Mysterious Places to Visit in Japan

Hello everyone, I’m Syuya.

Japan is home to countless fascinating spots. “Abandoned islands that once prospered.” “Sacred islands forbidden to the general public.” “Temple-like flood control facilities beneath the capital.” These places sound like settings from RPG games. Yet they exist in real-life Japan.

This article introduces such strange and mysterious spots throughout Japan.

Aragusuku Island (Okinawa Prefecture) – An Island with Mermaid Legends

国土地理院 – 地図・空中写真閲覧サービス上の整理番号: COK20088X・コース番号: C1・写真番号: 1-3 及び コース番号: C2・写真番号: 3-5の空中写真, CC 表示 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=89835953による

Okinawa Prefecture: “Aragusuku Island” – Sacred Island of Mermaid Legends

Location and Basic Information

Aragusuku Island sits approximately 23 kilometers southwest of Ishigaki Island. The island consists of two separate landmasses: Kamiji Island to the northeast and Shimoji Island to the southwest. Current population totals eight residents, with seven people living on Kamiji Island and one on Shimoji Island. Visitors can only reach the island through organized tours from Ishigaki or Iriomote Island, as no regular ferry service operates. The two islands are separated by approximately 420 meters of water.

Historical Background and Origins

During the Ryukyu Kingdom period, Aragusuku Island served as a source of dugong for royal tribute. Island residents captured dugongs and processed their meat and skin for the royal court, which valued these products as medicinal remedies for childbirth. Historical records suggest approximately 700 people inhabited the island during the early 16th century. The island was officially abandoned as a permanent settlement in 1963. The island once produced famous Panari pottery, which was so valuable it could be traded for cattle.

Unique Features and Strange Phenomena

The island’s most mysterious aspect involves its “mermaid faith,” where residents worship dugongs as sacred creatures. Aragusuku Island houses the Ari Utaki, also known as the “Mermaid Shrine,” which serves as a sacred site for dugong spirits. Local legends describe how dugong swimming patterns resembled mermaids, leading to the mystical association. Multiple sacred sites called “utaki” exist throughout Kamiji Island, with many completely off-limits to outsiders. Historical accounts describe supernatural incidents when outsiders attempted to steal dugong skulls from the shrine.

Visitor Experience and Access

Tourists must join organized snorkeling or sightseeing tours from Ishigaki or Iriomote Island. The surrounding coral reefs are considered among the most beautiful in the Yaeyama Islands. Visitors can explore designated areas of Kamiji Island but must follow strict guidelines from tour guides. Multiple “god’s paths” exist throughout the island where walking is completely forbidden. Swimming and snorkeling activities focus on the pristine coral reef areas surrounding both islands.

Cultural Significance and Local Legends

The Ari Utaki represents one of four sacred sites on Kamiji Island, ranking as the second most important spiritual location. Utaki serve as sacred domains in Ryukyu spiritual tradition, representing places where gods reside. Local folklore describes tsunamis striking the community after cessation of dugong worship ceremonies. Islanders believed consuming dugong meat and skin would grant immortality. Unfortunately, dugong populations have drastically declined, and these marine mammals no longer appear in Yaeyama waters.

Photography and Documentation Rules

Photography and filming are strictly prohibited at all sacred sites, including the Mermaid Shrine. Tour participants must respect complete photography bans during sacred festivals and ceremonies. Island residents maintain absolute privacy regarding religious practices and spiritual sites. Visitors may photograph natural landscapes and designated coastal areas only. Tour guides provide clear instructions about permitted and forbidden photography zones.

Safety Precautions and Visitor Guidelines

Visitors must never explore the island independently and must always follow tour guide instructions. Signs marking “No Entry” appear throughout the island at sacred site entrances. Tourists must obtain proper permission from local authorities before visiting any cultural sites. Visitors cannot bring external garbage to the island and must preserve the natural environment. Swimming activities require supervision due to strong currents and reef protection needs.

Tourism Impact and Future Preservation

Secret festivals continue several times yearly, with former residents returning to participate in island-only ceremonies. Tourism activities must balance visitor interest with cultural preservation and resident privacy. Conservation efforts focus on protecting remaining marine ecosystems where dugongs once thrived. Local communities work to maintain traditional spiritual practices while managing sustainable tourism. The extremely small permanent population creates unique challenges for cultural continuity and island maintenance.

