Japanese people are not all busy and workaholics. Some of them prefer to go on adventures and discover unusual places. Haikyo, or the Japanese word for ruins, is also described as a hobby of urban exploration. Haikyoists, as they call themselves, find thrill in entering abandoned houses, towns, sites, theme parks, hospitals, or any abandoned site they can find.
Creepy it may seem, a lot of Japanese hikers and explorers are really getting into the hobby of exploring abandoned places. The long history of Japan, including World War II, has added to the thousands of abandoned sites across the country.
Here are some ruins you might want to visit to make your Japan trip exciting than usual.
1. Nara Dreamland
Built in 1961, Nara Dreamland was once filled with visitors and amusement park enthusiasts but as international amusement parks started to invade Japan, local amusement parks’ popularity declined. The park in Nara closed in 2006 and is now considered an exciting site for haikyo lovers. The abandoned rides and the fog adds to the creepiness of the place, attracting more and more explorers every year.
Photo from wrenee.com
2. Sports World Izunagaoka
Sports World Izunagaoka was a waterpark and resort during its glory days back in 1988. After the owner went bankrupt, the resort was permanently closed. Parts of the resort were already demolished in 2010 but some of the buildings and structure still remains.
Photo from metropolis.co.jp
3. Shiraishi Mine
The mines were hit by a powerful typhoon back in 1969 and the mines have been closed since then. A product called hakuenka was mined and produced here in Shiraishi. It’s underground tunnels are the ones haikyoists never seem to miss.
4. The Lost Cow
The Lost Cow was once a famous ice cream shop in Nagano. It became a famous haikyo for its unusual cuteness.
Photo from haikyo.org
5. Gukanjima
Probably the most popular site for haikyoists, Gukanjima is a deserted island near the province of Nagasaki. It was originally a coal mine until it closed in 1974 as petroleum became the main source of fuel in Japan.
Photo from wikipedia.com
Want a new Japan travel experience? Why not opt to go to abandoned places instead?
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