33 Ghost Towns That Have Become Stunning Tourist Attractions

6. Hashima Island, Japan: Battleship Island's Rise and Fall

Hashima Island, also known as Battleship Island, is a ghost town located off the coast of Nagasaki, Japan. Once a thriving coal mining community, Hashima was abandoned in the 1970s when the mines closed. The island's distinctive silhouette, resembling a battleship, has made it an iconic symbol of Japan's industrial heritage. Today, Hashima is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with guided tours allowing visitors to explore its crumbling buildings and learn about its history. The island's transformation into a tourist destination has helped preserve its structures, while also highlighting the harsh living conditions faced by its former residents. The stark contrast between the island's industrial past and its current state of decay offers a unique perspective on Japan's rapid modernization and the impact of industrial decline.