Behind the charm of Japan's traditional beauty and the excitement of its swirling metropolises, lies the chilling but fascinating thrill of exploring abandoned and rumored to be haunted attractions, specifically deserted theme parks. These once family-friendly and lively attractions turned into spooky ghost-towns are called Haikyo (廃墟), or "ruins", although the word now refers to the hobby of exploring these desolate and often off-limit areas. While officials often discourage thrill-seekers from exploring these deserted areas, one abandoned theme park is opening its gates for official guided tours.

Kejonuma Leisure Land, which opened up in 1979, closed down in 2000, citing a huge drop-off in visitors thought to be caused by economic struggles and a declining birthrate. Those with more suspicious inclinations suggest that the park was doomed to closure from the start, having been built in the vicinity of a pond rumored to be haunted by the woeful spirit of a woman who gave birth to a snake-like child, whose incessant cries at night caused the mother to jump into the pond and kill herself. Whether you accept economic struggles or the stigma of that curse as reasoning for the park's closure, Kejonuma Leisure Land is now a creaky and rusted ghost-town, overrun by nature and a quiet, but ominous atmosphere.

The equipment and attractions, most notably its landmark Ferris wheel are all in tact, save for a few that have rotted and fallen over, giving explorers the impression that park-goers simply vanished without a trace. On November 15th, 45 lucky explorers who can make it out to the park in Miyagi prefecture will be able to take a special guided tour of the theme-park ruins. Priced at 8,800 yen ($87.19), it may seem a bit pricier than sneaking onto the park grounds by yourself, but there's safety in numbers, no legal trouble, and you get a bento lunch to boot.

This is actually the fourth time a public tour has been made available, and due to its popularity next year the tour will expand to an abandoned hotel as well. If you're in Japan and have the ability to attend, make a reservation here. If not, feel free to check out some more creepy and abandoned spots to add to your spooky bucket list.