Youth hostels now popular with gray-hair travelers

TOKYO, Japan - As travelers staying at Japanese youth hostels can attest, over-60s travelers are increasingly making their presence felt at youth hostels in resort areas in Japan. According to the Japan Youth Hostel Association, youth hostel membership among people over 60 rose 50 percent last year as overall membership dropped 16 percent to 62,600. Youth hostel officials say some youth hostels are renovating their facilities to cater for elderly travelers, such as ensuring barrier-free access. In this photo taken April 13, the entire dining hall of a youth hostel in Nara is taken up by elderly travelers.