Gunkanjima (Battleship Island)

Gunkanjima, also known as Battleship Island, is an abandoned island off Japan’s coast once famous for its densely populated coal mining operations. Its name derives from the island’s silhouette, resembling a battleship. During its peak between the 1890s and 1970s, it housed thousands of workers in high-rise concrete buildings. When Japan shifted away from coal and newer energy sources emerged, the mine closed, leading to the island’s abandonment. Today, Gunkanjima is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a symbol of Japan’s industrial history, attracting tourists and researchers interested in its stark, post-industrial landscape and its reflection of rapid modernization.