Perhaps due to the mindboggling pace at which buildings go up (and indeed down) in Japan, there are plenty of abandoned lots liberally dotted around the landscape. Which, with their eerie emptiness, are much sought after spots for the curious and camera equipped alike.
Known as haikyo (ruins), their popularity among certain circles is growing, with numerous websites boasting fabulously atmospheric photos, along with several
books by photographer Shinichiro Kobayashi. And, not wanting to be left out, Tokyo Times has now jumped on the abandoned building bandwagon with a suitably second-rate saunter around a languishing love hotel.
Having taped up the sign and fenced off the building, the departing owners then simply left everything else to either rot,
or be ransacked.
That said, the rooms themselves still hint at their previous purpose,
although now, whether it be either a long or short stay,
there’s no beer in the minibar,
and calls to restock it remain unanswered.
Similarly, the mass of mirrors reflect only the decidedly dated decor,
rather than any cloak-and-dagger decadence.
Apart from that depicted on the walls that is.
Paul says
You should check these guys out, they’d probably be quite interested to see your pics, too.
http://www.28dayslater.co.uk/forums/index.php
Eric says
If there aren’t regular visits by police or yakuza, I wonder why the homeless or squatters don’t take over such places, when they easily could.
Lee says
Actually Eric, there’s an old restaurant nearby, and somebody had set up home in one of the rooms there.
I was just glad they weren’t about when I turned up.
Bunny says
That could easily be my apartment. SHIT….. IT IS!!!!
Mike says
Wow, I can’t believe it was so easy for you to get in there. In the west, they’d probably board everything up to make it more difficult for people to get in. Anyway cool photos!
Locksley McPherson Jnr says
Wow, talk about neglected buildings! I’ll take one room please, erm how much for the night? haha
Lee says
It was actually boarded up Mike, but somebody had kindly knocked a hole through which made it easy for me to get in.
dan says
Hey there! I live in Tokyo and have an interest in haikyo.
Wondering what area these photos were taken.
I found a wonderful abandoned snack/bar in Fukui last year…really spooky…like time stopped….everything was still there…but vines had grown through the whole place!
Lee says
They were taken near Tamako Dan, not too far from the Seibu Dome.