Abandoned buildings (or haikyo) in Japan come in all shapes and sizes, although while some boast such prizes as pickled brains or colossal hotel complexes, others are rather more dull in their decay. Like this company retreat or conference centre not far from Yamanashi Prefecture’s Lake Yamanaka for example, a building that still offers breathtaking views from the bedrooms, but little in the way of how the boarders once busied themselves.
Apart that is from the odd telephone that now never rings.
Or indeed meetings that will never materialise.
However, that said, all haikyo are happily in the habit of managing to muster at least one mystery, and here it came in the shape of several cocoon-like seating set-ups, complete with a sort of speaker and microphone system.
A Device that if nothing else allows one to imaginatively ponder the possibilities of brainwashing, or at the very least some slightly dodgy doings of some description.
Otherwise, unfortunately, it was more sad than suspicious — the place at times almost giving off a sense of being abandoned only recently, with games still waiting to be played,
and the office feeling like it could still be in use.
Almost on a daily basis.
Until that is, one takes a look at the television.
And other technology.
Confirming that no-one has been here for quite some time, and while still looking ready and willing, reservations or requests will never again be relayed through reception.
Honor says
You know I am fascinated by haikyo and this is a great example of what you can find. I would love to do this some time. I hope you don’t mind me asking – how did you find out about this place? Did you just go to a location and look for an abandoned building or did you know where you were going before you set off?
Excellent pictures and commentary. I totally agree it does look like someone could still be there – apart from the technology. A kind of Doctor Who moment!
Lee says
Thanks Honor!
A lot of the haikyo featured on this site I have found out about through the internet and a haikyo book I bought, but this was one of those rare finds that we stumbled upon by chance. Admittedly our plan was to find one, as we’d spent the morning exploring this love hotel, but we were still incredibly lucky to come across it.
Not something I usually do to be honest, but Lake Yamanaka is pretty run down, so there was at least some chance of finding something. And we were sort of in the area.
Still very lucky though.
Sandra says
Amazing pictures! I poked around an abandoned hospital in Miyazaki once that still had neat stacks of bedsheets, piles of papers on desks, and IV drips on poles all in place. Spooky.
Lee says
Cheers Sandra.
That hospital sounds fantastic. Quite a find. Did you take any pictures in there?
Sandra says
It was! No pictures, unfortunately. Only flashlights.
cre-cre says
I wonder why they leave things behind, like chairs and other stuff. I’m sure some of them can be reused.. right!?!
Lovely pictures by the way.
Lee says
That’s the case with most haikyo cre-cre. Occasionally the likes of air conditioners will have been taken away, but much of the furniture is just left. Why I don’t know, but I’m glad they do.
Paul says
Fantastic pics, Lee. That second one with the telephone is particularly excellent.
Jonathan says
Another great post Lee, pictures are crystal clear!
Mike says
Another great post Lee! Weird cocoon chair indeed!
ait_meijin says
Thanks Lee! It’s always a pleasure to read about some haikyo while having a cuppa tea :3 There’s one question that bothers me for quite a while. How do you manage to catch that unique light (i.e. 3rd picture)? Do you choose the right time of the day for your trip or smth?
Lee says
Thanks a lot guys. Nice to know it’s not just me who gets something out of this kind of thing.
As for the light ait_meijin, timing wise it’s whatever time of day we arrive, so more luck than anything, although I do try and get as much shadow as possible into my shots. For me at least, shadow and a good bit of darkness are an integral part of the whole haikyo thing.
Yoli says
What a find! A what a great eye you have.
p m doherty says
I’d pay a lot of money for that chair.
I’m also surprised unscrupulous “vintage furniture” stores haven’t rounded up the goodies from a lot of these places.
relakyru says
These shots remind me of when a friend and I stumbled accross a weird abandoned kind of fortress built into the side of a mountain in the Pyrenees. I have no idea what the place was used for but had a very sinister feel. I have never since found out anything more about it, not through lack of trying. It was sealed off to the public and in a very remote area but had many sub levels that descended further and further – all hacked out of solid mountain rock!
I really enjoy your photos, is there a page where I can view all your galleries? I have seen a few and they all contain a number of great images. I think it’s great that when they abandon these places they simply walk off leaving the remnants of daily activities in place.
Lee says
No gallery as such relakyru I’m afraid, but all the haikyo posts can be found in one category, which is here
supreme nothing says
I love these pics! My favorite is the first one, with Fujisan peeking through the openings. Fantastic!
Jason says
I agree with the above commenter, I like the obstructed Fuji view photo. Amazing a property with such a view cannot be developed into something money making.
The Envoy says
I love your haikyo photos. Abandoned buildings always gives me a surge of nostalgia, and to some extent, peace.