A popular hot spring resort in Japan has been shut indefinitely, after it became apparent that some highly sexed customers were using the baths as a venue to host orgies and erotic parties.
The Shiobara Hot Spring Tourism Association took the decision after a catalogue of complaints had been made by users about the illicit liaisons of fellow bathers. It announced the closure on Monday:
Over the past year, regular complaints were lodged with the management of the Fudo no Yu hot springs and a local tourism organisation about bathers repeatedly engaging in a number of lewd acts, some of which were filmed
The Fudo No Yu bath is an atmospheric tourist destination, a staple attraction in many Japan travel guides, beautiful and spectacular, adorned by luscious forestry and set beside the Hoki river.
Historical records show that Fudo No Yu dates back 150 years to the 19th century Meiji era, before it was modernised in the 1950s.
The orgies were reportedly held by a group of 14 or 15 middle–aged males and a number of younger females. Organisers promoted the parties on the Internet, posting invitations.
Complaints were also made about adult video productions being filmed at the location, and perverts taking voyeuristic photographs of other bathers, known in Japan as tosatsu, with some of the footage eventually being uploaded to the internet.
The opportunity for this aquatic debauchery to be staged at the Bath probably arose from the informal way in which it was managed — the entry fee of 200 yen was paid on the basis of an honor system, and Fudo No Yu was mostly operated with no supervision.