For more information, visit the official website:

https://aragusukujima.com/

Maya Tourist Hote(Hyogo Prefecture)-The Queen of Ruins on the Mountain

コンピュータが読み取れる情報は提供されていませんが、Okc~commonswikiだと推定されます（著作権の主張に基づく） – コンピュータが読み取れる情報は提供されていませんが、自分の作品だと推定されます（著作権の主張に基づく）, CC 表示-継承 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1056460による

Hyogo Prefecture: “Maya Kanko Hotel” – The Queen of Ruins

Location and Basic Information

Maya Kanko Hotel stands abandoned on the middle slopes of Mount Maya in Nada Ward, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture. The hotel sits approximately 700 meters above sea level, offering commanding views of Kobe city and Osaka Bay. Access requires hiking through mountain trails, as the original cable car service no longer operates to the hotel location. The building measures four stories in height with Art Deco architectural styling. Current entry to the structure is completely prohibited due to safety concerns and cultural preservation requirements.

Historical Background and Origins

Construction began in 1929 under the Maya Cable Railway Company as a welfare facility called “Maya Club.” The hotel officially opened in November 1929, designed by renowned Kobe architect Imanishi Otsukichi. Originally conceived as employee recreational facilities, the building transformed into a luxury mountain resort targeting affluent tourists. The hotel earned the prestigious nickname “Orient’s Premier Mountain Hotel” during its golden era. Multiple name changes occurred throughout its history, including Maya Hotel, Maya Mountain Hot Spring Hotel, and finally Maya Kanko Hotel after post-war renovations.

Unique Features and Strange Phenomena

The abandoned hotel earned its famous moniker “Queen of Ruins” due to its hauntingly beautiful decay. Art Deco architectural elements remain visible throughout the deteriorating structure, creating an otherworldly atmosphere. The building’s European mountain resort design features distinctive curved balconies and geometric patterns characteristic of 1920s modernist architecture. Photographers and urban explorers describe the hotel as possessing an ethereal quality, with sunlight filtering through broken windows creating dramatic light effects. The structure’s gradual surrender to nature exemplifies the aesthetic concept of mono no aware, the beauty of transience.

Visitor Experience and Access

Currently, all public access to the hotel interior is strictly forbidden for safety and preservation reasons. Organized guided tours occasionally provide external viewing opportunities during special cultural heritage events. The surrounding mountain trails remain accessible, allowing visitors to observe the building’s exterior from designated viewpoints. Professional photography requires special permits from local authorities and heritage organizations. The Maya Ropeway provides transportation to nearby Mount Maya summit, offering distant views of the abandoned hotel structure.

Cultural Significance and Local Legends

Maya Kanko Hotel achieved national recognition in 2021 as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property, marking rare heritage status for a ruined building. The hotel represents a significant example of Japan’s prewar mountain resort culture and modernist architectural movement. Local folklore attributes supernatural phenomena to the abandoned structure, though these stories lack factual foundation. The hotel symbolizes the rise and fall of Japan’s luxury tourism industry during the early 20th century. Cultural preservationists debate balancing heritage protection with public access and urban exploration interests.

Photography and Documentation Rules

Photography inside the hotel building is completely prohibited due to structural instability and trespassing laws. External photography from public areas requires no special permissions but must respect private property boundaries. Professional photography projects require advance coordination with Kobe City cultural affairs departments and building owners. Drone photography faces strict regulations due to the mountain location and nearby residential areas. Social media documentation should avoid encouraging illegal entry or unsafe exploration activities.

Safety Precautions and Visitor Guidelines

The building structure suffers from severe deterioration, making interior access extremely dangerous due to floor collapse risks. Visitors must never attempt unauthorized entry, as prosecution for trespassing occurs regularly. Mountain hiking requires proper footwear and weather awareness, particularly during rainy seasons when trails become treacherous. Emergency services access to the remote location is limited, emphasizing the importance of following safety guidelines. Wildlife encounters, including wild boars and venomous snakes, present additional risks in the surrounding forest areas.

