ABANDONED JAPANESE GHOST TOWN With Luxury 5 Star Resorts | GHOST PALACE OF JAPAN

The Kinugawa Onsen district in Tochigi Prefecture is one of the top three hot spring resort areas in Japan, historically known for its hot spring sources that date back to the late 1600s. From the mid-1700s the area became popular with feudal lords and Buddhist monks as a stopover during a pilgrimage to Nikko. The onsen became accessible to the general public in the late 1800s and Hotel development took off in the 1920s, making it a leading destination for large-scale hot spring resorts, with its accessibility from Tokyo improved by the Kinu Express after WWII. quickly making this one of the leading large-scale hot spring resort areas in Japan.
Fast forward to the 1970s when the asset bubble collapsed, the tourism industry suddenly declined. For more than 20 years The district is now facing a serious problem with abandoned and unsafe hotels, as the city of Nikko has identified 16 abandoned hotels and ryokans in need of attention, with three in a dangerous state of disrepair and their owners nowhere to be found.
As land values in the area continue to decline, the city is facing difficulty in funding the costly demolition of these abandoned hotels. Although the Japan Tourism Agency provides financial assistance for the demolition of abandoned hotels and buildings in tourist areas, Nikko City has been unable to qualify for aid due to the difficulty of repurposing the land after demolition. Leaving these abandoned hotels to decay is also not an option as they pose a danger to the public.
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#Abandoned #Exploration #Steveronin

[@SteveRonin]

Hope you guys enjoy the new Japan series :D make sure to turn on those NOTIFICATIONS!!!! Do me a favor and like and share this video!

[@karlosolful]

da hora mano

[@nicholausbuthmann1421]

Japan, France, & U.S. Man......We got way too many beautiful pieces of Architecture being allowed to waste away !

[@naptimebjj6072]

just so you know those lost world glasses you saw sell for 400 bucks each hahaha

[@jeanomagap870]

I been in Nikko 1983 I think so very beautiful place I also go at hot spring inside the hotel I was shock now it abandoned 😢😅 I been in Japan since 1980 working then going n and off as a tourist until 1987 but never get back to nikko.i have a Good memories when I was in japan.thank you Steve Ronin's more power to you and to your staff

[@debraflores4759]

I was shocked to see those abandoned hotels because in 1980 I was part of a group of dancers from Hollywood that were hired to stay at hotel for 3 months and perform dance routines. The hotel was elaborate and beautiful!! I'm 71 now.

[@gungde_ngurah]

Stay healthy ma'am

[@hhhnfryhgf9560]

Thanks for this!

[@The-Real-Ando]

Great story, did you have a good time?

[@shafinahmedapurbo7837]

😮

[@hdjwhsgshahda4586]

Thanks for you info ma'am

[@AshtonCoolman]

I stayed in one of these hotels overlooking the river in Nikko back in 2017. It was AMAZING! I was one of the only foreigners to have ever stayed there because usually only Japanese people have access to a place like that due to the language and culture barrier. I was with my Japanese girlfriend that made the arrangements. I'm sad to see that so many of them could not stay open.

[@rkuretake945]

I’ve stayed at the first hotel you entered before in this video. I was very young at that time but I still remember the Onsen area in this hotel. Great video! Remind me of the good memories I had that days Thanks from Tokyo

[@kimthomas829]

I love that little river running between the hotels. So pretty & green there.

[@youcanpunchmeintheface]

To find out that Kinugawa Daiichi Hotel shuttered in 2008 yet it's crumbled fast, just scary. Can't imagine these building stumbled down by itself from advanced decay

[@largent45]

What a great exploration. Japan is lovely. Its areas like that, makes you wonder what's wrong with our world? How did the economy get so screwed up, that whole areas like those, are left to rot away? Sad! Thank you for documenting these places, before they are gone. It's sad. Thank you Steve!

[@bigcountrysgarage2.030]

If I were rich I'd want to restore the hotels and rent the rooms for a decent price.

