The Neglected Ryokan   Location: Japan

Ryokan are Japanese style inns that can be found throughout the country, in little towns and big cities alike. They originated back in the Edo period (1603 – 1868), and have been providing much needed rest spots for tourists and travelers ever since.

More than just a place to sleep, ryokan are an opportunity to experience the traditional Japanese lifestyle, local cuisine, warm hospitality. Most ryokan feature tatami mat straw floors, futon beds that are folded away in a cupboard and sliding shoji doors/room separators. Ryokan are simple, yet comfortable and aesthetically pleasing.

This ryokan ceased operations in 2007, due to a decline in tourism in the area, it has sat neglected ever since, slowly gathering dust and falling to pieces.