Urban Explorer Discovers Abandoned Resort Town in Japan

An urban explorer from Greater Manchester, Luke Bradburn, uncovered a hauntingly preserved resort town in Japan during a trip in 2024. He stumbled upon the eerie remains of Kinugawa Onsen, a once-thriving destination famed for its natural hot springs. This resort, perched precariously above a riverside cliff, has been left largely untouched for over three decades.

Kinugawa Onsen flourished as a holiday hotspot, attracting thousands of visitors each year. However, its decline began in the early 1990s when Japan faced significant economic challenges. As tourists dwindled, the hotels that once bustled with activity began to close their doors. Many of these buildings remain standing due to Japan’s stringent property laws, which complicate demolition efforts. Legal complexities have left numerous properties in limbo, particularly those owned by individuals who either passed away without heirs or vanished entirely.

Bradburn discovered this ghostly site while exploring the nearby Fukushima exclusion zone, an area profoundly impacted by the catastrophic accident at the Ōkuma Nuclear Power Plant following the devastating earthquake and tsunami in 2011. His six-hour exploration led him through overgrown paths, crumbling staircases, and perilous drop-offs that characterize the abandoned resort.

“It was like walking into a ghost town,” Bradburn remarked. “There were abandoned cars on the streets, and while you could drive through the area, every building around you was just left to rot.”

As he ventured into some of the derelict hotels, time appeared to stand still. The interiors were filled with remnants of a bygone era, showcasing traditional Japanese onsen baths and rooms untouched since their closure. One particularly striking sight was a massive taxidermy deer and falcon, still prominently displayed in a hotel lobby.

“One of the strangest things was walking into a lobby and seeing a massive taxidermy deer and falcon still standing there,” he recalled. “It was bizarre. I’d seen pictures of it online before, and then suddenly we were face to face with it.”

The stark contrast of the abandoned luxury and the natural decay surrounding Kinugawa Onsen offers a poignant reflection on the passage of time and the impact of economic shifts. As urban explorers continue to uncover such sites, they shed light on the forgotten histories of places once filled with life and activity.