Alright, some background.
The island was a coal mining island from the early 1800s till the mid 1970s. Originally, the island was much smaller, but over the years it was expanded to accommodate workers and their families. Harishma was a self sustained island for the most part, so the workers and their families lived there. There were schools, a hospital, shops, pachinkos, recreational things and it was home to the first high rise apartment building in...I think all of Japan at the time it was built. At one point, it was the most densely populated area in the entire world! Then in 1974, they called it quits and every one left. Why? I don't remember...no more coal maybe?
Anyways, the place has been untouched since then. There was a reconstructed landing, hand rails, and concrete paths put into place for visitors that came with official tour guides, but that's about it. You can also just ask people who have boats around the area to take you out there if they are on their way out to go fishing I've heard. Then you can walk around yourself I suppose...but its extremely dangerous and the buildings are incredibly unstable...and of course I want to walk around them. haha.
On the tour though, you can't walk very far, but the boat does go around the island so you can see the whole thing. When we went, the waters were extremely choppy and the waves at one point, were half as high as the boat itself! I honestly thought we were going to flip and Jordan and I discussed an exit strategy. Thank GOD we didn't have to use it. Haha. Also, a lot of people were throwing up. The boat was well prepared because the staff was walking around giving people bags and towels.
If the waters weren't so choppy I could have taken some awesome pics from around the whole island! Oh well, still got some good shots.
Ok, I'm done talking...here are some photos!
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