[@l.m.9175]

Yeah … til all the resident run away bcause of the spirit haunting them… dont under estimate Asian ghost …spirit …. You will now want to deal with them

[@overlordbrandon]

If I'm rich and bought this area, I'll destroy this old structure and create a new structure that looks in harmony with the environment yet looks futuristic, the scenery around looks good enough to be iconic!

[@ryankruse499]

Then after that you wouldn't be rich anymore.

[@clairefunnell8481]

Fantastic explore Steve. Amazing hotel. That bridge was very scary looking. Beautiful views of the river. Japan is so fascinating. Can't wait to see the next video. ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@user-iamRobinV68]

Sooooo cool we get to see Japan with ya Steve! So special! Thanks! Best explorer ever! 🥰🥰🥰

[@cherrytomato6139]

This is mind boggling that these hotels are just left to rot. I can understand problems with demolition costs, accessibility, ownership but goodness gracious, just the metal used to stabilize the buildings and fix them to the cliffs must be worth an absolute fortune. There must be steel and iron there in tons. Plus the insane cost of land in Japan. The tourism is getting back to high after the COVID is over too, and onsens are extremely popular. So there is hope somebody will want to invest into this area and bring it back to life. What a shame

[@mariasharmineventura9960]

Hi from PH! Definitely love love this episode esp because it was in Japan! I was actually surprised to know that Japan holds a lot of abandoned towns, houses and hotels. It's both sad and fascinating to see. More pleaseee!!! 🙏

[@TheRogueUrbex]

Stunning exploration Steve, together with most of my favorite urbexers I am speechless at how amazing these places are preserved, with mostly just natural decay. Absolutely love this episode. Keep it up guys 😎

[@Abid._.Hossain]

Really enjoyed your exploration of these hotels Watching from Delhi, India

[@xitsmedianax]

Tyfs Steve. Visiting Japan has always been on my bucket list. Realistically I don't think I would be able to make the visit but I'm living through your lens when u visit these places.

[@maverickflint1991]

Outdoor pool can be cleaned up,refilled and enjoyed!!! 😊👍

[@SteveRonin]

Yes, thanks

[@sherry7889]

Wow, I bet it was a really beautiful place at one time

[@kimthomas829]

I agree

[@alexcicala9930]

Excellent video! I just found this channel and I’m really enjoying it

[@CMcKinnon1013]

WOWW it is soooo beautiful... Thank y o u for giving us the opportunity to see Japan :) always wanted to see Japan.. and you gave me that . Love from AZ-US

[@Berrylucy50]

Bad construction ,this might be the future when humans are gone.

[@crystal2484]

From Singapore, saw this place recently after I watched one of your videos, it was in my recommended list and now here you are.

[@BluudyGreg]

Feel like I've been watchin forever now - when you gonna pop that 1mil subscriber! Good stuff man 🤙

[@natashashafer4517]

I can't wait for the next video! I love how long this was 😊 the river was so beautiful! I would've loved to had dinner with you at that restaurant Steve 😉❤

[@pattie941]

You do a FANTASTIC job bring us creepy and amazing ,plus sitting on the edge of my seat videos. AWESOME!!!

[@kathybrosseau1733]

Bet this place was so busy People walking around To bad you can't get pictures of what it looked like before .😊

[@DarkSubz3r0]

I think I walked past these abandon hotel like 3-4 years ago. It was creepy as hell. During the time we stay in the hotel just on the opposite side of the river. We got off the wrong train station and have to walked quite a long distance. We paid extra to get the river view and end up having this creepy hotel as the view. It was scary to look especially during the night time.

[@tinaprentice2136]

Wow amazing explore Steve this place would of been beautiful in it’s time, great video love your cinematography and music 🫶🏼❤️

[@nicn4873]

Your "Reeoh-kahn" pronunciation (05:17, 05:19) had me scratching my head in confusion until you explained its meaning immediately after, lol. I'm Japanese, so hearing these accents always throws me off. That bridge looks amazing--sort of reminds me of the Capilano Suspension Bridge in Vancouver, BC (only shorter)! Great footage.

