It’s been over five years since an earthquake-induced tsunami caused Japan’s Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant to melt down. The disaster forced the evacuation of citizens from a large area surrounding the former power plant. In the years since, the Japanese government has maintained a quarantine zone in these highly irradiated communities.
Access to these abandoned towns is strictly controlled by the military and police. To receive permission to enter, one must first apply for and obtain the proper permits. The entire process can take months or even years. Unless, of course, you’re Reddit user rUcKuS858.
In a recent photo post on Reddit, rUcKuS858 detailed his illegal adventure into the the exclusion zone around the former nuclear power plant.
The reason he chose to enter the area illegally was because of the amount of bureaucracy involved in getting a permit.
In his post, he says he navigated through dense woods at 2 a.m. using Google Maps in order to reach his destination.
It sounds like quite an ordeal, but judging by these photos, it was totally worth it.
Inside the exclusion zone, rUcKuS858 used a gas mask to protect himself against radioactive dust particles.
As he explored, rUcKuS858 found a town where time appeared to stand still.
Everything was just how people left it as they were fleeing the nuclear disaster.
Mixed in with all the chaos were dilapidated structures.
The exploration was a chilling experience.
Here he is inside an abandoned video store.
More than a few cars littered the town.
This is the structure that’s designed to keep people out of the town altogether.
Here’s what cities look like when time just stops.
These are bags of radioactive soil and rocks. Piles of radioactive waste can be seen all over town.
I don’t think anyone will be eating at that McDonald’s for a long time.
The fact that all of the traffic lights in town still worked only compounded the creepiness factor.
Sights like this one left the explorer feeling understandably stunned.
An unopened PlayStation 2 was found inside one of the abandoned homes.
You don’t have to obey the red lights here.
Dead flowers filled this entire space that was once a bustling shop.
All of this was found a little more than 300 feet from the site of the meltdown.
(source: Reddit)
Now that is cool. Hopefully when he got out of there, rUcKuS858 immediately went home and cleaned himself up. Even though breathing in radioactive dust is what will kill you, leaving it on your skin doesn’t seem too smart either.
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