OSAKA - A fire broke out on April 14th at an abandoned ryokan in Hannan City, Osaka Prefecture, which has become known online as a "ghost spot." Authorities suspect arson, possibly by trespassers.
Similar incidents are occurring across the country, revealing the serious challenges posed by derelict buildings.
The fire occurred in a dilapidated hot spring inn located in the Yamadani district of Hannan. The blaze appears to have started in a second-floor room of the large, crumbling structure, which has missing windows and extensive decay. Locals say the area used to be a bustling hot spring town, and the ryokan was opened in 1930. However, business declined after the nearby Hanwa Expressway opened in 1974, eventually leading to its closure. The building has been left abandoned for over 20 years and is now a source of concern for nearby residents.
"People keep sneaking in because it’s seen as a haunted spot online. There have been small fires and strange incidents here for a while now," one resident said. "It’s dangerous. The last fire spread toward nearby homes."
Police believe this most recent fire was also caused by trespassers.
Abandoned accommodations like this exist throughout Japan. In another tourist area, reporters found the remnants of a former inn overtaken by weeds and debris. Although the location is known for its scenic beauty, waste and graffiti mar the surroundings. Nearby, another ryokan has been left in ruins, its entrance blocked and its bus covered in graffiti.
A fire covering about 820 square meters broke out at this site last year, prompting the city to intervene with administrative enforcement to demand safety improvements. Despite that, unauthorized visitors were observed entering the premises even during the interview.
In Tochigi Prefecture’s famous Kinugawa Onsen area, a derelict hotel poses an even greater risk. The building’s ceilings and walls are at risk of collapse, and asbestos contamination has been confirmed. Although the city prohibits entry due to the extreme danger, illegal access—especially by YouTubers—continues.
One major obstacle to addressing these hazardous sites is cost. Demolition can cost several billion yen. Although national subsidies for demolition exist, the cap is only 100 million yen, leaving both owners and local governments unable to act.
One individual offering an alternative approach is Yohei Mae, head of the NPO Japan Heritage. He led a tour of the former Maya Kanko Hotel, an iconic structure built in 1929 and dubbed "the queen of ruins" by fans. The hotel, which closed in 1993, is typically off-limits but was opened to the press for this visit.
Inside, the original structure still retains much of its old charm despite ceiling collapses and damage. Mae explained that the venue once hosted lectures and musical performances. A breathtaking view of Kobe can still be seen from the building, a key feature when it was in operation.
To address illegal intrusions, Mae opted not to seal off the property, but instead began offering guided tours in safe areas. This move has helped reduce trespassing and generated income to support maintenance and security.
In 2021, the Maya Kanko Hotel became one of the few ruins to be designated a registered tangible cultural property, and it now serves as a model for the potential reuse of abandoned buildings across Japan.
Legal experts and commentators point out that with Japan’s aging and shrinking population, the number of vacant houses and abandoned buildings will only grow. While demolition is one solution, repurposing these structures could become a second pillar of strategy.
Still, there are hurdles. Complicated laws and constitutional protections on property rights make it difficult for authorities to act without the owner’s consent. Some experts argue that new systems must be developed—even if they challenge existing legal frameworks—to address this growing issue.
As Japan faces a declining population and rising numbers of abandoned properties, legal reform and creative reuse may be essential for managing the problem before it escalates further.
Source: KTV NEWS
