The scorching summer is the perfect time for refreshing adventures. There are several ruins in Japan that are now popular tourist destinations during the summer. You will definitely love it!
These places not only offer a cool ambiance but also provide unique and thrilling experiences.
This time, we’ll introduce several ruins, each with its own history and memories. Are you ready to explore these mysterious spots?
Kanagawa: Sarushima Island
Sarushima is the only uninhabited island in Tokyo Bay, once a fortress equipped with cannons.
Today, the island serves as Sarushima Park, featuring walking trails for visitors.
Here, you’ll find remnants of structures such as cannons, tunnels, barracks, and ammunition warehouses, offering a glimpse into the past.
The shallow waters surrounding the island are perfect for fishing, beachcombing, or sunbathing. You can also rent BBQ equipment to enjoy a seaside feast.
The island is accessible by a 10-minute boat ride from Mikasa Pier in Yokosuka. Just an hour’s drive from Tokyo, Sarushima is a favorite destination for adventure enthusiasts.
Nagasaki: Gunkanjima Island
Located off the coast of Nagasaki, Gunkanjima Island, also known as Hashima Island, is famous for its battleship-like shape and is often called a haunted island.
From the late 19th century until 1974, this island was a thriving undersea coal mining base.
At its peak, over 5,000 workers and their families lived here, supporting Japan’s modernization.
However, when coal was replaced by oil as the primary energy source, the mines were closed, and the residents left the island. Gunkanjima eventually became a ruin.
Structures such as hospitals, schools, temples, and theaters remain intact to this day.
Since 2009, Gunkanjima has been open to tourists through guided tours that provide insights into the island’s history and culture.
In 2015, Gunkanjima was recognized as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites under the category “Sites of Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution: Iron, Shipbuilding, and Coal Mining.”
Wakayama: Tomogashima Islands
Tomogashima is a group of uninhabited islands in the Kitan Strait, Wakayama. These islands house numerous abandoned Japanese wartime forts.
The red-brick buildings covered with vines on these islands create a setting reminiscent of the world in the film Castle in the Sky.
This tourist destination draws ruin enthusiasts and anime fans alike.
Most of the structures are accessible, allowing visitors to experience an adventure similar to a role-playing game.
Read:
5 Abandoned Amusement Park Destinations in Japan Full of Memories
Fukuoka: The Winding Tower of Shime Coal Mine
The Old Shime Mine Tower in Fukuoka Prefecture was built by the Japanese Navy during World War II to ensure coal supplies.
Standing 47.65 meters tall, this concrete tower was highly advanced for its time. Its underground mining shaft is estimated to be 430 meters deep.
In 2009, the tower was recognized as a National Important Cultural Property, making it an intriguing tourist site.
Although visitors cannot enter the tower, the surrounding park offers a great view of this majestic structure up close.
Niigata: The Remains of the Kitazawa Flotation Plant
Located in Sado City, Niigata Prefecture, the remains of the Kitazawa Flotation Plant were part of the Sado Gold Mine operations.
This site was the first in the world to successfully use flotation technology for refining gold and silver.
Its efficiency earned it the title of “The Best Flotation Refinery in East Asia.”
The facility showcases robust concrete ruins. While visitors are prohibited from entering, you can still admire its massive scale and industrial beauty from the outside.
During the tourism season, the site hosts nighttime light shows that add a magical atmosphere.
Which Ruin Will You Visit?
Each ruin that serves as a tourist destination in Japan tells a unique story, showcasing traces of civilization and the changes of time.
These five destinations in Japan are not only silent witnesses of history but also treasures waiting to be explored.
In the summer, these tourist spots offer both a refreshing experience and reflections on the past. Embark on this adventure and stay tuned for more exciting reviews!
