know-how cultivated through the operation of its 'Self Cafe' brand, which has over 60 locations nationwide. Starting at 400 yen (tax included) for 20 minutes, the service is designed for users to conveniently enjoy a clean, private shower 'whenever they feel like it.'
Background: A New Format Born from the Success of 'Self Cafe'
Nikka Home's 'Self Cafe' has gained support as a 'second desk' for work and study, featuring unlimited time, no membership requirements, and access to high-speed Wi-Fi and power outlets. With over 60 locations and approximately 80,000 monthly users, it has been widely featured in media. The 'unmanned/self-service' structure, allowing users to spend time at their own pace without staff, reduces operational burden while providing users with 'ease' and 'personal time.' While considering the next business to which to apply this structure, the company focused on 'shower demand,' which was consistently present in urban areas but lacked adequate facilities. Thus, Nikka Shower was born.
Nikka Shower's launch was supported by three recent shifts in society and consumer lifestyles:
1. Establishing the 'Time-Performance' Mindset and the Need for 'Quick Use' in the City The value of 'time-performance' (taipa) is firmly established. According to Seiko Holdings' 'Seiko Time White Paper 2024,' 58.0% of consumers stated they are conscious of time-performance, and 71.5% said they do not want to spend time unnecessarily. A shower that can be completed in minutes between travel or work is highly compatible with this time consciousness.
2. Diversification of Lifestyle Habits and the Growth of 'Shower-Only' Bathing Styles Bathing styles are diversifying. A 2024 survey by mitoriz showed that 54.1% of people 'only take showers' during the hot summer months, with a stronger trend toward showers among younger generations. The growing group of people satisfied with 'just a refreshing shower' is expanding the base for city-based shower facilities.
3. Surge in Inbound Tourism The increase in inbound foreign travelers provides a tailwind. According to the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), the number of inbound travelers in 2025 exceeded 40 million for the first time, reaching 42.68 million—an increase of 15.8% from the previous year and a record high. Inbound consumption also reached a record high of 9.4559 trillion yen. Many visitors come from cultures centered on shower bathing and need to freshen up outside of their accommodations. Sakae is the premier downtown area in the Chubu region, with high foot traffic for both tourism and business. Nikka Home already operates multiple 'Self Cafe' locations in this area, making it a familiar territory for starting this new format.
Nikka Shower is a service born at the intersection of the company's self-service business know-how and these changes in consumer lifestyles. It answers the previously underserved need of 'just a quick, casual shower.'
4 Features of Nikka Shower - Cashless payment: Easy payment via smartphone (to be introduced sequentially). - No reception required: Smooth and unmanned. Use it without staff intervention. - Available from 20 minutes: Short-term use is fine. Perfect for a quick break in a busy schedule. - Clean private rooms: Men's and women's designated areas provided for comfortable refreshing.
Usage Scenarios During breaks from sales / During long-distance travel / After driving / During trips or business travel... Even after walking around town for sightseeing or shopping. It can be used in any situation where you want to 'freshen up immediately.'
Simple 4-STEP Process 1. Payment → 2. Entry → 3. Shower → 4. Departure No membership or face-to-face procedures required.
FACT BOX
- Source: PR TIMES
- Category: New Product
- Products / services: Nikka Shower