[@barbaraselden6330]

Hi Steve ...from Arbroath Scotland, met you a few years ago when you were in Aberdeen 👍

[@kristaperry6665]

As usual you give an amazing and detailed video, Its very interesting what you see in some places, awesome job Steve

[@elizabethkusce2718]

Wow that is so beautiful, it’s a shame it’s been left behind

[@fukunaga-kane]

Japan call these infrastructures バブル遺産 (bubble remains? ruins?). There are a lot of them scattered around Japan, like in Tohoku. I really like your explanation of the history of the place.

[@kimthomas829]

I love those little boats on the dining tables. It would be so cool if you could have one as a souvenir.

[@candijohns9123]

Love that you explore and talk about these places. It would cost so much just to demolition these buildings and keep it from going into the river, but if they have asbestos, it has to be cleaned out before demolition.

[@heidib9243]

Fantastic places Steve. The second building was a bit creepy though. Watching from Sydney, Australia. Love your explores.

[@carldickey7307]

What's up Steve coming from the Lonestar State of Texas keep up the good work!!!

[@Lexxi45]

Hi Steve, I can't believe you've all been there 3 weeks already! I'm from the Wirral in the UK, enjoying your journey. Whoohoo.

[@MeryddJ]

Your reaction to the suspension bridge was priceless 😂 I live in Shrewsbury UK, a stones-throw away from the historic site of Ironbridge. Well known bridge builders and architects lived and thrived here so naturally we have alot of different styles and constructions of bridges nearby including a suspension bridge very similar to the one you crossed. A suspension bridge in an upward arch is actually very safe but they do move alot in the wind and as your walking across them. If you jump up and down in the middle the whole bridge slightly shakes along with you, even though they are known to be safe many of my friends get freaked out crossing especially if they are from out of town and havnt experienced one before.

[@ktsimage]

I am Brazilian of Japanese descent and I lived for work in Japan for 2 years from 1995 to 1996. Watching this video brings back some nostalgia for the time around this hotel while it was still in operation. Some old things in this hotel, it was part of my memories of the time I lived in Japan. Of course, I didn't work in this hotel, nor did I even live in this city, but old things, however abandoned, bring back memories.

[@sultan9givewey]

I'm curious because many Japanese back then migrate to Brazil more than to the US. Does majority Japanese who migrate to Brazil have regret it? Because of Brazil declining economies

[@ktsimage]

@@sultan9givewey I was 20 years old at the time. I returned to Brazil to be able to graduate in Mechatronics Engineering. Japan was an attempt to accumulate money to use in Brazil, but at the time Japan had entered a crisis and remained in recession to this day. The Brazilian economy from there has been oscillating between better and worse. My return to Brazil was purely educational.

[@taratravers159]

I lived in Japan in the 90's.. wow when places you used to hang out in are now ghost towns I realise how old I am woah

[@Mike-ry4ti]

Greetings from Cairns Australia. I remember the sounds and smells of the Japanese resorts and the sound of music of the time playing in the background in the heydays...

[@VeilFairchild]

I have to say, I've really enjoyed the Japan series. I love seeing the cultural differences compared to the USA. I can imagine these hotels were wonderful to visit years ago. I always think of all the people who used to come here over the years, but now it just sits derelict to decay. I would love to see someone restore / reopen at least one of them while they're still salvageable. Because from what you can see in this video, structurally they still seem to have good bones. But you're probably right. They'll just be left to decay until they collapse. That's a shame. You find the best places, Steve! Please keep these awesome videos coming! God bless you and stay safe. ❤ 🙏

[@Fluttershy1506]

I was in Okinawa from 2002-2008 living in Tx nowdays It's amazing how beautiful everything still is even after all these years. The history of the islands memorize me. I just hate we had to go to war back in the day breaks my heart.

[@paulvamos7319]

That was an insane explore and those floors 😱 A whole city that shut down because, money! Sad it is going to all fall down!

