35 Stunning Abandoned Places Around the World You Can Still Visit

2. Hashima Island, Japan: The Battleship Island

Known as Gunkanjima or Battleship Island, Hashima was once a bustling coal mining facility, home to thousands of workers and their families. At its peak, the island was one of the most densely populated places in the world. However, when the coal reserves were depleted, the island was abandoned in 1974, leaving behind a stark landscape of crumbling concrete buildings. Today, Hashima is a UNESCO World Heritage site, attracting visitors intrigued by its dystopian appearance and historical significance. Tours allow you to explore the island’s eerie ruins, where nature is slowly reclaiming the man-made structures. The island’s story is a testament to the rise and fall of industrialization in Japan, reflecting the broader economic shifts that have shaped the country’s history.