Shibuya ward in Tokyo buys hot spring resort that doubled as porn film location

Shibuya ward has purchased a large hot springs resort in Kawazu, Shizuoka Prefecture. Kikusuikan will be used as a retreat for senior citizens.

But following the April purchase a rather embarrassing fact has possibly come to light about the property.

It emerged in May that Japanese adult video (JAV) label Moodyz has apparently used the inn multiple times in shoots for its films. Tokyo Reporter says that “at least 11 productions by label Moodyz between 2006 and 2013” used the resort facilities to film action between performers.

Hot spring resorts and inns are common locations for porn shoots and often feature in JAV film plots. In the Japanese popular imagination, going to a spring is pretty kinky and often associated with trysts and affairs.

The Shibuya ward mayor is said to be concerned about the allegations raised by a tabloid magazine regarding Kikusuikan. Officials have said that they had no idea about the use of the resort as a location for shoots, though this is quite common as a way for venues to earn money.

It was first opened in 1927 but went bust earlier this year. It was then worth a mere 1.1 million yen ($10,000), though Shibuya has apparently set aside 228 million yen for renovations. With such investment, this is then quite embarrassing for the Tokyo ward.

Or is it? We think it’s a good thing. It might encourage the seniors to get frisky too!