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Tuesday, 30th October 2012
In Japan Travel News,
Visitors to Japan can enjoy Skyfall inspiration
James Bond fans can experience their own slice of spy action by visiting the location that inspired the villain's hideout in the newly-released Skyfall.
In the movie, evil villain Raoul Silva (played by Javier Bardem) bases his operations on a deserted island covered in partially destroyed and abandoned buildings. It has been widely reported that this setting was based on the island of Hashima, also known as Gunkanjima (Battleship Island).
The isle was once home to 5,000 people, but has been deserted since 1974 after its coal mines closed. Pinewood Studios recreated the creepy destination in London.
For those wishing to immerse themselves in Japanese history and take a trip off the beaten path, Hashima has been accessible to tourists since a new boat dock was built there in 2009. A scenic 50-minute boat trip from Nagasaki will take travellers to the island, where they can then enjoy a tour of it.
For 007 wannabes Inside Japan Tours offers a 13-night Bond's Japan Tour Trace that covers the amazing locations featured in 1967 classic You Only Live Twice. Tokyo, the castle town of Himeji and the volcano of Kirishima national park are all included in the package.
Posted by Graham McPherson
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