With one crucial exception, Kaminegori in central Japan has everything that a beautiful mountain village could need. A dozen old wooden houses cluster around a steeply winding road, planted with blossoming plum and cherry trees. Above the Buddhist temple and Shinto shrine are rice paddies; the mountains are home to deer, monkeys and wild boar.

Only one thing is missing from this idyllic picture — human beings. The last inhabitants of Kaminegori moved out six years ago to more modern and convenient homes in a nearby town. But rather than allowing it to fall into decay, they have maintained the village in near-perfect condition.

Every house has water and electricity. Their roofs and exteriors are carefully maintained. But no one lives here, or ever will