We Cleaned Out a Historic Japanese Ryokan... and Found Treasure

Episode 4 of Ruins to Retreat (Sanso Tōda, Fukuoka, Japan):
We clean out mountains of clutter inherited with our 230-year-old ryokan and two akiya in the mountains of Fukuoka, Japan. Is there anything worth keeping?
Our journey leads to magical new friendships, unmasked beauty, and an unexpected discovery that we still can't believe.

And that’s only the beginning…

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Chapters:

00:00 Intro
02:15 Open Up
06:31 Grease to Grace
13:41 The Mampei
16:27 Water & Fire
19:51 Decluttering Boss Fight
28:40 Ri the Recycler
32:45 Dōjō
34:08 The Wood Master
38:36 Mineral Bath Lab
42:03 Irasshaimase
45:18 The Things We Choose To Keep
52:16 Treasure
58:29 Ippo Ippo

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🎹 Music Credits:

Impromptu Fantasie, Opus 66
Composer: Frederic Chopin
Free for commercial use
Genres: Classical Music
Artist: Frank Levy

Classical Guitar Music
Composer: Agustin Pio Barrios
Free for commercial use
Genres: Classical Music
Artist: Edson Lopes

Traumerei
Composer: Robert Schumann
Free for commercial use
Genres: Classical Music
Artist: Donald Betts

https://uppbeat.io/t/christian-larsse...
License code: CWFU5V3VOM0TVK7H

https://uppbeat.io/t/poetri/plant-lif...
License code: 3KWQEJGEWATHPKZP

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Videography & Photography: Roy, Akiko, Josh, Tom, John, Hiro
Editing: Roy

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Note: This video originally went live on 12/25/2025. I took it down about 15 hours later to fix a face-blurring issue that did not render properly. I’m truly sorry to anyone who was mid-watch, had it saved for later, or took the time to leave a thoughtful comment that disappeared! The issue was severe enough that I felt it was the only option.

When I removed the original upload, there were
18,639 views
2,196 likes
303 comments!

That is unbelievable!! Thank you so much!! I did get to see all of the wonderful and inspiring comments. Thank you. That made the decision to reboot the video all the more difficult.

Thank you for your patience, grace and humor about the situation.

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Thank you everyone who appeared in this video for your kindness and support!

Thank you Akiko and kids for giving me the space and encouragement to work long hours on this video!

Thank you, Thank you, THANK YOU to you for being on this journey with us!

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Dedicated to Moshe

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