🏰 Discover the Real-World Laputa: Ghibli-Inspired Ruins in Japan

Studio Ghibli’s Castle in the Sky (Laputa) has long captured our imaginations — with its ancient stone ruins, lush vegetation, and the quiet hum of forgotten technology.

But what if you could step into that world in real life?

In Japan, two locations stand out as Laputa’s real-world doppelgängers:
🌿 Tomogashima in Wakayama Prefecture
⚙️ Kitazawa Flotation Plant Ruins on Sado Island, Niigata Prefecture

Let’s explore these magical, mysterious places where nature meets ruins — and fantasy feels close to reality.

🏝️ Tomogashima (Okinoshima), Wakayama – The “Laputa Island” of Japan

Off the coast of Wakayama lies Tomogashima (友ヶ島), a group of uninhabited islands consisting of Okinoshima, Jinoshima, Torajima, and Kamijima.

The main island, Okinoshima, is where Ghibli magic happens.

🌿 Why It Feels Like Laputa

During the Meiji and Taisho eras, Tomogashima served as a military base to defend the Kii Channel. Today, its abandoned brick fortresses, moss-covered ammunition depots, and crumbling tunnels have been reclaimed by nature — creating a dreamy, overgrown aesthetic straight out of Castle in the Sky.

The 3rd Battery Ruins are particularly striking:
Moss wraps around the red-brick structures, vines creep along broken walls, and the atmosphere is both haunting and enchanting.

💡 It’s become known on Japanese social media as “Real Laputa” (リアルラピュタ).

🚶‍♀️ Hiking the Island

Okinoshima features multiple well-marked hiking trails that take you through its many fortresses, viewpoints, and forest paths.

You can easily explore the island in a day — take the morning ferry from Kada Port, enjoy a 3–4 hour hike with stops at major ruins, and return on the evening ferry.

📍 Visitor Info – Tomogashima

Location: Wakayama City, Wakayama Prefecture
Ferry Access: From Kada Port (加太港), ~20 minutes
Ferry Operator: Tomogashima Kisen
Official Website: Wakayama City Tourism – Tomogashima

⚠️ The ferry may be suspended in case of bad weather. Reservations are not accepted — first come, first served.

⚙️ Kitazawa Flotation Plant Ruins – Sado Island, Niigata

In the northern sea off Niigata Prefecture lies Sado Island, once a hub of gold and silver mining.
Here you’ll find the Kitazawa Flotation Plant Ruins (北沢浮遊選鉱場跡) — a massive, eerie, and awe-inspiring industrial complex that feels like a forgotten Laputan power plant.

🏗️ What You’ll See

Built in the early 20th century, this facility processed ore from nearby mines. Now abandoned, the multi-level concrete structures, rusted railings, and encroaching greenery give it a stark beauty that reminds visitors of the mechanical scenes in Laputa.

At dusk or during special light-up events, the site transforms into a glowing ruin — both mysterious and mesmerizing.

💡 It’s a must-visit for industrial ruin lovers, Ghibli fans, and photographers alike.

📍 Visitor Info – Kitazawa Flotation Plant Ruins

Location: Aikawa Area, Sado Island, Niigata Prefecture
Access:
- From Ryotsu Port: ~1 hour by car or bus
- From Aikawa Gold Park: ~5 minutes by foot
Admission: Free
Best Time to Visit: Late afternoon or during seasonal evening light-ups
Official Info: Sado Tourism Website

🔍 Compare: Tomogashima vs. Kitazawa Ruins

Feature	Tomogashima (Wakayama)	Kitazawa Ruins (Niigata)
Type	Former military fortress	Abandoned ore processing plant
Vibe	Mossy island ruins	Concrete industrial maze
Ghibli Feel	Nature-reclaimed castle vibes	Giant mechanical Laputa core
Best For	Hikers, nature lovers, ruin explorers	Photographers, ruin enthusiasts
Accessibility	Day-trip by ferry + hike	Accessible by car/bus on Sado Island

📸 Photography & Travel Tips

🌿 Best season: Spring to early autumn (for lush greenery)
🕶️ Bring: Sturdy shoes, water, flashlight (for tunnels), insect repellent
📷 Photo ideas:
- Wide shots of mossy ruins (Tomogashima)
- Silhouettes at sunset (Kitazawa Ruins)
- Ghibli cosplay or sketchbook shots for extra flair