French photographer Thomas Jorion specialises in capturing urban ruins and condemned buildings. His latest picture set tells the sad story of the Izu Peninsula – an abandoned holiday resort in Japan. It is one of many such resorts abandoned 40 years ago and left to the mercy of the elements.

Once a thriving holiday destination for the Japanese, the area saw a steep decline in domestic tourism as affordable overseas flights became increasingly accessible at the turn of the 1970’s.

None of these pictures are staged and only present light was utilised.

In an interview with AnOther magazine, Jorion explained what draws him to such desolate scenes:

I’m more fascinated by the beauty of the place than its history. When I have information I’m interested, but what transports me the most is visiting and discovering the place. The joy of imagining the photographs I’ll realize with light present in the place.

More of Jorion’s work can be seen on his website.

[Source: Daily Mail]