廃墟 / (abandoned) ruins
廃墟 (haikyo) means “ruins” or “abandoned buildings,” often referring to places left behind due to disaster, depopulation, or economic decline. In Japan, 廃墟 can range from old hospitals and theme parks to entire towns. These hauntingly beautiful sites have inspired a subculture of 廃墟マニア (urban explorers) who photograph and document them, drawn by their mystery and traces of the past.
Curious to hear more about it? Want to learn how to pronounce it? Watch or listen to Episode 47 using the below link 👇