hashima tour

• Tokyo Cheapo (繁體中文)

Touring Abandoned Hashima Island (Gunkanjima or Battleship Island)

You’ve seen it in Skyfall and all over the media. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hashima Island — also known as Gunkanjima (“Battleship Island”) — has attracted attention for its post-apocalyptic, modern ruins. Here’s everything you need to know before visiting this Nagasaki prefecture destination.

Where is Gunkanjima?

What happened on hashima island.

• Things to know before visiting Battleship Island

Getting to Nagasaki

• Making sure you have the right island in mind

Note: As of September 25, 2019, boat tours are unable to land on the island due to damage caused by a typhoon. However, boats can still take you near the island. -->

Hashima Island (aka Gunkanjima) is located 12 miles (19 km) off the coast of Nagasaki . Nagasaki is located on the east coast of the island of Kyūshū, the southernmost of Japan’s four major islands.

As a world-class undersea mining operation, the island was once a symbol of Japan’s rapid industrialization. Mitsubishi bought the then uninhabited island in 1890, and soon it was transformed with modern buildings and conveniences. These included early examples of concrete apartment blocks and electric lighting. By the 1950s, the population had swelled to as many as 5,000 people, attracted by solid wages and a unique mining culture.

However, as coal power gave way to gasoline, coal prices fell, and many mines, including Hashima, were permanently closed. By 1975 the island was completely evacuated.

An abandoned Japanese island with a shady past

Hashima Island’s increase in popularity and status as a World Heritage Site, though, has not been without controversy. What many don’t know is that the island has a history of forced labor , both before and during World War II. The terrible conditions and unsafe environment led to untold suffering — along with as many as a thousand unrecorded deaths. Tour companies are often reluctant to talk about this, leading to suggestions that those in power are attempting to obscure the island’s history.

At the time of writing, Gunkanjima had no memorials to the victims of forced labor. Japan has pledged to set up a memorial and an information center in the years to come.

From local eyesore to world-famous attraction

Thanks to a total ban on visitors, Hashima Island was left to be reclaimed by what little nature remained — and remained practically untouched for decades. The eerie atmosphere of an industrial town where people seemingly disappeared mid-lunch eventually caught the public eye. Slowly but surely, brave individuals started returning to the island, exploring and taking photos.

However, the crumbling ruins — not to mention abandoned mines — meant that unregulated visits were an accident waiting to happen. Perhaps to combat this danger, official guided tours were eventually introduced.

Since the Japanese government lifted the ban in 2009, the island has become a popular destination for visitors to Nagasaki and Fukuoka . To cater to demand, several companies have begun offering guided tours, departing from Nagasaki Port. Prices range from about ¥ 3,900 to ¥ 5,100 per person.

Important things to know before visiting Battleship Island

If you want to visit Hashima Island (aka Gunkanjima aka Battleship Island), here are some things to know beforehand.

1. You can’t visit Hashima Island on your own

Safety first is the key principle here! Even though Hashima Island is one of Nagasaki’s top attractions, the buildings on the island really are at risk of crumbling. And since no one knows when they might crumble, the government has mandated that tourists can only visit as part of an official tour group. Unless you’re in journalism or media in general, sorry, that solo trip just isn’t happening.

Pro tip: [affiliate id="japanican" text="This tour to Battleship Island" link="https://www.japanican.com/en/tour/detail/ACT1J05004QQB/?typecd=TOU&kw=Battleship&typegrpcd=TPA"] is pretty good.-->

2. Nagasaki weather gets pretty rough

Gunkanjima is surrounded by treacherous waters. The sea is harsh, and even a slightly rainy, cloudy, and/or windy day is enough to set off the waves and impede visibility. Consequently, cruise companies reserve the right to cancel tours due to bad weather — even on the day of the tour itself or while you’re aboard the ferry.

In the case that the tour is canceled outright before it starts, you should be eligible for a refund. Sometimes tours depart Nagasaki only for conditions to worsen mid-journey. If it becomes no longer possible to dock at Hashima Island after you’ve departed, the tour will likely pivot to a cruise around the island instead — and you’ll be refunded the difference in cost.

In any case, just keep in mind that there’s always the risk of the tour not pushing through for reasons beyond human control. For reference, Yamasa Shipping’s website mentions that on average, the number of days in a year that tours successfully push through is around 100.

3. Gunkanjima is not for the faint of heart

See the above point on Gunkanjima’s waters. More than the cost, the major obstacles to visiting Hashima Island are inclement weather and health.  If you’re prone to seasickness and motion sickness, this probably isn’t the tour for you. On a particularly rough day, even those who don’t easily suffer from those conditions may also feel unwell. I don’t get motion sickness easily, but there were several times when I felt like throwing up, and I finally did during the ride back.

Having anticipated that guests might feel uncomfortable on the journey, the staff distributed towels, candy, vomit bags, and even a wristband that’s supposed to help combat motion sickness, but those still weren’t enough for me. (They don’t sell anti-motion sickness medicine, though, so bring your own just in case.)

If these don’t discourage you, then good for you! But just remember that your health is more important than any tour, however awesome it may be. In my case, it was a short but memorable experience, but would I do it again? I don’t think so, because of the bumpy ride!

Editor’s note: Motion sickness medicine in Japan is called yoidome (酔い止め) and it can be purchased at any major drug store chain.

4. You may be refused admittance based on your physical condition

This isn’t because of discrimination; again, it’s for safety reasons. The tour companies we list don’t reject reservations from pregnant women, as well as people with disabilities and chronic illnesses. However, harsh weather conditions and other unforeseen circumstances could still lead to pregnant women suddenly being barred from joining a tour.

Unfortunately the ferries are not wheelchair accessible , and Gunkanjima isn’t a wheelchair-friendly location, either. Those with serious chronic illnesses are also discouraged from joining. It’s best to inform the tour companies beforehand about any physical conditions you have, just so you have an idea of whether you can go ahead with that reservation.

5. Babies and pets are not allowed

We’re not sure why anyone would think of bringing a baby or a pet on a tour like this, but if you’re thinking about it, don’t. No tour operators allow kids under 3, and they really prefer kids to be in elementary school and up. Some will let you book for preschoolers, but others won’t.

Part of this is because of Nagasaki law, which says children under 6 can’t be on the deck of the boat. So if you’re traveling with a child aged 3–6, you’ll have to remain seated with them inside the boat at all times — rather than crowding on the deck with everyone else trying to get photos. And there is still a chance the captain can decide it is too unsafe for a preschooler to disembark.

6. You have to sign a safety contract

You have to agree to follow their rules, which are basically common sense anyway: don’t join the tour intoxicated; don’t go off on your own upon disembarkation (yes, following the guide is really important; they need a license to conduct those tours so they know better) — things like that.

Pro-tip: Read more about haikyo (Japanese for “ruins” but usually referring to modern ones) as an exploration of Japan, past and present

7. There’s an additional ¥ 310 fee on top of the tour cost

It’s a fee set by the local government and it goes to the preservation of Gunkanjima. You pay this to the tour company, with some including it in the price and some charging seperately. For children the fee is ¥ 150 .

8. The Hashima Island tour is 60 minutes long — max

Again, this is a government-mandated thing, and it’s for everyone’s safety. You’ll follow a guide down a prescribed route and stop for photo ops here and there. You won’t really see much of the island, but you’ll at least get a glimpse of the urban decay. And no, you can’t get close to, let alone explore, the ruins. Safety first, remember?

Yes, the round trip to the island takes longer (as just going one-way can take up to an hour, depending on conditions), and while this may be a letdown for some, keep in mind that there’s no other way you can see Gunkanjima. It’s not like it’s some tourist spot in Tokyo , Kyoto , or Osaka that’s easy to get to. And, hey, it’s better than nothing!