Tourism Impact and Future Preservation

Recent heritage designation has sparked renewed interest in sustainable tourism development around the Maya Kanko Hotel site. Local authorities balance preservation requirements with growing visitor demand for guided tours and cultural experiences. Virtual reality projects and digital preservation initiatives provide alternative access methods for interior exploration. The hotel’s cultural significance continues growing among architecture enthusiasts and heritage tourism advocates. Future plans may include limited restoration work to stabilize the structure while maintaining its ruined aesthetic character.

For more information, visit the official website:

「旧摩耶観光ホテル」特別公開×建築保存ツーリズム | 摩耶観光ホテル

2021年に国有形文化財に登録されたマヤカンこと「旧摩耶観光ホテル」。年月のままに朽ちる印象的な姿から「廃墟の女王」と呼ばれる一方で、経年劣化や不法侵入など、さまざまな問題を抱えていた側面もありました。

mayakan.mayasan.jp

Hashima island(Gunkanjima)(Nagasaki prefecture)-A ruined artificial island

Koji 12 – 投稿者自身による著作物, CC 表示-継承 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=97262075による

Nagasaki Prefecture: “Hashima Island (Gunkanjima)” – Former Prosperous Artificial Island Now in Ruins

Location and Basic Information

Hashima Island, commonly known as Gunkanjima (Battleship Island), sits approximately 18.5 kilometers southwest of Nagasaki Port in Nagasaki Prefecture. The island measures 6.3 hectares in total area, created through extensive land reclamation around the original natural reef. Access requires organized boat tours departing from Nagasaki Port, with journey time approximately 30-40 minutes depending on weather conditions. The island reaches 480 meters in length and 160 meters in width at its maximum points. Current population stands at zero, as the island has remained completely uninhabited since 1974.

Historical Background and Origins

Historical records first mention Hashima Island during the Edo period as a small reef known for coal deposits. Full-scale coal mining operations began in 1890 under Mitsubishi Corporation ownership, which acquired mining rights in 1890. The company initiated massive land reclamation projects and infrastructure development to support expanding mining operations. Peak population reached 5,259 residents in 1959, making it the world’s most densely populated place at that time. Mitsubishi built Japan’s first reinforced concrete apartment buildings on the island during the Taisho period to accommodate growing worker populations.

Unique Features and Strange Phenomena

The island earned its “Battleship Island” nickname due to its distinctive silhouette resembling a military warship when viewed from the sea. Concrete apartment buildings rise dramatically from the surrounding seawalls, creating an otherworldly urban landscape on the tiny artificial island. The 30-story apartment building, constructed in 1916, represented cutting-edge residential architecture for its time. Abandoned buildings now stand as haunting monuments to rapid industrialization and subsequent decline. The contrast between the island’s former bustling community life and current desolate atmosphere creates a uniquely melancholic atmosphere that captivates visitors.

Visitor Experience and Access

Tourist boats operate from Nagasaki Port offering approximately 3-hour round-trip excursions including 30-40 minutes on-island exploration time. Weather conditions frequently cancel tours due to rough seas and safety concerns around the exposed island location. Visitors can explore only designated walkways covering less than 10% of the total island area, with most buildings completely off-limits. Professional tour guides provide detailed historical commentary about mining operations, daily life, and architectural significance. The visitor center features digital museum experiences allowing virtual exploration of restricted areas.

Cultural Significance and Local Legends

Hashima Island gained UNESCO World Heritage status in 2015 as part of “Sites of Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution: Iron and Steel, Shipbuilding and Coal Mining.” The island symbolizes Japan’s rapid modernization during the Meiji period and the transition from traditional to industrial society. Local stories describe the island’s complete self-sufficiency, featuring schools, hospitals, temples, movie theaters, and pachinko parlors within its compact urban environment. Former residents recall both the hardships of mining life and the strong community bonds formed in the isolated island setting. The island represents both technological achievement and the environmental costs of industrial development.

