Travel Log

TRAVEL LOG

Aug 2015: Republic of Niko Niko

During my summer vacation in 2015 I had the chance to visit Japan together with my family. While we were staying in Fukushima I decided to make a detour to the nearby city of Nihonmatsu, where one of the most famous Japanese independent minikoku, Republic of Niko Niko, was previously situated. It was my first ever visit to any micronation depite that Niko Niko had already been defunct for decades. I was able, however, to discover many remains in town still bearing the name of the republic, including a sign on the "National Diet Building" (which was, in fact, the local tourism association). It was also inside this building where I exchanged 200 JPY to Cosmo, the official currency of Niko Niko, which was still accepted at many hotels and restaurants in town as gift vouchers. I only stayed there for several hours and had to travel back to Fukushima by the end of the day, but I was deeply fascinated by the peacefulness of the town and the nearby Mt. Adatara. Many years after my visit I learned that the republic was briefly revived in 2022 - Perhaps one day I will return to Niko Niko and see how it has changed since then.

National Diet Building of the Republic of Niko Niko
(Dake Onsen Tourism Association)

Dake Onsen town

Road to Mt. Adatara