9. Skyfall wasn’t actually filmed there

The island was famously featured in Skyfall as the lair of Raoul Silva (a former MI6 agent gone rogue). In reality, the abandoned island just inspired the eventual design of the film, which was actually shot in Macau. So while the reputation for villainy stands out for tourists, only external shots were ever shown in the film. The island was, however, used as a filming location for the less-acclaimed Attack on Titan film, back in 2015.

Tours to Hashima Island

Depending on the company, you might see tours listed for “Battleship Island”, “Abandoned Japanese Island, “Skyfall Island,” or “Ghost Island.” But when it comes to what you see on Hashima Island, all tours are the same. Only a small section of the island is open to visitors, and you’ll be joining a guided tour (with probably 15–30 other people) along a prescribed route.

The time you get on the island is also the same across tours: about 45 minutes — or an hour at max (depending on the ferry crossing conditions). All tours require advanced reservations, which can be done online.

Gunkanjima tour guidelines

• Dress appropriately: Be sure to wear trainers/sneakers (and definitely not heels! but also: no sandals) and some kind of sun protection, as there is little shade on the island; also be warned that it can be very windy, especially in winter.
• Rain doesn’t necessarily mean tours won’t run. Note that umbrellas (and parasols) are not allowed on Hashima Island, so bring a rain jacket if the sky looks questionable. Operators will probably also have plastic ponchos for sale/rent/or maybe for free.
• There are no toilets on the island, and only one or two likely on the boat, so plan accordingly!
• You can take photos and videos on the island and during the journey over (though some operators may ask that you don’t film the guides), but absolutely no drones.

Hashima Island tour companies

All of these are operators licensed, so don’t worry — you’re in good hands.

Note that all of the tours below leave from different locations, but all can be easily reached from Nagasaki Station, either by tram or on foot. Be sure to arrive 30–45 minutes before departure time (following the instructions for the operator) to complete the check-in process.

Yamasa Shipping Co. Ltd.

9 a.m. and 1 p.m daily ¥ 4,200 per adult

Yamasa Shipping Co. Ltd. tours are the priciest on our list but they do come with a considerable perk: guides who speak English or Chinese.

English guides are available on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, while Chinese guides are available on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays (let’s hope you don’t have a mixed group of friends!).

If you book online in advance, you can often score a 5–10% discount. Tickets are also a few hundred yen cheaper for junior high and high school students; meanwhile children 6–12 can join for half the adult fare.

Tours last around 2.5 hours, about two-thirds of which is spent on the boat — but that’s pretty standard. Remember, there’s lots to see from the ferry as well!

Additional details

Booking link 095-822-5002 Nagasaki Port (meet at window no. 7, Nagasaki Port Terminal Bldg.) Tram line 1 to Ohato or a 15-minute walk from Nagasaki Station

Gunkanjima Concierge

9 a.m. and noon (or abouts) daily ¥ 5,000 to ¥ 5,500 per adult (includes entry to Gunkanjima Digital Museum)

Gunkanjima Concierge tours include admission to the Gunkanjima Digital Museum , which is value of ¥ 1,800 (for an adult ticket). So if you’re keen to do both then this tour is the best value for money. The museum is pretty cool and includes VR experiences, projection mapping, and interviews with people from the island along with items, photos, and a short film.

Tours depart from the museum. If you opt for the morning tour, meet up time at the museum is between 9 and 10 a.m. — which means you can visit the museum then, or afterwards. For the afternoon tour, check-in time is between 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m., which gives you plenty of time at the museum.

The tours have audio guides for foreigners as the tours are conducted in Japanese. They boast an impressive 94% landing rate and a 91% departure rate.

Gunkanjima Concierge ticket classes

This cruise is a little different from the others in that there are different ticket classes. Ticket class determines your ferry experience — not the island tour, which is the same for everyone.

• Super Premium: Reserved window seat above deck; priority boarding and disembarking; access to a second floor deck for photo-ops
• Premium: Reserved center seat above deck; priority boarding and disembarking; access to a second floor deck for photo-ops
• Standard: Unreserved seat below deck

Gunkanjima Concierge ticket prices

Peak days are defined by the operator as national holidays, Golden Week, summer vacation, and winter vacation. But since you’re booking ahead there shouldn’t be any suprirses.

There are concessions for junior and highschoolers ( ¥ 1,000 discount) and also elementary school kids ( ¥ 3,000 discount for super premium and premium class or ¥ 2,500 discount for standard class).

Preschoolers ( ¥ 1,500 / ¥ 2,000 weekdays/weekends) can only ride standard class, as they must stay below deck for the duration of the trip.

Booking options: Direct via the operator or via Klook 095-895-9300 Tokiwa Port (meet at the Gunkanjima Digital Museum) Tram line 5 to O-Urakaigandori (30 min from Nagasaki Station + 1 transfer)

Note: Klook does not seem to have the same refund policy as the operator should cruises be canceled.

Gunkanjima Cruise

9:10 a.m. and 2 p.m. daily ¥ 3,600 per adult

Gunkanjima Cruise is the cheapest option, costing just ¥ 3,600 for adults (and ¥ 1,800 for children 12 and under). No tiered pricing or add ons — just a simple flat price.

Tours last a little over 3 hours, and actually visit two islands: Takashima and Hashima. First you’ll sail 40 minutes (ish) to Takashima, where you’ll have 30 minutes to visit the island’s Coal Museum. The highlight here is a scale model of Gunkanjima; there are also some artefacts that shed some light on the life of the miners.

Then it’s a 15-minute ride to Hashima Island, where you’ll have 45 minutes or so of guided viewing of the island.

There is one major downside: no English-language tour guidance. So you’ll be following a tour led in Japanese (you can’t just go off on your own, even if you don’t understand).

Cruises depart from Motofuna Pier, which is a short walk from the Ohato tram stop. Be sure to arrive at least 20 minutes before departure for pre-departure procedures such as registration and payment.

Booking link 095-827-2470 Motofune Pier (11-22 Motofunamachi, Nagasaki City) Tram line 1 to Ohato or a 15-minute walk from Nagasaki Station

Visiting Gunkanjima requires first getting to Nagasaki , which is in Kyūshū. There are international flights to Nagasaki Airport from Shanghai and Hong Kong. Otherwise your only option is to come from elsewhere in Japan. Fortunately, Nagasaki is a major city served by frequent domestic flights, trains, and buses.

Flying to Nagasaki

There are domestic flights to Nagasaki Airport from Tokyo (both Narita and Haneda), Kansai International, Osaka Itami, Kobe, Nagoya Chubu, and Naha.

Both Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways have discounted fares for foreigners who can show proof of residence outside Japan and a ticket back home. If you’re eligible, the fare is ¥ 11,000 for one-way for flights to Nagasaki.

If you want cheaper than that, look into Japan’s low-cost carriers . For example, Peach Air flies to Nagasaki from Osaka’s Kansai International Airport for as little as ¥ 4,000 one-way. The journey is just over an hour.

Alternatively, you can fly to Fukuoka from Kansai (about 1 hour, also for around ¥ 4,000 one-way for Peach) or Tokyo (about 2 hours, starting at around ¥ 5,000 one-way), then take a 2-hour bus (for about ¥ 2,500 ) to Nagasaki.

Unfortunately, getting from Nagasaki Airport to Nagasaki isn’t super convenient, requiring an hour-long bus journey or a pricey taxi ride.

The New Nishikyushu Shinkansen

Trains are an option, especially now that Nagasaki has a Shinkansen station. If you’re traveling with a JR Pass , getting to Nagasaki from anywhere in Japan won’t cost you any extra.

Since September 2022, the the brand new West Kyūshū Shinkansen began service between Takeo Onsen and Nagasaki. Unfortunately, the line isn’t linked up the rest of the Shinkansen network (because of some drama), so you have to take a Ltd. Express train between Takeo Onsen and Fukuoka. It’s annoying extra transfer, though the new Shinkansen does make the trip 30 minutes quicker.

There are also overnight buses from various areas in Kansai.

