Fictionality in Tourism : The Case Study of the Inn with the Folklore of “Zashiki Warashi (Child Spirits in House)

Authenticity has been actively discussed in the context of cultural tourism. The concept of “authenticity” has changed over time in the line with social conditions. In addition to authenticity, “fictionality” is a significant element in cultural tourism. This element includes fictional existence such as “yokai” (specters) and ghosts. However, this fictional existence has been overlooked in previous studies on cultural tourism. To address this gap, this study explored how tourists “gaze” fictional existence in the intermediate area of authenticity and fictionality using the inn (ryokan: the Japanese-style hotel), known as the place of Zeshiki Warashi, as a case study. The study offers a new perspective on cultural tourism through a case in which two theoretical positions (constructivist authenticity and existential authenticity), previously thought to be incompatible, are combined.