Looking for the most fascinating abandoned places in Japan? From deserted islands to forgotten theme parks, Japan’s “haikyo” (ruins) offer haunting beauty and rich history. Below are the top 10 abandoned places in Japan that urban explorers and photographers dream about.
1. Hashima Island (Gunkanjima), Nagasaki
One of the most famous abandoned places in Japan, Hashima Island, also known as Gunkanjima (Battleship Island), sits off the coast of Nagasaki. Once a thriving coal mining facility operated by Mitsubishi, the island was home to over 5,000 residents before being abandoned in 1974. Today, crumbling concrete apartment blocks dominate the tiny island, creating an apocalyptic atmosphere. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, limited guided tours allow visitors to safely explore designated areas. Its cinematic scenery even appeared in the James Bond film Skyfall, making it Japan’s most iconic ghost island destination.
2. Okunoshima (Rabbit Island), Hiroshima
Okunoshima may be famous for its adorable wild rabbits, but it also hides dark remnants of an abandoned poison gas factory from World War II. Located in Hiroshima Prefecture, this small island once produced chemical weapons in secrecy. After the war, the facilities were abandoned, leaving behind decaying concrete structures reclaimed by nature. Visitors can explore ruins scattered across the island while learning about its history at the Poison Gas Museum. The eerie contrast between playful rabbits and silent ruins makes Okunoshima one of Japan’s most unique abandoned places to visit.
3. Nara Dreamland, Nara
Inspired by Disneyland, Nara Dreamland opened in 1961 but closed permanently in 2006 due to declining attendance. For years, it stood frozen in time with rusting roller coasters, faded mascots, and overgrown pathways. Urban explorers once considered it one of the best abandoned theme parks in Japan. Although most of the site has since been demolished, it remains legendary in the haikyo community. Its nostalgic yet eerie atmosphere symbolized Japan’s bubble-era optimism turned silent decay, earning it a lasting place among Japan’s most talked-about abandoned attractions.
4. Gunkanjima 30 Apartment, Nagasaki
Within Hashima Island stands Building 30, Japan’s oldest large reinforced concrete apartment complex. Built in 1916, this structure once housed mining families in compact living quarters. After the island’s closure, the building deteriorated rapidly under harsh sea winds and typhoons. Broken stairwells, collapsing floors, and exposed rebar create dramatic scenes beloved by photographers. Though access is restricted for safety reasons, images of its skeletal corridors define Japan’s abandoned urban aesthetic. Building 30 perfectly captures the raw beauty and fragility of industrial ruins in modern Japanese history.
5. Ikeshima Island, Nagasaki
Often compared to Hashima but less touristy, Ikeshima Island was another coal mining community abandoned in the early 2000s. Unlike Gunkanjima, a small population still resides there, giving it a surreal half-abandoned atmosphere. Empty apartment blocks, silent schools, and idle mining facilities stand as reminders of Japan’s industrial past. Visitors can take guided tours of the former coal mine tunnels and explore selected areas safely. Ikeshima offers a more accessible and less crowded experience, making it one of the best hidden abandoned places in Japan for adventurous travelers.
6. Hachijo Royal Hotel, Tokyo
Located on Hachijojima Island, the Hachijo Royal Hotel was once a luxurious tropical-style resort during Japan’s economic boom. Featuring French Baroque-inspired architecture, it aimed to become the “Hawaii of Japan.” However, declining tourism led to its closure in 2006. Now covered in vines and moss, the grand façade and elegant staircase create a hauntingly beautiful spectacle. Though officially closed to the public, it remains a popular subject for photographers. Its faded grandeur embodies the rise and fall of Japan’s bubble-era resort dreams.
7. Nakagin Capsule Tower, Tokyo
An icon of Japanese Metabolist architecture, the Nakagin Capsule Tower was completed in 1972 in central Tokyo. Designed by architect Kisho Kurokawa, it featured modular capsule apartments meant to be replaceable. Over time, maintenance costs and outdated facilities led to its abandonment and eventual demolition in 2022. Before its removal, it was considered one of Tokyo’s most unique abandoned structures. Though no longer standing, preserved capsules continue to appear in museums and exhibitions, ensuring its legacy lives on in architectural history.
8. Ashio Copper Mine, Tochigi
The Ashio Copper Mine was once one of Japan’s most productive mines during the Meiji era. Environmental pollution and resource depletion eventually led to its closure in 1973. Today, abandoned industrial buildings and empty worker housing remain scattered throughout the mountainous landscape of Tochigi Prefecture. Portions of the site are preserved as a museum, while other areas have fallen into atmospheric decay. Ashio tells the story of Japan’s rapid industrialization and environmental struggles, making it both historically significant and visually compelling for ruin enthusiasts.
9. Inunaki Village, Fukuoka
Inunaki Village is surrounded by urban legends and horror stories, making it one of Japan’s most mysterious abandoned places. Located in Fukuoka Prefecture, the original village was relocated due to dam construction, leaving behind old buildings and the infamous Inunaki Tunnel. Rumors of paranormal activity attract thrill-seekers, especially at night. While many legends are exaggerated, the decaying structures and isolated mountain setting create a genuinely unsettling atmosphere. Its reputation as a haunted location has made it a popular subject in Japanese horror culture.
10. Hotel Green Plaza Karuizawa (Abandoned Section), Nagano
While parts of Hotel Green Plaza Karuizawa still operate, certain older sections have been left abandoned, creating an intriguing contrast between activity and decay. Located in the scenic mountain resort town of Karuizawa, Nagano, the deserted wings showcase peeling wallpaper, empty banquet halls, and silent corridors. Economic shifts and changing tourism patterns contributed to partial closures. The site reflects how even popular vacation destinations can experience decline. For explorers fascinated by forgotten luxury, this location offers a subtle yet compelling glimpse into Japan’s abandoned hospitality industry.
Conclusion
Japan’s abandoned places reveal forgotten chapters of industrial growth, economic shifts, and cultural change. From the haunting skyline of Hashima Island to the mysterious ruins of Inunaki Village, these destinations blend history with eerie beauty. Whether you’re a photographer, history lover, or urban explorer, Japan’s most famous haikyo spots promise unforgettable adventures.