Make sure you have the right island

We’ve seen quite a few mis-spellings online for Hashima. The most common is “Nashima”. Presumably people are getting it confused with the famous art island of Naoshima , which believe us could not be more different.

While we do our best to ensure it’s correct, information is subject to change. This post was first published in March, 2015. Last updated in April 2023.

• Hashima Island
• Japanese history

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Hashima Island. Enter the forgotten world

Welcome to Hashima Island

On 27th June 2013, Google released brand new street views of a forgotten world off the coast of Japan, in Nagasaki Prefecture. Take a haunted trip through history and discover the secrets & myths hidden amongst Hashima Island’s mysterious, desolate landscape.

Explore the island by dragging and clicking around your scenery

In the Nikkyu Flats you can go up and down the nine floors from here

9 Floors, constructed in 1918: Buildings 16-20, Nikkyu Flats

‘The Stairway to Hell’ (+ Senpujuki Temple)

9 Floors, constructed 1945: ‘Block 65’

7 Floors, constructed in 1958: Building 70, School

7 Floors, constructed in 1916: Building 30, Flats for Subcontractors

On June 27th 2013, Google released brand new street view photographs of a forgotten world – Hashima Island, otherwise known as ‘Gunkanjima’, off the South-West coast of Japan in Nagasaki Prefecture. With the aid of Google Chrome, this website allows you to take a digital dip into history to discover the secrets & legends hidden amongst Hashima's mysterious, desolate landscape.

The aim of this site is to give you an advanced introduction into where you are able to explore within the island, adding context and back-story to Google's amazing street-view photography. I hope you enjoy this website as much as I have done creating it...

Hashima Island: The Story

Hashima island is one of the 505 uninhabited islands in Nagasaki Prefecture off of the South West coast of Japan, standing at 61,000 square metres in size. But the island was not always uninhabited, as it was once home to a major coal mining operation managed by Mitsubishi, at its peak, housing 5,259 people which resulted in a staggering 83,500 people per square kilometre, making it one of the most densely populated places in world history. The island is also known as 'Battleship Island', named after its external appearance and unique silhouette.

Mitsubishi took control of the island in 1890 after its first inhabitation 3 years earlier, and began its relentless coal mining operation which lasted well beyond two world wars, and almost a century of memories before suddenly fading into history in 1974. Coal mining was slowing down rapidly in the 1960s due to the surge of popular petroleum and thus the island's destiny was decided in ‘74 when Mitsubishi announced the closure of operation.

The island was emptied so quickly that many items and possessions still remain for you to find as you explore the landscape and interiors – maybe you may come across the spirits of cats which couldn't be found before their owners took the rest of their lives back to the mainland in ‘74. All else that remains is lost history, to be lived all over again.

I have researched heavily on the island and thus would like to name a number of resources, available in their raw forms here and all of which are well worth the jump if this site has tingled your fascinations:

Hashima Island The Forgotten World

Nikkyu flats, ‘stairway to hell’, primary school, ‘glover house’.

• The Coal Mine

Buildings 16-20 | Constructed 1918 | View map

You stand now on the fourth floor of the Nikkyu company flats for miners, built after the first World War from reinforced concrete, standing at 9 stories high and holding 241 rooms. The complex was constructed on a sloping rock at the center of Hashima and became for a time, the tallest building in Japan . Apartment complexes like these continued being created to the point where the island had more than 30 concrete buildings.

This was where many of the miners lived on the island, and is thus where many personal possessions have been left behind such as this abandoned old relic... What will you find?

As a result of these efforts, Hashima's annual coal production reached a peak of 410,000 tons in 1941. But it was an achievement that exacted a heavy toll in human suffering - Korean and Chinese replaced miners during the Second World War and were subject to poor conditions and starvation.  

and walk to Senpukuji Temple | View map

Behold in front of you, the infamous ‘Stairway to Hell’. The staircase, found between buildings 57 (a shop) and 16, linked to a range of areas amongst the labryinth of apartment blocks to connect neighbours and friends, communal baths and recreation areas - staircases are a common theme on the island, serving essentially as a highway system.

However at the very top of the summit, after a walk described as making one feel 'hellish pain', you find Senpukuji Temple.

Take the walk of hell

In front of the temple lays a shrine, which was of great spiritual importance to the miners of the island who would risk their lives every day working in the intense atmospheres of the pit.

Each year on the 3rd of April, the entire island held celebrations to represent the shrine's ‘Yamagami Festival’ . An old worshipper's hall once stood where the altar was, but collapsed and all that remains is the sacred shrine.

Building 65 | Constructed 1945 | View map

In front of you lies block 65, a 9 storey high construction featuring 317 apartments.

Stand in front of block 65 and look right to see ‘Salt rain crossing’ – this is where people had to wait for waves caused by typhoons to crash in before crossing to markets and shops, as water consumed parts of the area. Take the crossing

Built in 1945 while the Second World War was still going on, it was the only building in the whole of Japan to actually be built in this period, earning it the nickname ‘In Our Country's Service’.

After the initial construction, three further developments took place – 1947, where two extra floors were added, ‘49 when the east sector was built and finally in ‘53 which included a Kindergarten on the roof.

Building 70 | Constructed 1958 | View map

You currently stand in the playground of Hashima school which you see in front of you – featuring 7 floors, this was the home of education and children on Gunkanjima island and was the final building to ever be made there .

The ground to the fourth floor held primary school while fifth to seventh had middle/junior-high school, the 7th also containing both a gymnasium and a theatre. Towards the end of the island's populated years, in 1970 a lunch hall was installed along with the island's only lift was installed – but was only ever used for transporting goods and school meals.

On March 31st 1974 the school closed for the final time, where the children of the school grouped themselves together to form ‘Sayonara Hashima’ in the playground.  

Building 30 | Constructed 1916 | View map

To your right, you see building 30 – a 7 storey concrete construction and Japan's oldest of its sort, providing housing for miners and more specifically, subcontractors. It has a basement containing a shop, as well as a roof garden.

This was nicknamed ‘Glover House’ by its inhabitants, coming from the rumour that the designer of the construction was a Scottish merchant named Thomas B. Glover (1838-1911) who had strong links to Mitsubishi.

Take a walk to your left to delve inside Building 31, used for communal baths as well as featuring a post office, hairdresser and more housing.

Coal Storage Area

In front of you as well as a weathered and torn old bicycle, stand the towering support braces which once were an essential reason for the island being inhabited.

Coal which was chosen to be used would be carried along to a storage centre on the conveyor belt which these braces held up, before the coal ships would collect it. The coal would be collected from long, deep tunnels underneath the sea bed around Gunkanjima.

To delve a bit further into the history of Hashima's mining past, coal production had recently expanded on a nearby island named Takashima and in April 1869, a 150-foot deep coal bed was found which brought vast riches to the operation – this influenced a rush for more mining in the area, including the then-dormant Gunkanjima. This was the beginning of Hashima's historic fate.

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• Nagasaki City
• Hashima (Gunkanjima)

Hashima (Gunkanjima) 端島（軍艦島）

Nagasaki-shi, Nagasaki-ken

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A former coal mine in the middle of the sea

• Up-close and personal tours of an abandoned coal mine
• Viewing Gunkanjima from the mainland

How to Get There

To reach Gunkanjima, you must join one of the organized tours that run several times a day. The tours leave from different locations in Nagasaki Port and vary in foreign language availability, age, health restrictions and other options.

Journeys take roughly 30 minutes one-way. Tours may be canceled during times of severe weather or other unfavorable conditions. Advance reservations are highly recommended for weekends and during holidays.

Quick Facts

Gunkanjima is known as an uninhabited island of ruins

The island is a mere 480 meters long and 160 meters wide

Gunkanjima once boasted a hospital, two schools, shops and even a temple and shrine

A symbol of industrial development

A reverse rags-to-riches tale of Japan's modernization in the years leading up to the second world war, Gunkanjima offers a truly unique glimpse into Japan's history. Developed by Mitsubishi and a hub of national coal mining, Gunkanjima's population reached an astonishing 5,300 people (approximately) in its heyday. Yet the island was quickly abandoned in around 1974 when energy needs changed, and the coal mines were closed.

