In Japan, the first love hotels appeared during the Edo Period, when they were built with very discreet entrances, featuring even tunnels to protect the privacy of their customers. But the modern Japanese love hotels are now exactly the opposite: developed after the abolition of prostitution in 1958, their architecture is flashy, with gaudy colors and way too many ornaments.

The “love hotel” term comes from the name of such a hotel from Osaka, built in 1968. Also from Osaka is the today’s photo, a love hotel with a European theme: “A year of your in Provence”. Funny name aside, I think that the weirdest element of this building is the fruit basket from the roof…

Hotel Raffine, Namba, Osaka

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Yesterday’s Japan Photo: The third tallest statue in the world, Ushiku Daibutsu