Located just over 186 miles from Tokyo, on the volcanic island of Hachijojima, the remains of a once opulent resort, the Hachijo Royal Hotel, lie hidden among the foliage. Once a symbol of luxury and grandeur, the site fell into decline when Japan’s domestic travel industry shifted, leaving the once-magnificent establishment abandoned and decaying.
Early days of the Hachijo Royal Hotel
The Hachijo Royal Hotel was built in 1963, at a time when Japan was experiencing an economic boom.
Inspired by French Baroque architecture, the hotel featured plaster renditions of Greek statues and ornate fountains, making it one of the most luxurious resorts in the country. Located on Hachijojima, which was once referred to as the “Hawaii of Japan,” the establishment aimed to attract the growing Japanese middle class looking for a tropical getaway closer to home.
During its early years, the Hachijo Royal Hotel was busy, busy, busy! It was a popular destination for both honeymooners and vacationers who wanted to experience its grandeur, as well as the island’s natural beauty. The hotel’s amenities included lavish rooms, a swimming pool and beautifully landscaped gardens, making it a tourist hotspot.
Rise and fall of the Hachijo Royal Hotel
In its heyday, the Hachijo Royal Hotel was the epitome of luxury. Guests were treated to first-class service and could enjoy a host of activities, such as swimming, tennis and exploring Hachijojima’s natural wonders.
The resort‘s design, with its grandiose architecture and lush surroundings, made it a favorite among Japan’s elite. However, its success was short-lived. As international travel became more accessible and affordable, Japanese tourists began to favor destinations like Hawaii and Thailand over Hachijojima. Despite several attempts to rebrand and revive the the hotel to its peak glory, it struggled to maintain its status as a top vacation spot.
Changing travel habits spark a decline
By the early 2000s, the Hachijo Royal Hotel was a shadow of its former self. With not enough business and no good reason to stay open, it closed its doors in 2006.
There were many reasons for the hotel’s decline. With the rise of international travel, it was unable to compete with newer resorts that were more accessible to tourists. Additionally, Hachijojima’s limited appeal when compared to other tropical destinations lessened the number of travellers even seeking room and board. Essentially, the end of the Hachijo Royal Hotel was, for the most part, inevitable.
What is the Hachijo Royal Hotel’s current state?
The Hachijo Royal Hotel’s closure led to its rapid deterioration. The tropical climate, with its humidity and frequent typhoons, hastened the decay of the once magnificent structure, especially with no one to care for the property. Since closing, the site has become overgrown with vegetation.
Today, the hotel serves as a ghostly reminder of its past glory. The once pristine swimming pool is now a murky, algae-filled pond, and the halls are filled with debris and decay. Despite its dilapidated state, the resort continues to attract visitors, although they’re mostly urban explorers and photographers who are drawn by its haunting beauty.
Who owns the Hachijo Royal Hotel?
One of the lingering questions surrounding the Hachijo Royal Hotel is its ownership. Since its abandonment, there’s been a lot of speculation around who owns the property. Some believe it’s still owned by the original company, while others think the resort’s been completely forgotten.
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The lack of clear ownership has contributed to the hotel’s continued decline. Without proper maintenance or restoration efforts, its condition worsens with each passing year. Despite its potential as a historical site or a unique tourist attraction, the future of the the property remains uncertain.