Photography and Documentation Rules

Photography is permitted only within designated visitor areas and walkways, with strict prohibitions against entering restricted zones for better angles. Drone photography requires special permits from Nagasaki City authorities and faces significant restrictions due to safety and heritage preservation concerns. Professional photography projects must obtain advance permissions from multiple agencies including the city government and heritage organizations. Social media sharing should avoid encouraging dangerous exploration attempts or trespassing in prohibited areas. Weather conditions often limit photography opportunities due to sea spray and strong winds.

Safety Precautions and Visitor Guidelines

Building deterioration creates constant falling debris risks, requiring visitors to wear hard hats provided by tour operators during island exploration. Weather cancellations occur frequently, with tours suspended during high winds, rough seas, or heavy precipitation. Medical facilities are completely absent on the island, emphasizing the importance of following all safety guidelines and staying within designated areas. Emergency evacuation procedures exist but face significant challenges due to the island’s remote location and limited landing facilities. Visitors with mobility limitations face significant challenges due to uneven terrain and absence of accessibility infrastructure.

Tourism Impact and Future Preservation

Tourist numbers have grown dramatically since heritage designation, with over 300,000 annual visitors creating both economic benefits and preservation challenges. Ongoing structural deterioration requires careful balance between public access and building conservation efforts. Digital preservation projects document the island’s current state while providing alternative exploration methods for restricted areas. International tourism promotion has transformed the former industrial site into one of Japan’s most recognizable heritage destinations. Future management plans address sustainable tourism development while protecting the site’s historical integrity and ensuring visitor safety.

For more information, visit the official website:

【公式】軍艦島コンシェルジュ

長崎県長崎市の株式会社ユニバーサルワーカーズ「軍艦島コンシェルジュ」では軍艦島上陸ツアーの船舶乗船予約オンライン受付から上陸後のコンシェルジュによる同行ガイド説明までを承っております。お電話、メールでも受け付けております。また代理店の方、チャーターでの予約なども受け付けております。ガイド（コンシェルジュ）が伝える軍艦島...

www.gunkanjima-concierge.com

Emperor Nintoku Tomb（Daisen Kofun）(Osaka Prefecture)-Ancient Emperor’s Tombs

国土交通省国土画像情報（カラー空中写真）, Attribution, via Wikimedia Commons

Osaka Prefecture: “Emperor Nintoku Tomb (Daisen Kofun)” – Japan’s Largest Keyhole-Shaped Burial Mound

Location and Basic Information

The Emperor Nintoku Tomb sits in Daisen-cho, Sakai Ward, Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture, representing Japan’s largest keyhole-shaped burial mound. The tomb measures approximately 486 meters in total length, with the circular rear section reaching 249 meters in diameter and 35.8 meters in height. Three concentric moats and embankments surround the massive structure, creating a total area of approximately 464,000 square meters including water features. The Imperial Household Agency officially manages the site as “Mozu-no-mimihara-no-naka-no-misasagi” and restricts all interior access. Visitors can access the 2.8-kilometer walking path that encircles the outer perimeter of the tomb complex.

Historical Background and Origins

Archaeological evidence suggests construction occurred during the mid-5th century CE, specifically between 425-450 CE during Japan’s Kofun period peak. The Imperial Household Agency designates this tomb as Emperor Nintoku’s final resting place, though scholarly debate continues regarding the actual occupant’s identity. Construction required several decades and employed thousands of workers, demonstrating the sophisticated social organization and engineering capabilities of ancient Japanese society. The tomb represents the culmination of keyhole-shaped burial mound development during Japan’s ancient imperial period. Historical records indicate the site served as a model for subsequent imperial tomb construction throughout the region.

Unique Features and Strange Phenomena

The distinctive keyhole shape, unique to Japanese burial culture, combines a square front section with a circular rear portion, creating an unmistakable silhouette visible from aerial views. The tomb ranks among the world’s three largest burial monuments alongside China’s First Emperor Mausoleum and Egypt’s Great Pyramid of Giza. Numerous smaller satellite tombs called “baizuka” surround the main structure, illustrating the hierarchical relationships within ancient Japanese royal courts. The triple-moat system creates distinctive acoustic phenomena, with sounds echoing differently across the water surfaces during various weather conditions. Seasonal changes transform the heavily forested tomb into a living monument, displaying different colors and atmospheric effects throughout the year.

