Derelict hotels

A view shows derelict hotels and hot spring inns abandoned

It just good illustration of current situation in Japan, combination of conservativism and unwilling to change by JGovt and Japan Inc.

I've seen an urban explorer video of this location.

So sad to see what was obviously a once thriving, exciting and fun place in a beautiful location, fall to ruin.

I've stayed there, a bit farther down the river. I thought the place was kinda cool. A nice break after hectic and strictly organized Tokyo.

Been there almost 20 years ago. Wonder what its like now.

There are an awful lot of post-bubble ruins blighting the countryside, from coffee shops upwards. Some comically say "jumbi-chuu" outside.

Urban explorers should be aware it is illegal to enter any property including abandoned and derelict ones.

With the recent problems caused by foreign YouTubers arrested for trespassing, people might think twice before entering these properties. Derelict properties can be dangerous structurally.

There are tons more if you go to Numata Gunma. Its almost eerie.

I believe I stayed near there 2 years ago at a budget onsen hotel. It was really decrepit but I kind of like that retro feel and the buffet was good. My room had all tatami which I also prefer.

I remember going to and by these resorts in the 70s and 80s and they looked so splendid and new. They sparkled white along the backdrop of dark and bright green or aquatic blue along the seashore. I never thought they'd become ghost towns.

I remember going to and by these resorts in the 70s and 80s and they looked so splendid and new. They sparkled white along the backdrop of dark and bright green or aquatic blue along the seashore. I never thought they'd become ghost towns.

My wife and I took a few trips through old '80s bubble towns a few years back. I found them very interesting. It was easy to imagine what it was like when they were booming, and strange to see them outdated, aged, and sometimes overgrown.

When these places get built, there should be a legal requirement to take out an insurance policy. If they go bust and cannot be sold, the insurance should remove the hotel before it rots and becomes an eyesore.

In the absence of that, rent out the place to film apocalyptic movies, and then use the cash generated to remove them.

This is mostly one ruined hotel complex there on the left side. The hotel directly opposite on the other bank is still operating and has good reviews. Most hotels, inns etc. along the same river are still operating too. The location is only a few minutes walk from the train station, about 400m. Which begs the question of why this particular hotel was allowed to fall into ruin and so soon after the Bubble (1999). There must be specific reasons for it. Maybe it was mired in debt proceedings so long that the buildings deteriorated beyond a salvagable state.

More fallout from the bubble burst, obvious to all land deflation is raging across all of Japan. Derelict hotels, the opposing corollary to the mansion bubble.

Demographics = Destiny

Urban explorers should be aware it is illegal to enter any property including abandoned and derelict ones.

The temptation is so strong though to imagine what some of these places were like in their heyday. I have enterred abandoned buildings in both the United States and in Japan. One in the Aso area closed after the earthquake and subsequent mudslides. I enterred and reminisced on how nice it was when I stayed there when it was operating. Yes it is trespassing. And it is dangerous. So is caving or backcountry hiking and exploring - dangerous that is. It is a shame when some of these once interesting places close. One I went to in near Niseko still had hot water flowing in the yubune but I was afraid to try it out. When I went back a year later it had been bulldozed down and had a for sale sign on the vacant property. The old inn was so quaint ...

Interesting that this issue of Japan Today contains this Kinugawa Onsen article and the Naruko Onsen article, two diverse examples of Japanese onsen culture and the bubble economy.

Maybe some of those Asian millionaires touted by Japan coming for the Expo next year could buy them as a souvenir after visiting the Japanese countryside.

We often go up there for a night or two in summer. It's a bit cooler than where we are further south, and there are bargains to be had. The scenery is still nice, and personally I like the slightly eerie atmosphere, especially around dusk. Getting the big outside baths to yourself is a bonus, too.

With the recent problems caused by foreign YouTubers arrested for trespassing, people might think twice before entering these properties. Derelict properties can be dangerous structurally.

Yes mum. Do you get invited to many parties?

Wait till this current bubble burst. Will be much worse and can happen any day

When I saw the photo I thought it was of one near Tajimi in Aichi just a bit smaller but very similar

I'm from Tochigi prefecture. However, I have never been there. If I could go back in time, I would like to see lively Kinugawa-onsen.