[@brendathomas2309]

Awesome explore! I enjoyed this so much,and at the same time,it's so sad.Thanks Steve,great job!

[@antoinettebarber]

Excellent explore - thank you . Please return to do some more .

[@cathpeterson1944]

amazing landscapes around the river Nikko, cool tour of ghost town

[@nathanlong7279]

THANKS, STEVE, I loved everything about the video. 👍👍

[@doloresgonzalez6988]

Love these hotel explanations. It would be awesome if you could do a series. I am already loving this series.

[@natashashafer4517]

Yay!! I've been waiting for this post!! ❤❤❤❤❤ love you steve!!!! ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@loretoparas4854]

I live in the philippines.i honestly think that Japan 🗾 is one of the cleanest country and one of the best discipline people in the world.. just always keep up the great work, Steve 💪

[@Baby11555]

That is some of the projects I have been patiently waiting to start checking out to see the damages and see the possibility of restoring alot but something and someone has had me held up hopefully that will be changing soon !!!

[@martv2936]

From Philippines I'm a silent subscriber keep on safe always

[@LeeDrakeJr]

Just a quick note. The onsen room with the signs for ladies and men was probably not coed. In order for all guests to enjoy all the different baths they allow either men or women in during specific times of the day. So for instance 7 to noon might be men, and noon to 5 women. This way you can rotate through the different rooms and experience them all. Smaller onsens may have been private - you would reserve them for a specific time and share them with family or a partner all to yourself.

[@robertlyman9789]

Suspension bridge,pretty heavy cables attached. Would be fun on windy days 😂

[@pazparedog551]

❤❤❤ lv watching ur video ftom Parañaque City Philippines 🇵🇭

[@maverickflint1991]

All that bar needs is ceiling fixed,new carpet and paint!!!👍

[@ceciliaandersson9177]

2:OO Is that you on the bridge?? I am not from US or Japan but i am from Sweden✌. You´re such a good youtuber of visit abandoned places

[@jimphilidor9031]

Incredible looking place!

[@donnachristakakis8232]

Beautiful hotel love the rooms and hot springs tub how relaxing can't believe the river and water in-between totally awesome work steve ❤

[@SteveRonin]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@DarrylSpence-sb3rh]

Love all Steve's topics. He has been to some great places. And some Brilliant abandoned structures. Love everything he covers.

[@maryhirsch2909]

Have been enjoying your exploring for years . Wow what a place or places. I would have gone over the bridge! Scary but what a adventure! Thank you Steve!

[@historyadventureswithcandi3497]

Wow a beautiful abandoned place. Its like they were there, then just up and left.

[@guilhermemartins2606]

This entire video I couldn't stop thinking about the amount of free stuff lying around. Hotel-grade furniture, soundsets, mini fridges, table sets, TVs... Such a waste to leave those things there. The local population could pick those hotels off clean.

[@patriciasoares7177]

Incredible places and all their history damaged by time. Thank you for sharing these adventures with your fans. Take care, a big hug from Brazil

[@brendagilliland5602]

What an absolute amazing video just loved it its a shame that all of this town has just been left and forgotten about stay safe guy's xx

[@jona4826]

I enjoyed and sad at the same time while watching those abandoned hotel. So much waste! Maybe they can donate to the homeless! "3am thoughts " 😅

[@robertladue7647]

Steve, you should consider wearing contact gloves when you are on an explore. The decaying process puts out bacterium that can be quite harmful to humans.

[@hahomy]

wow great video steve ive been waiting for yr japan videos to drop and the boyz i cant wait to see them all, and they have all been brilliant so far keep up yhe good work, great video great editting, and amazing to watch thanks for sharing look forward to seeing the next take care xx

[@jeanhenderson1277]

Brilliant loved this thank you x

[@ssosso893]

I love your channel!!! Keep up the good work :) I just started subscribing and I'm looking forward to more videos :) Take care n stay safe!! Watching from Singapore

[@SteveRonin]

Thanks for subbing!