For years the island was left to the elements, a grim symbol of Japan's rapid industrialization.

Dawning of a new era

Opening to tourists in 2009, Gunkanjima spawned an interest in abandoned ruins tourism and was later named a UNESCO world heritage site in 2015. Observing the weather-beaten relics and decaying, dilapidated buildings up close, it's hard to imagine this island was once home to a thriving and vibrant community.

Should you decide not to take a tour of the island, you can view Gunkanjima from Nagasaki's most southern tip when skies are clear. Peer closely, and you may even see the deserted buildings and watch the light filter through the crumbling windows.

Things to bear in mind

You cannot visit Gunkanjima alone. Due to the structural instability of the island, it is mandatory that all visitors travel in tour groups.

Tours may be canceled due to bad weather. It is best not to plan a trip during typhoon season, rainy season or during the winter months.

You may be denied access due to health issues.

Some tours are not wheelchair accessible. Check with individual tour operators for specific terms and conditions.

You must sign a safety contract to participate in the tours.

* The information on this page may be subject to change due to COVID-19.

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Gunkanjima (�R�͓�) is a small island located about 20 kilometers from Nagasaki Port. Until 1974, the island served as a coal mine, and more than 5000 residents called the 480 meter long, 150 meter wide island home, resulting in the highest population density in history recorded worldwide.

To accommodate so many people in such a small area, every piece of land was built up so that the island came to resemble a massive battleship. In fact, "Gunkanjima" is a nickname that means "battleship island" in Japanese . The island's formal name is Hashima.

Coal was first discovered on Gunkanjima in 1810 by the feudal lord of Saga. Industrial mining began in the late 1800s , and soon after, the island was purchased by the Mitsubishi Corporation. As production increased, the island was expanded, and large residential and industrial buildings and high sea walls were constructed.

Managers, workers and their families all called the little island home. The residents were able to live out a more or less typical life. Half of the island was devoted to the workings of the mine, the other to residential space, schools, restaurants, shops, a public bath and a hospital.

In April 1974, the mine was closed, and its residents had to leave Gunkanjima, abandoning the island with all its buildings. Over the years since then, direct exposure to typhoons has caused the residences and mining facilities to deteriorate, giving the island an eerie and haunting atmosphere. Due to the danger of collapsing structures, Gunkanjima was closed to the public, and for many years could only be seen from sightseeing cruises that circled the island.

In 2009, a new boat dock made it possible for sightseeing tour boats to land on Gunkanjima. Tour participants are taken to three observation decks in a small part on the southern end of the island and spend about 45 minutes on the island with Japanese speaking tour guides. Tours do not involve getting too close to the buildings because of the risk of collapse.

The boat ride between Nagasaki and Gunkanjima is also enjoyable. Boats take about 50 minutes one way, and pass large Mitsubishi ship building factories and other islands along the way. The ride also allows for nice views of the city of Nagasaki and its port from the water.

For those unable to get to Gunkanjima, an alternative is the Gunkanjima Digital Museum near the Oura Church in Nagasaki . This modern museum boasts an impressive amount of information about the island, including a simulated journey down a working mineshaft and a digital installation that recounts aspects of living through testimonials and photographs. Visitors can also take augmented reality tours of certain areas of the island as they exist today.

Getting there and around

Tour boats to Gunkanjima are operated by multiple companies and depart from various locations in Nagasaki Port, including the Nagasaki Port Ferry Terminal near the Ohato tram stop (3 minutes by tram line 1 from Nagasaki Station) and the Tokiwa Terminal near the Ourakaikandori tram stop (15 minutes by tram line 1 and 5 from Nagasaki Station).

The Gunkanjima Digital Museum is located a short walk from the Oura Church and the Ouratenshudo tram stop on tram line number 5.

How to get to and around Nagasaki

Hours and Fees

Multiple companies operate boat tours to Gunkanjima . Tours typically take about three hours, including close to an hour spent on the island itself, and cost around 3910-5810 yen per person. Note that in case of bad weather or high waves, landing on the island may not be possible or boats may not operate at all. Advance reservations are recommended especially on weekends and during holidays.

The Gunkanjima Digital Museum is open from 9:00 to 17:00 (entry until 16:30) with a small number of irregular closing days. Admission costs 1800 yen. The museum takes 45-90 minutes to explore and has a moderate level of English, which is contributed to by English headsets that follow the digital installation.

Questions? Ask in our forum .

Links and Resources

Yamasa kaiun, gunkanjima concierge, gunkanjima cruise, gunkanjima digital museum, hotels around nagasaki.

Exploring the Ruins Of Hashima Island: A Journey to Gunkanjima (Battleship Island)

Those that have taken the time to tour the Abandoned Hashima Island have found themselves in awe of its forsaken beauty — an awe that is warranted, especially since it has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

The mysterious abandoned island of Gunkanjima, also known as Hashima Island and Battleship Island, sits 16 km from the mainland of Japan. It’s a place of forgotten history and whispered legends, a secluded remnant of a bygone era. 

Exploring the ruins of Hashima Island is an exciting journey that is wildly captivating. Though it is a decaying and lonely place, it can still offer powerful insights into the past and the people who lived here. 

he adventure of discovering Gunkanjima, however, is a story of stark contrasts — one of grand grandeur with a vastness that is overwhelming, of solidarity in a void of silence, and of untouched beauty encased in hauntingly ceaseless ruins.

Page Contents

Visiting Hashima Island

Overview of hashima island and meaning of gunkanjima.

Hashima Island, also known as Gunkanjima (which means ‘Battleship Island’ in Japanese), is an iconic location with a unique and fascinating history. 

Located in the East China Sea off the coast of Nagasaki of Japan, this World Heritage Site has a very interesting story behind it.

 The island, which was formerly owned by a Japanese mining company, had been abandoned for nearly two decades by the mid-20th century; all of its inhabitants left after the coal demand decreased and the operations closed. 

Over the years, the empty island has become like a ghost town, giving tourists a glimpse into its mysterious past.

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Today, Hashima Island is known as a symbol of Japan’s industrialization, a living relic that speaks of the rich history shared between Japan and all of its former citizens. 

There, one can explore its ruined remains and take in the island’s beauty and charm. 

Touring the abandoned island is an unforgettable experience and offers visitors an insight into the era when Japan was in the midst of a rapid modernization process.

 It also serves as an important reminder that the past should never be forgotten and that progress must be valued and carefully managed.

• Related: Things To Do In Ishigaki Island

History of Hashima Island

Hashima Island, more commonly known as Gunkanjima (Battleship Island) due to its past and its unique, ship-like shape, is an iconic and mysterious symbol of Japan. 

Located in the East China Sea, this World Heritage Site was once home to a bustling coal mine and its population of over 5000 inhabitants. 

The island was once a thriving symbol of Japan’s industrialization from the 19th to mid-20th centuries.

In the 1880s, the coal mine opened, and the small, rocky island became the most densely populated area in the world. But by the 1970s the coal reserves dried up and the the island was eventually abandoned in 1974. 

It has since been left to the forces of nature, slowly crumbling and being reclaimed by the ocean.

Today, tours are conducted of this forgotten island and its historical ruins.

Seeing the dilapidated buildings, concrete storage tanks, swimming pool, and other structures of the past, tourists can experience the haunting industrial landscape and stories of the island’s former inhabitants. 

Through these tours, modern-day travelers can gain understanding of the lives of those former miners who worked and lived in Hashima Island, and the legacy of Gunkanjima on Japan’s rich industrial history.

Accessibility and Tourist Experience At Hashimza Island

Touring the ruins of Hashima Island, also known as Gunkanjima or “Battleship Island”, is certainly not for the faint-hearted. 

