The rise of young people living alone and the need to find rooms for growing numbers of tourists means the seedier attractions are starting to change
While Japanese families enjoy the Christmas Eve ritual of tucking into fried chicken and sponge cake, millions of love-struck, or simply lustful, couples will discreetly observe another festive tradition with a visit to a love hotel.
They will enter a dimly lit lobby and, after a brief discussion, select a room with the push of a button. Then, for just a few thousand yen ($25-30) – handed to an unseen receptionist – they will be free to make the most of their fleeting moment of privacy. As soon as they leave, a team of cleaners will prepare the room for the next occupants.
Related: For Japan’s ‘stranded singles’, virtual love beats the real thing
Related: In pictures: Tokyo love hotels
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