One of Japan's most famous hot springs is closing, because orgies

Hot springs
(Image credit: iStock)

Unsuspecting bathers at the Fudo no Yu hot spring outside of Tokyo have been taking in more than just panoramic views: The famous onsen has reportedly turned into an orgy hotspot.

The mixed-gender bathing and privacy at the hot spring — it can only fit about 10 people and doesn't employ a supervisor — apparently proved too alluring for swingers and the adult film industry.

Local residents and other bathers had been complaining about witnessing lewd acts for about a year, but the last straw appeared to have been a succession of weekend orgies involving as many as 15 middle-aged men and several younger women... The bath, part of the popular Shiobara onsen resort, is also thought to have been targeted by voyeurs armed with cameras, the site said, citing a report in the Mainichi Shimbun. [The Guardian]

“We had no choice but to close the bath," an unidentified local told the Asahi Shimbun. It has since been drained of its water — and, hopefully, thoroughly scrubbed.

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Nico Lauricella was editor-in-chief at TheWeek.com. He was formerly the site's deputy editor and an editor at The Huffington Post.