Hashima Island is a remote and isolated location whose crumbling structures have drawn curious visitors for decades. 

Accessibility to Hashima Island is highly limited; the only way to reach it is by boat. 

Tourists can book a tour at selected harbours in the Nagasaki prefecture to experience its haunting beauty. The tour will usually be accompanied by a licensed guide to ensure a safe, educational and enjoyable experience. 

The captivating ruins of Hashima Island have an enchanting, yet ominous presence. For those willing to brave the ocean and explore the island, the experience will be one of awe and curiosity. 

Visitors can take in the silent, spectacular views, including the series of tenements and other derelict buildings, all interacting with nature in various shapes and forms. 

The captivating experience of Hashima Island is one like no other. With the unique experience of a boat ride to the island, and the eerie bliss of exploring its abandoned structures, visitors get the opportunity to delve into the island’s fascinating history. 

The experience makes for a once-in-a-lifetime journey to another world.

Impact of Hashima and Influence on Modern Culture

The eerie ruins of Hashima Island, or Gunkanjima (Battleship Island) are truly a sight to behold. Once a bustling coal mining facility, the island has been abandoned for over 6 decades, with many of its buildings crumbling into the sea. 

Today, it serves as a testament to how quickly modern life can change, gaining notoriety as a World Heritage Site.  

The abandoned island site has had a big influence on modern culture, from its iconic imagery to its renowned status as an historical landmark. It has been featured in notable films, such as the James Bond movie “Skyfall” and has been photographed many times over by documentary filmmakers. 

Even day-to-day travelers are drawn in by the palpable ghostly atmosphere and mystifying architecture, taking touring excursions to witness its desolate beauty firsthand. 

The island’s lasting impact goes even further than the general intrigue earned from its visuals. It has a deep-rooted history, once being home to thousands of coal workers, and it serves as an example of how coal powered post-war Japan.

 As a cultural reminder of this legacy, the island has become an important symbol of the past, one that continually sends ripples of influence throughout modern culture.

Visiting the ruins of Hashima Island – Gunkanjima, or Battleship Island as it is widely known – is an unforgettable journey through time. Seeing the remains of a once bustling coal-mining town, nestled on an island off of the coast of the Nagasaki prefecture, is a riveting experience that brings history to life. 

This journey to Battleship Island illuminates new facets of Japan’s rich history and encourages reflection on the sheer scale of human ambition combined with the harsh realities of industrialization. 

As a World Heritage Site, exploring the ruins of Hashima Island will remain an unforgettable experience for many years to come and is one that is truly worth taking.

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A Guide to Exploring Hashima Island

Commonly known as Gunkanjima (literally, “Battleship Island”), Hashima is an abandoned island that once housed more than 5,000 people and served as a labor site during World War II . Located roughly 15km (9mi) off the coast of Nagasaki city, the ruins of Hashima have become something of a tourist destination for adventure travelers and history buffs. We take a look at the fascinating history of this once bustling island and the best ways to see it for yourself.

The industrialization of hashima.

When coal was discovered on Hashima at the beginning in the 19th century, traffic to the island began to increase. From 1887 to 1974, the island served as a seabed coal mining facility; during this time Hashima was constantly inhabited, with the population continuously increasing as more and more undersea coal mines and mine shafts were established. During this time, nearly 16 million tons of coal were extracted from the island’s mines.

In order to accommodate the constant influx of miners and their families, massive concrete walls and buildings were constructed on and around the tiny island. The built-up concrete structures made the island look more like a battleship from afar, thus earning it the nickname “Battleship Island”. From 1930’s through WWII, the island was used as a forced labor site for the production of coal; it is estimated that roughly 1300 workers, primarily Korean and Chinese, died here due do harsh conditions during this time. As petroleum came to replace coal as the nation’s main energy source, the mines began to shut down. Hashima was officially closed as a mining site and cleared of all employees and residents in 1974 where it remained abandoned for over three decades. With most of its structures still intact, the island was reopened as a tourist destination in 2009 and declared a Unesco World Heritage site in 2015.

Getting there

Multiple companies offer ferry tours to the island out of Nagasaki Port (located just a few stops from Nagasaki Station). A standard tour takes around three hours and includes a trip to the island’s three observation decks as well as an hour-long walking tour with a Japanese-speaking guide. Because the abandoned buildings pose a serious safety risk, the tour is fairly restricted and visitors are not permitted to stray from the path. Unless you have a media/press pass, private excursions to the island are illegal. Additionally, due to the harsh waters and weather conditions in the area, passengers may be refused admittance based on physical condition. Newborn babies and pets are of course not allowed. For more information on Hashima tours, check out Gunkanjima Cruise , Yamasa Shipping Co. Ltd. , or the Gunkanjima Concierge Company .

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Hashima the Forsaken Island

Gunkanjima, whose real name is Hashima, is a small Japanese island located about twenty kilometers off Nagasaki’s shores, in the west of Kyushu Island. Now a desert island, it shelters the ruins of a former mining town only accessible by guided tours.

Hashima’s site is a quite unique visit in Japan as it was emptied from its inhabitants several decades ago. The Ghost Island , now mainly called Gunkanjima (literally "Battleship island" due to its warship appearance), is located in Nagasaki prefecture, about twenty kilometers to the south-west of the eponymous city.

Hashima was initially a desert island until an important coal deposit was discovered in 1810, and the powerful Mitsubishi group settled a large workforce to exploit the coal mine . The island was enlarged many times between 1899 and 1931 to accommodate the numerous workers and their families. The superficies almost doubled to reach 6,3 hectares (~15 acres) on a 480 meters length and 160 meters width.

A fast development

Gunkanjima hosted all the infrastructures necessary to coal mining, as well as residential buildings, two schools, shops and services (restaurants, cinema, swimming pool, public bath, and gymnasium), an administrative district for the mine, a hospital and even a prison. Narrow alleys and stairways allowed circulation between the buildings of this little town. The shores of the islands were constituted by the docks and embankments necessary to boat traffic.

During World War II, Imperial Japan occupied Korea’s territory and sent 800 Korean conscripts and prisoners as forced laborers to Hashima. The island became akin to an outdoor prison, where runaways were tortured and more than 120 of them perished. In the 2000s, and despite South Korea’s opposition, the island was named in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

An abrupt withdrawal

After the war, Gunkanjima’s population grew quickly to reach 5,300 inhabitants in 1959. With 84,000 inhabitants per km², it was the highest population density in the world at the time. However, oil became the main source of energy in Japan as well, which impacted on the mine’s activity, that was definitely stopped in the 1970s. The last inhabitants were evacuated in April 1974 .

Hashima was abandoned to the weather’s hardships and especially typhoons   🌀 that hastened the building’s decay. The prefecture deemed the island dangerous and closed it to the public until further notice. After major works funded by Nagasaki City to welcome tourists, the island reopened in April 2009 . Several hundreds of thousands of people visit the island each year, and it even has its own mascot , named Gansho-kun.

For safety reasons, the official guided tour is limited to a southern itinerary, with restricted views. It is also a favorite exploration site for all urbex amateurs, in non-official tours. This kind of activity is naturally prohibited; however it is still possible to have a virtual and safe tour thanks to Google Street .

The incredible setting of Gunkanjima entered the popular culture as the decor for the James Bond series' Skyfall (2012) and a filming location for the movie Attack on Titan (2015).

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Explore the Decaying ‘Battleship Island’ on a Gunkanjima Cruise

I have a morbid fascination with abandonments. They are symbols of death, bankruptcy, modernisation and economic downturn. Their grimy shadows hide secrets, their decaying decor illuminates history and their silence speaks volumes. Oftentimes, once the decision has been made to walk away, these buildings, amusement parks and towns are frozen in time, defenceless against the unyielding forces of nature, forgotten. But not always. In some cases, like Hashima off the coast of Nagasaki, efforts are made to preserve and even promote the sites as tourist attractions . Those with a penchant for urban exploration should take a Gunkanjima Cruise out of Nagasaki City to witness the crumbling former coal mining island for themselves. 

