Exploring Gunkanjima: A lone explorer amidst haunting urban decay in Nagasaki, Japan.
An explorer contemplates the haunting beauty of urban decay on Gunkanjima Island in Nagasaki, Japan.

Gunkanjima: A Maze of Streets & Hellish Staircases

Gunkanjima is an abandoned metropolis that is almost beyond your imagination. Despite a history that justifies its crazy evolution the reality is hard to believable; the Island, yet tiny , is a fabulous labyrinth of avenues, streets and lanes with overhead bridges on top of each other.

Gunkanjima is an abandoned metropolis that is almost beyond your imagination. Despite a history that justifies its crazy evolution (see my summary article for the history of Hashima Island), the reality is hard to believable; the Island, yet tiny , is a fabulous labyrinth of avenues, streets and lanes with overhead bridges on top of each other. To discover this very special geography of Gunkanjima, I suggest a short hike under a beautiful spring sunshine and a pleasant breeze from the sea.

Balconies of Gunkanjima

First surprise:  the ground is full of garbage, broken wood, bits of cement corroded by the ocean air. We were not expecting any sound effect, but there was; the waves breaking on the walls of the island, birds screaming, rats rattling in basements and door slamming by themselves…

Two apartment blocks are connected by walkways that appear extremely intense … Is this an original style by an insane architect? Or is this a configuration for pure practical reasons?

Footbridge between Block 51 and 16 on Gunkanjima

In a distance this giant bridge summons us…

Delightly Attracting - Gunkanjima

Apocalyptic scenes in a row …

The Lost Student of Gunkanjima

Arriving at the legendary staircase; the “Stairway to Hell”. The last time, I did not have time to go, but things are different now…

Closer to the Sky on Gunkanjima

There are stunning views from all sides.

Walking on the Impressive Footbridge of Gunkanjima
Today's Colors are Blue Gray and Yellow

We climbed back down to those old apartments covered in vegetation. I have been looking forward to exploring them…

Fantastic Light on Gunkanjima
RC4F Block 3 on Gunkanjima

We’re back down in front of the remains of what was particularly the nurses’ dormitory. It seems that there was a fire.

Senfukuji Sect and Nurses Dormitory on Gunkanjima

Wedged between two concrete monoliths… that are about to collapse.

RC6F Block 56 on Gunkanjima

The sun begins to set and bathed the island in an orange tone.

The Day is Ending on Gunkanjima

A quick look at the apartments that we have previously seen from above… we found ourselves again in front of the fantastic staircase

Instead we chose to admire the sunset, sitting on the crumbled stairs…

Welcome to Hell on Gunkanjima

… stunned.

abandoned, asia, gunkanjima, haikyo, japan, japanese, kyushu, nagasaki, ruin, urban exploration, urbex

And before the island is completely plunged into darkness, here is one last magical moment,  at the entrance of the delusional Block X.

X-Block 67 at Gunkanjima

If you want to discover more about Gunkanjima, visit my summary here: Gunkanjima: 10 Stories, 200 Photos.

And for more awesome content about Japan, follow Jordy Meow on Instagram ! 🎵

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Who Am I

Jordy Meow
This is me!

I am Jordy Meow, a French photographer based in Tokyo. I explore offbeat places in Japan.

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Emerald river, Concrete whispers through green trees— Harmony awakes.エメラルド川、 緑木々を抜ける音— 調和が目を覚ます。#hydropower #natureandtech #emeraldgreen #sustainableenergy #offbeatjapan #hiddenjapan #japan
Doll faces whisper, In kimono dreams they rest, Lifelike hues of peace. 関風と囁く、 着物の夢に眠る、 平和の色。#offbeatjapan #japan #hinamatsuri #traditionalcrafts #japanesedolls #kimonolove #serenebeauty
Golden sun awakens, Whispering mist hugs green hills— Sky's mirror below. ---金色の太陽が目覚め、 囁く霧が緑の丘を包む— 空は下を映す。 ---#tanada #offbeatjapan #serenesunrise #japanlandscapes #mysticalmorning #ruraljapan #traditionalagriculture #japan
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Crimson dreams whisper, Wooden echoes of the past, In tranquil embrace.  赤夢囁く、 過去の木の響き、 静かな抱擁。  #DarumaDreams #ShrineQuietude #SereneJapan #RuralRetreat #CulturalSymbols #offbeatjapan #japan
Golden grasses sway, Ferris wheel rusts under sky— Blue, pink whispers past.---金色の草が揺れる、 錆びた観覧車の下で— 青とピンクの囁きが通り過ぎる。---#offbeatjapan #japan #haikyo #abandonedplaces #amusementpark #ferriswheel #nostalgia #urbanexploration
Emerald whispers, Jizo in crimson repose, Peace in quiet woods.---翡翠のささやき、 赤き地蔵の静寂、 静かな森の安らぎ。---#sacredjapan #jizostatue #forestbathing #serenity #spiritualjapan #offbeatjapan #japan
Lanterns softly glow, Slate-gray mirrors vibrant hues— City whispers dreams.---ランタンの灯り、 石畳に映る— 街の夢語。---#offbeatjapan #japan #japanesenightlife #yokocho #neonnights #lanterns #urbanjapan