Visitor Experience and Access

Public access remains limited to designated walking paths along the outer perimeter, providing close views of the moat system and forested burial mound. The complete circuit requires approximately one hour of steady walking along well-maintained pathways suitable for all fitness levels. Nearby Daisen Park offers additional recreational facilities and enhanced viewing opportunities from elevated positions. The Sakai City Hall observation lobby provides panoramic aerial views of the entire tomb complex from the 21st floor. Professional guided tours operate regularly, offering detailed historical commentary and cultural context about the burial complex and surrounding area.

Cultural Significance and Local Legends

UNESCO recognized the tomb as part of the “Mozu-Furuichi Kofun Groups” World Cultural Heritage Site in July 2019, acknowledging its outstanding universal value. The designation encompasses 49 burial mounds across three cities, representing the largest concentration of keyhole-shaped tombs globally. Local folklore describes supernatural protections surrounding the tomb, with stories of mysterious phenomena occurring when individuals attempt unauthorized access. The site symbolizes the emergence of centralized political authority in ancient Japan and the cultural exchange between Japanese and continental Asian civilizations. Modern archaeological research continues revealing insights about ancient Japanese society, technology, and spiritual beliefs.

Photography and Documentation Rules

Photography is permitted only from designated public areas along the outer perimeter walkway and nearby viewing locations. Aerial photography requires special permits from both the Imperial Household Agency and local aviation authorities due to restricted airspace regulations. Professional photography projects must coordinate with multiple agencies including Sakai City cultural affairs and heritage preservation departments. Social media documentation should respect the sacred nature of the imperial burial site and avoid promoting unauthorized access attempts. The Sakai City Museum provides official historical photographs and detailed documentation for research and educational purposes.

Safety Precautions and Visitor Guidelines

All attempts to enter the tomb’s interior or climb the outer embankments are strictly prohibited under Japanese law and cultural protocol. Visitors must remain on designated pathways at all times, as the surrounding moats contain deep water and unstable edges. Weather conditions can create slippery surfaces along walking paths, particularly during rainy seasons and winter months. Emergency services maintain regular patrols, but visitors should report any safety concerns immediately to designated contact points. Respect for the sacred nature of imperial burial sites requires appropriate behavior and adherence to all posted regulations.

Tourism Impact and Future Preservation

World Heritage designation has significantly increased international visitor numbers, creating both opportunities and preservation challenges for local authorities. Sustainable tourism initiatives balance public access with long-term conservation requirements for this irreplaceable archaeological site. Digital preservation projects document the tomb’s current condition while providing virtual exploration opportunities for restricted areas. Educational programs emphasize the tomb’s historical significance and Japan’s responsibility for protecting this ancient cultural legacy. Future management plans address climate change impacts, urban development pressures, and growing tourism demand while maintaining the site’s integrity.

For more information, visit the official website:

仁徳天皇陵古墳

www.city.sakai.lg.jp

Metropolitan Area Outer Underground Discharge Channel（Saitama Prefecture）-Modern Underground Temple

日本語版ウィキペディアのDddecoさん – 原版の投稿者自身による著作物, CC 表示-継承 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=8322976による

Saitama Prefecture: “Metropolitan Area Outer Underground Discharge Channel” – World’s Largest Underground Temple

Location and Basic Information

The Metropolitan Area Outer Underground Discharge Channel operates beneath Kasukabe City, Saitama Prefecture, approximately 50 meters underground along National Route 16. The facility extends 6.3 kilometers in total length, connecting five rivers through massive underground tunnels and chambers. The main pressure-adjusting tank measures 177 meters long, 78 meters wide, and 18 meters high, supported by 59 enormous concrete pillars. Access requires joining organized tours departing from the Ryukyu-kan Underground Exploration Museum located at the facility entrance. Tours operate year-round but face frequent cancellations during heavy rainfall when the system activates for flood control operations.

Historical Background and Origins

Construction began in 1992 to address recurring flood disasters affecting the greater Tokyo metropolitan area, particularly low-lying regions surrounded by major rivers. The project required 14 years to complete, officially opening in 2006 as the world’s largest underground discharge facility. Engineering challenges included excavating beneath densely populated urban areas while maintaining surface infrastructure and transportation networks. The facility cost approximately 230 billion yen to construct, representing one of Japan’s most ambitious civil engineering projects. Multiple government agencies collaborated on the design, incorporating cutting-edge tunnel boring technology and advanced pump systems.