Hashima, a decaying bubble

Hashima, often referred to as Gunkanjima, or Battleship Island, due to its boat-like profile, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located 15km from Nagasaki ’s city center. Coal mining kicked off here around 1887 and continued for nearly a century until 1974. At its peak, Hashima’s population was over 5,000 people; for such a small island—160m east to west and 480m from north to south—this made it the most densely populated place on Earth.  

Though mining was the main industry, residents also had access to schools, shops , a hospital, cinema and swimming pool among many other facilities. It was its own self-contained little world, with easy access to the mainland for anything else they needed. Since the collapse of the coal mining industry and the subsequent abandonment in the 1970s, Gunkanjima has been battered almost beyond recognition by typhoons, giving it a rather spooky appearance. The island was later opened to the public in 2009, but it’s not possible to explore on your own. Luckily, there are a number of tour providers that can ferry you to the island for a guided look.  

Gunkanjima cruise providers 

There are only a handful of companies who are authorised to operate Gunkanjima cruises and tours. In the Motofunamachi area, not far from Nagasaki Station, you’ll find Gunkanjima Cruise Co. and Yamasa-Kaiun . Over at Tokiwa Terminal, near the Oura Church area, are the Seaman Gunkanjima Tour company and Gunkanjima Concierge —the latter of which I chose. Each of the providers offer morning and afternoon cruises, with tickets costing roughly 4,000 yen for adults across the board. Schedules and prices can be found on their respective websites where you can also book directly.  

Gunkanjima Concierge 

At Gunkanjima Concierge , the regular ticket costs 4,000 plus a 300 yen fee for accessing the island. I went with the next plan up, the ‘Priority’, which costs an extra 900 yen, and gave me half-priced entry to the Gunkanjima Digital Museum as well as priority boarding on the outbound trip. The museum contains three floors of digital displays, movies, images, models and even VR experiences to help visitors understand more about life on Hashima. It is also the check-in point for the cruise and is where you get your numbered sticker for boarding. I wanted to learn as much as possible about Hashima before visiting, so I went early to browse the exhibits with my discounted entry. I will cover this attraction in more detail in my next article. When it was time for the Gunkanjima cruise, I made my way a few blocks over to the Tokiwa Pier. 

The cruise portion 

I arrived to an excited crowd and a dismal forecast. On the day’s information board, the sea conditions were listed as simply a screaming emoji. Just as I had feared, rough seas were ahead. Perhaps seeing my ashen expression, a friendly staff member sidled up and suggested I head inside to purchase the anti-sea-sickness pressure bands; I’ve never spent ¥500 so quickly. By the time I’d gotten my bands in place and was given a folder full of information (in place of the usual English audio guide which was temporarily withheld due to social distancing measures), a long queue had formed beside the ship. This is when the priority boarding privileges came in handy, as I was ushered to the head of the line. 

All aboard 

The boat is a sit-where-you-like situation. However, the ‘Premium’ ticket (around 8,000 yen) holders had a special area upstairs, as well as VIP access to the front of the boat. I clocked the sick bags, took the boiled lollies from the staff and fastened my pressure bands as we commenced the choppy ride towards Hashima. The seats all faced the front where screens showed images and mid-century footage to accompany the guide’s presentation. He occasionally dipped into English for my sole benefit but the information folder was filled with interesting snippets.

Once Gunkanjima was in sight, the Premium ticket holders went to the front of the ship for photos, while the rest of us went to the windows or out to the rear. The ‘three points of contact’ rule is king, here. It was rough . As we got closer, I could see the sky through the smashed out windows of the deserted high-rises, and the sea birds circling above.  

Touring Hashima island

We disembarked and staff led us into the rubble. The roaring sea winds died down, silence descending over us. It’s far too dangerous to walk around the island unattended, so there are three designated viewing zones. Surrounded by concrete, rusted steel and smashed bricks, we made our way through as the guide spoke in Japanese about the history and function of certain buildings. Without the audio guide, I simply took in my eerie surroundings and photographed them. 

Hashima was home to so many people and many of the former residents have fond memories of their time here. The Digital Museum’s website has a written account from a former resident who returned to the island on a Gunkanjima cruise and said they wanted to scream. Those fond memories replaced by a dystopian warzone. Looking at the drab grey all around, I recalled what I’d read on the boat: that Gunkanjima was jokingly called ‘the island without green.’ At one time, rice paddies were set up on one of the rooftops to teach children about agriculture. Unfortunately, the building wasn’t waterproofed and the rice paddy leaked on the residents below. Oops!   

Of course, Hashima also has a sad history. It was, for a time, home to a number of POW labourers who were made to work in the mine. Perhaps this knowledge is what caused me to shiver when I saw the twisted remains of the mining equipment because it wasn’t that cold.

Heading back  

The staff herded us back to the boat, as no doubt another tour company was coming our way. I checked to make sure my new favourite thing in the world, the pressure bands, were in place before climbing aboard. On the return journey, I read that Hashima is just one of over 500 abandoned islands in Nagasaki prefecture alone. In fact, Gunkanjima Concierge also offers tours of another island: Ikeshima. Unfortunately, it was closed due to typhoon damage but it’s earmarked for next time. 

As we sailed back into Nagasaki Bay, our guide pointed out the Mitsubishi shipyard—previous owners of the Hashima mine and Gunkanjima island. It’s fair to say I’ll never look at one of their cars again without thinking of this day.

Visiting Hashima was a dream come true. As it is forever deteriorating, there’s no time like the present to visit. For those unable to visit due to poor weather conditions or a tight itinerary, you can always Google it. Amazingly, a person rigged with a 360º camera was sent in so we can experience the ruins using Google street-view. Alternatively, check out the 007 Skyfall movie which has a scene filmed on the island.

Post by Japan Journeys .

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Ine bay sightseeing boat: birds and boat houses, exploring tokyo’s biggest cave: nippara limestone caves, uga shrine: a power spot island on lake nojiri, most popular, great osaka indoor activity: kaiyukan (osaka aquarium), the mystical itsukushima jinja: miyajima’s unesco listed floating shrine, toyokuni shrine: the pagoda, the preservation and the provenance, a circuit through shimokitazawa, daihikaku senkoji: the best views in arashiyama, hokkaido events: lake shikotsu winter ice festival, fukuoka city beach park & momochi seaside park, magical winter date spot at the yokohama red brick warehouse christmas..., turkish rice at kyushu’s first-ever cafe “tsuruchan”, neon and noodles at nagasaki shinchi chinatown.

Gunkanjima Cruise (Hashima)

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Gunkanjima Cruise (Hashima) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Business Hours  8:30 AM ～ 17:00 PM

コチラから24時間ネット予約受付中

In April, 2009 the ban on landing on Hashima (commonly called Gunkanjima) was lifted. The trip will give you a firsthand experience of this once prosperous deserted island.

Why not feel the unique history of Nagasaki through a Gunkanjima tour, visiting the site of Kitakeii Mine, Glover Garden and other spots.

*Tour Duration … About 3 hours

Start of Tour

Go to Takashima

Landing on and Looking on Takashima

• Coal Museum (Model of Hashima)
• Statue of Yataro Iwasaki etc.

Go to Gunkanjima (Hasima)

Depart from Gunkanjima (Hasima)

Ianding on and looking on Gunkanjima (Hashima)

The boat will be stopping in Takashima port.

Go to Nagasaki Port

Arrive at Nagasaki Port

End of Tour

Important points.