[@Skargar]

22:57 Those Jurassic Park cups go for $40 a piece. Just 200,000 of those and they can pay for the hotels.

[@frankvarela438]

It's a "walk bridge" bro. That's the way they are made. We have the same situation here in Taiwan with some tourist hotels. They come and go.

[@roseturner3726]

Hey Steve hey, 🖐 This was a cool video!!! 😎 Thanks for sharing this video!!! 😊 By the way I live in St. Augustine Fl. 🌅

[@gailspaw5521]

Enjoyed Thank U😊

[@jamesmccreery9833]

I was born in Hawaii, grew up in Japan, and currently live in Texas.

[@rowancoyote8330]

They should figure out how to partner with Moshe Safdie's architectural team to build Habitat 67 here. Or even the Venus Project. Instead of selling it off and building more piecemeal structures, it could be a gorgeous alternative.

[@Zjedi]

Steve,@43:11 what you called a pinball machine is a Pachinko machine. it is a gambling game similar to a slot machine.

[@maverickflint1991]

Looks good from drone too.😊👍❤️

[@BusanKevin]

Fun to watch. I'm a Canadian in Osaka, Japan.

[@maverickflint1991]

Needs cleaned up and all redone and water brought back in to use.😊👍❤️

[@maverickflint1991]

That would make a great patio area😊👍

Hi Steve. Your new video looks very good indeed. You had to put in a lot of work with him. I also see that you are wearing Ronin merch. I like it very much. Is it still possible to buy your merch?

[@stephanieellison8913]

This was so amazing. I love the video game room up there with all the machines and stuff. I bet that was fun and it’s day.

[@SteveRonin]

Thank you 🤗

[@lutiannaamor3390]

Love all your videos...Anna a Filipina from Philippines but working here in HongKong as caregiver,,,Take Care

[@SteveRonin]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@mono_log_]

Happened to watch you few years ago and again I'm here and become your new subscriber. Thanks for keep doing this journey. Love ypu bro ❤

[@maverickflint1991]

Tourist traffic has picked back up now!!! 👍

[@sushicat.3707]

Kinugawa Onsen is fun for a couple days. Tobu World Square is kitschy, retro fun. There’s another Edo theme park closeby. The town of Kinugawa Onsen has some good food. The onsen hotels are nice. They’re dated, but clean. Because the train schedule is infrequent, you definitely need a car. We’ve gone a couple times, and it’s nice, low-key fun.

[@user-hs4fn6gk4e]

Thank you for the tour Steve 😊

[@RegularFootisChris]

awesome video!

[@melissathompson3214]

I'm watching you from Tulare California

[@kathybrosseau1733]

Love new videos 🎉.

[@maverickflint1991]

That 2nd banquet hall needs some work could all be cleaned up!!! 😊👍

[@maverickflint1991]

Place still has good bones!!! 😊👍

[@maverickflint1991]

Main entrance still looks good.😊👍

[@saiprom]

The second hotel it’s more decayed , but I like it more than the first hotel, the outdoors area are nice and the game room are look interesting and fun , the only dislike are got so many hit and miss rooms and stairs, very confusing lol , very interesting journey in Japan abandoned hotel to watch, thank you for sharing really enjoyed watching it.

[@maverickflint1991]

That bath area with the frogs can be cleaned up and water brought back in and new windows be good to go.

[@maverickflint1991]

That 1st one just looks like it needs some cleanup and could be reopened.😊👍❤️

[@SteveRonin]

I think so too

[@maverickflint1991]

@@SteveRonin see if it may be for sale I know if bought, cleaned up and reopened it would be profitable.😊👍❤️

[@gilsonmarcos21]

because places like that are abandoned, many huge ones should make an adjustment to put people in need of people who live on the streets to be able to live well here in Brazil if anyone found out it would already be invaded.

[@maverickflint1991]

I like the 1st one alot it has awesome views.😊👍❤️

[@JapanMonAmourTheJapanHouse]

looking forward to more Japanese urbex from you