Unique Features and Strange Phenomena

The pressure-adjusting tank earned the nickname “Underground Temple” due to its cathedral-like atmosphere created by 59 towering concrete columns arranged in perfect symmetrical rows. Each pillar weighs approximately 500 tons and prevents the massive underground chamber from floating due to groundwater pressure. The facility can discharge over 200 cubic meters of water per second through four massive pumps during flood events. Advanced sensor systems automatically monitor water levels across connected rivers, triggering emergency operations within minutes of rising flood conditions. The underground tunnels create unique acoustic phenomena, with sounds echoing dramatically through the vast concrete chambers during both operational and maintenance periods.

Visitor Experience and Access

Multiple tour options accommodate different interests and physical capabilities, ranging from 55-minute Underground Temple tours to comprehensive adventure experiences lasting several hours. The standard tour includes descending 116 steps to reach the main pressure-adjusting chamber and exploring designated observation platforms. Professional guides explain flood control operations, engineering principles, and the facility’s role in protecting metropolitan Tokyo from water disasters. Photography is permitted in designated areas, though flash photography restrictions apply to preserve the atmospheric lighting effects. Advanced reservations are mandatory due to extremely high demand, with bookings opening one month in advance and filling rapidly.

Cultural Significance and Local Legends

The facility serves as a powerful symbol of Japan’s engineering prowess and commitment to disaster preparedness following decades of flood-related tragedies. Popular culture has embraced the Underground Temple aesthetic, featuring the facility in numerous films, television dramas, and promotional materials. The structure represents the intersection of practical infrastructure and unintentional architectural beauty, demonstrating how functional design can create inspiring spaces. Local communities express pride in hosting this world-renowned engineering achievement while benefiting from enhanced flood protection. The facility challenges traditional concepts of infrastructure visibility, proving that essential urban systems can remain hidden while serving millions of residents.

Photography and Documentation Rules

Photography is permitted within designated areas of the pressure-adjusting tank using personal cameras and smartphones without flash or tripods. Professional photography requires advance coordination with facility management and may face restrictions during operational periods. Video recording follows similar guidelines, with emphasis on respecting other tour participants and maintaining safety protocols. Social media sharing is encouraged to promote flood prevention awareness, though content should accurately represent the facility’s primary disaster prevention purpose. Special media events occasionally provide enhanced access for journalists and educational content creators.

Safety Precautions and Visitor Guidelines

All visitors must wear provided safety helmets throughout underground sections due to potential falling debris and low-clearance areas. The facility maintains strict age restrictions, requiring participants to be elementary school age or older due to physical demands and safety concerns. Tours face immediate cancellation when flood conditions require system activation, prioritizing public safety over tourism activities. Emergency evacuation procedures include multiple exit routes and communication systems, though visitors should understand the remote underground location limits immediate medical response. Physical fitness requirements include ability to navigate stairs, uneven surfaces, and extended walking periods in humid underground conditions.

Tourism Impact and Future Preservation

The facility attracts over 100,000 annual visitors, generating significant tourism revenue while raising flood prevention awareness among domestic and international audiences. Educational programs target school groups, engineering professionals, and disaster preparedness advocates, expanding the facility’s impact beyond entertainment tourism. Sustainable tourism practices balance public access with operational requirements, ensuring flood control capabilities remain uncompromised by visitor activities. Future developments may include virtual reality experiences and expanded museum facilities to accommodate growing demand while protecting critical infrastructure. International recognition has established the facility as a model for combining essential urban infrastructure with public education and tourism opportunities.

For more information, visit the official website:

首都圏外郭放水路

地域の治水施設である「首都圏外郭放水路」の役割をもっと深く知っていただけるように、社会実験第２弾として新たな4コースの見学会がスタート。首都圏外郭放水路の壮大さをぜひご体感ください。

gaikaku.jp

Conclusion

How did you find these unusual destinations?

This article introduced strange and mysterious spots throughout Japan.

Thank you for reading to the end.