• You may not be able to land on the island when the wind velocity reaches above 5 meters, the wave height reaches above 0.5 meters or the visibility is 500 meters or less. Also, you are not able to land on it when the captain decides that visitors are not able to disembark safely. In the event, you are not able to disembark, you will receive a souvenir. You won’t be charged for the entrance fee.
• Be sure to check in at the reception desk Motohuna pire : 20 minutes before departure. If you are late,You can not ride a boat.
• All participants must sign a safety contract in order to attend. Please bring it on the day of your tour. (They can also sign it at reception on the day.) ⇒ Click here for the safety contract [PDF]
• The places tour participants are allowed to access at Hashima (Gunkanjima) are Sanbashi, pier, an open area and a tour route (about 220 meters). You are strictly prohibited from entering other areas.
• Please refrain from drinking and smoking during the tour (on board, at the time of landing on Gunkanjima, Takashima). Also, for safety of navigation and landing, it is not possible to board a person who is drinking.
• For safety please don’t bring an umbrella or wear high heels and please hang your camera around your neck.
• You are able to take pictures of Hashima (Gunkanjima) from the ferry or at the tour spots in Hashima (Gunkanjima).
• Because there is only one toilet on the ferry, please use the restroom before boarding.

Cancel charge

If you cancel a tour or decrease the number of people, we would like to charge backward from the day before a departure date as follows.

Boarding Fee

Adults     ¥ 3,600, children  ¥ 1,800.

*Is required " Landing fee " separately. Adults ¥310 / Children ¥150

Payment, thank you in cash on the day. (Credit card is not allowed)

Individuals 095-827-2470 Travel Agents 095-895-8418

Conditions on landing on and visiting Hashima (Gunkanjima)

Download pledge

しまとく通貨でお得に上陸ツアー!

To customers of the travel agency

※予約番号またはお客様名を必ず入力してください。

Hashima Island Guide: Japan’s Gunkanjima Battleship Island

Often known as Gunkanjima or battleship island for its similarity to a Japanese battleship, Hashima is an abandoned island in Nagasaki , Japan .

Hashima Island is a popular destination in Japan for those who love James Bond as it was an inspiration for Skyfall 2012 movie.

How to visit the Gunkanjima battleship island?

Let’s take a look inside Japan’s abandoned battleship island to understand more about it.

Introduction

The article has the following sections:

• The history of Hashima Island
• The buildings on Hashima Island

Life on Hashima Island

• Reasons Hashima island was abandoned
• Hashima island nowadays
• The cost to visit Gunkanjima
• How to book tickets to Hashima Island

Review of Gunkanjima tour

Places to stay in nagasaki.

The history of Hashima Island (Gunkanjima)

Located 19 km Southwest of Nagasaki harbor, Hashima Island was home to Mitsubishi’s coal mine workers.

The coal was first discovered on Gunkanjima in 1810, and the full-scale seabed coal mining operations started 80 years later, in 1890, by Mitsubishi Limited Partnership .

The distance from Mitsubishi Mining Company as the main coal mine on the island of Takashima to Hashima island is approximately 2.5 km.

The expansion of Hashima Island (Gunkanjima)

Gunkanjima was initially just a small aqueous rock, but it was expanded due to mining techniques.

The current size of Gunkanjima is three times more than its origin after six times constructing the dams.

Coal mine work on Hashima Island (Gunkanjima)

Approximately 15.7 million tons of coal were mined between 1891 and 1974.

Mining the seabed coal reserves of Gunkanjima took the miners to places more than 1000 meters under sea level.

The working condition was terrible, with a temperature of 30 Celsius degrees and 95% humidity. The miners had to work in a dangerous environment with the risk of a gas explosion.

The buildings on Hashima Island (Gunkanjima)

The population in Gunkanjima grew due to the increase in the amount of excavated coal. In 1916, the first apartment building was built on this battleship island.

What buildings are in Gunkanjima?

The list of buildings includes Employee housing, Mine manager’s residence, Employee dormitories, Employee clubhouses, Communal bath, Town housing, Police dispatch post, Community center, Miner’s training camp, Quarantine ward, Shops, Hashima hospital, Hashima school, gymnasium.

Besides shops and schools, the island had a cinema and pachinko hall for leisure activities.

There was a shrine on the island as well. On the 3rd of April, every year, celebrations take place to celebrate the Yamagami festival. Nowadays, only a small part of the shrine remains.

General Office

This bridge-building was the center of the mine. There was a large communal bath area for the miners in the General Office. Most of the buildings surrounding the General Office have collapsed.

Apartment Buildings

Built in 1916, the No.30 apartment, formerly known as “Glover House,” served as housing for the miners on Gunkanjima island.

This one is the oldest 7-story concrete apartment building in Japan.

The remains of Jetty

Although the mine facilities are mostly in ruins, the steps leading to the jetty are still here.

During its peak, Hashima island was home to 5300 people, five times more than Tokyo in the same period.

Electricity and Water

At first, the electricity was supplied by a generator, but later by the undersea cable from Takashima island from 1918.

There were vegetable gardens on the roofs of apartment buildings, and flowers and vegetables were grown there. It was believed that those were the first rooftop vegetable gardens in Japan.

Due to its location, Hashima island suffered from large waves, and it got even worse during hurricanes.

However, the Islanders also got used to them and developed the habit of watching high waves from the rooftops.

Why was Hashima island abandoned?

Due to the Energy Revolution, people started to use oil power instead, leading to the decline of coal demand. Therefore, the production of mine reduced along with the island’s population. 

The coal mine on Hashima island was closed in January 1974 with the following abandon four months later in April.

The buildings on Gunkanjima island were preserved, becoming ruins that looked from afar. The island looked like a battleship – Gunkan – so the island was later named.

Visit this island, time seems to be stopping, and the surrounding landscape vividly recreates the old days.

Hashima Island nowadays

After the mine was closed, Gunkanjima was left abandoned for many years until 2009, when Gunkanjima got considered an industrial heritage site in Kyushu island.

You can now visit Gunkanjima island by taking tours from Nagasaki port.

Is the Gunkanjima battleship island safe to visit?

Yes, it’s safe to visit part of Gunkanjima island. However, when visiting Gunkanjima, you should follow safety protocols.

How much does it cost to go to Gunkanjima?

The cost of the Gunkanjima trip includes the boat tour service and battleship island entrance fee.

Boat tour fee:

• Weekday: 4,000 Yen
• Weekend, National Holiday, and Vacations: 4,500 Yen

Inclusive Of:

• Cruise experience
• English audio guide (optional)
• Insurance provided by the operator

Not Inclusive Of:

• Nagasaki City facility fee (adults: JPY300 and children: JPY150)
• Other personal expenses
• Tips and gratuities (optional)

Battleship island entrance fee:

Besides paying for the boat tour, each visitor has to pay an entrance fee to Hashima island: 300 Yen /adult and  150 Yen /child.

Book tour to Gunkanjima

Gunkanjima Concierge Company offers two trips daily:

• Morning tour: 9:40 am to 1:15 pm
• Afternoon tour: 12:50 pm to 4:20 pm

Here is the plan for the two cruises. You can depart either from Nagasaki pier or from Iojima island.

Morning Cruise

• 9:40 am meet up at Gunkanjima Concierge office
• 10:30 am depart from the pier
• 10:50 am arrive at Iojima
• 10:55 am depart from Iojima
• 11:15 am take a cruise around Battleship Island
• 11:30 am explore Battleship Island
• 12:20 pm leave from Battleship Island
• 12:40 pm arrive at Iojima
• 12:45 pm depart from Iojima
• 1:15 pm back to the pier

Afternoon Cruise

• 12:50 pm meet up at Gunkanjima Concierge office
• 1:40 pm leave from the dock
• 2:00 pm arrive at Iojima
• 2:05 pm depart from Iojima
• 2:25 pm cruise around Battleship Island
• 2:35 pm explore Battleship Island
• 3:25 pm departure from Battleship Island
• 3:45 pm arrive at Iojima
• 3:50 pm leave from Iojima
• 4:20 pm back to the pier

How to book tours to Gunkanjima?

You can book the Gunkanjima tour easily with Klook , a reliable and efficient online travel company. I’ve used Klook for several activities, so I recommend it.

The booking procedure is effortless.

By choosing the date and course, then paying by credit card, you will receive the confirmation through email and get ready for your trip.

Please note that you will receive confirmation of your booking’s availability through your email within two business days.

As we wanted to visit the Nagasaki museum in the morning, we opted for the afternoon tour.

After having lunch at Chinatown, we walked to the port at the meeting time stated in the email.

I was surprised at a line of people waiting for the tour in front of the lounge. We had to fill in some papers about safety protocol and paid extra for the entrance ticket to the island.

We got in the boat around 1:25 pm, and it departed shortly after that.

The ship went through the Venus Wing Bridge, and we could see Takashima Island from a far distance.

Finally, Battleship Island appears.

We got to cruise around the island and see it from different angles. It was terrific and overwhelming to see the ruins in person.

Landing time

We finally reached the Dolphin pier in Gunkanjima around 2:50 pm.

Our guide explained lots of details about the buildings and life on the island during the field trip. It was interesting to know that he lived on this island as a kid.

Before the tour, I imagined we could enter the island deeper, but we just got to see a small part of the island for safety reasons.

On Observation area 1, we got to see the coal storage conveyor belt. The coal was transferred to the storage facility via this conveyor belt, and the braces of the belt still survive today.

Back to Nagasaki

After 40 minutes, we returned to our ship to get back to Nagasaki.

On our way back, we got a chance to see a documentary about the island. It was interesting to see how life was on the battleship island compared to the field trip that I just had.

And here is Nagasaki harbor.

My thoughts on the tour

I felt like we spent most of the time on the cruise itself, not the island. It would be better if visitors were allowed to enter the buildings; however, I understood that it might be dangerous.

The field trip was quite rushed, especially if you wanted to take lots of pictures and listen to the stories at the same time.

However, it was a fantastic experience that I’ve ever had. Seeing how nature affected man-built architecture through time was priceless.

I would recommend staying in Nagasaki during your trip because there are many things to do in this prefecture .

You can read reviews and check the availability of accommodation in Nagasaki with Booking.com .

• How to travel to Japan on a budget
• Basic Japanese phrases and words you should know
• Best things to do in Fukuoka, Japan not to miss
• Tasty Japanese dishes to try on your trip

Note : We paid for our trip to Gunkanjima island, and the review above is based on our experience. As we have full rights to these images, it’s strictly prohibited to use them in any circumstance.

Ha is an avid traveler and writer with a background in marketing & hospitality. She's lived in a few countries and traveled to more than 30. When she's not traveling or writing, Ha loves trying new recipes.

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Battleship Island Tour: The Abandoned City of Hashima

Table of Contents

If you haven’t heard of Japan’s Battleship Island, you’ve probably seen it. Battleship Island (AKA Hashima Island Japan / Gunkanjima) was featured as the James Bond island in the film Skyfall.

In this post I’ll cover:

• Battleship Island’s Aliases
• The Hashima Island coal mine
• Abandoned Island Japan: Why Everyone Left
• James Bond Island (where was Skyfall filmed)
• How To Get To Battleship Island
• Battleship Island Tours and other things to do in Nagasaki

Abandoned Island Japan: Hashima Island Gunkanjima

This abandoned Japanese city has several names. The official name is Hashima island, but since it looks like a battleship it picked up the name Battleship Island (or Warship Island). In Japanese, “Gunkanjima” means “Battleship Island.”

Hashima Island, Japan: Originally a coal mining town, but later abandoned when the mines ran dry.  Over 40 years of typhoons and rough weather has decayed this city into a beautiful disaster.

If you take a Hashima Island tour, you will only be able to visit a small portion of the outside perimeter of the island. That’s if you’re lucky, considering that sometimes your Hashima island tour won’t be able to disembark if the water is too rough.

Skyfall Island: James Bond visits Hashima Japan

In the 2012 film Skyfall , James bond visits one of the most interesting abandoned places in Japan. You’ll recognize it as the Skyfall abandoned city. You can see several shots from the Skyfall locations in the trailer. An even better shot in this clip from the film .

In the scene from Skyfall, Hashima island is used as the Bond Villain’s hideout in Skyfall. Any type of abandoned city or abandoned island automatically makes for a supercool hideout.

You actually see way more of Hashima Island in the movie Skyfall than from a Hashima Island Tour. Since a lot of the island can crumble at any time, most of it is closed off to tourists for safety reasons.

Origins of Battleship Island

Battleship Island was originally a coal mining town, but later abandoned when the mines ran dry.  Over 40 years of typhoons and rough weather has decayed this city into a beautiful disaster.

Life On Hashima, Japan

When Hashima island was thriving as a coal mining town, at it’s peak in 1959 they had up 5,259 people on 16 acres of land. They had many tall building to support the amount of people, but it was still crowded. With that many people in such a small space, it’s historically the most crowded city on Earth.

Even though they didn’t have much land, they still had a soccer field! The people needed an open space to run around. Besides tall apartment buildings, they had all the modern infrastructure: school, town hall, community center, clubhouse, bathhouse, swimming pool, cinema, rooftop gardens and of course a pachinko parlour.

Booking Battleship Island Tours

Hashima Island is 9 miles (15km) away from Nagasaki through choppy waters. It’s a 40-minute ride each way and there were many warning about people getting sea sickness.

If you want to book a tour in advance, there’s only two sites to book Hashima Island Tours for 4300JPY:

• Gunkanjima Concierge
• Klook: Battleship Island Tours

I didn’t book in advance and couldn’t book the tour on the same day online. Not a problem though. There are several tour companies that you can book at the Nagasaki Ferry Terminal for last minute trips!

Getting To The Nagasaki Ferry Terminal

Nagasaki is a pretty small city and you can walk everywhere. If you’re staying anywhere near the city center, you can walk to the Nagasaki ferry terminal.

I booked my tour with “Gunkan-Jima Cruise” for 4200 JPY + 300 JPY (entrance ticket). The tour would be in English tour for a total price of 4500JPY.  It was a little more than the tour you can book online (4300 JPY), but it was great being able to book last minute. 

Before making the purchase, I was required to sign a safety waiver since there was some danger involved. That just made the trip a little more mysterious and exciting. The ferry departed at 1pm from port #7.

Preventing Seasickness

I get very seasick. Planes, trains and rollercoasters do not give me motion sickness, but being on water does.  I’ll never be a pirate.  The only way to prevent this issue is to take motion sickness medicine.

Right next to the Nagasaki Ferry Terminal is a large department store (mall). I went into the mall and found the pharmacy area on B1.  At this point the ferry was going to depart in 20 minutes so I had to hurry. With my Google Translate app, I looked up “motion sickness medicine” in Japanese and then asked one of the employees.

They redirected me to this very cute Hello Kitty motion sickness medicine so I bought it and headed back to the port. Motion sickness medicine for adults was available, but I went with Hello Kitty.

Ferry Ride to Battleship Island

Boarding the ferry to Hashima island consisted of mostly Japanese tourists. I felt really lucky to have gotten a ticket now since there were so many people.

The ferry would take approximately 40 minutes through rough water.  It was rough, but I didn’t get seasick. The seats were pretty basic bench style for 4500 JPY. I looked at the tour provided by Klook and the seats looked way nicer for a lower price!

Issue With Booking Tickets In Advance

In cases of bad weather, two things may happen:

• The water becomes too choppy, the ferry won’t be able to dock at Hashima Island. Instead of docking they will just sail in circles around Battleship Island for an hour.
• If the weather is EXTREMELY bad, the ferry won’t depart Nagasaki Ferry Terminal. In this case everyone will get a refund.

Disembarking At Battleship Island

When we arrived at Gunkan-jima they had two groups disembark; the English tour then the Japanese tour.

Only 2 boats can be docked at Hashima Island due to the limited size of the dock. Typically they limit each visit to 1-hour per tour group. That’s all you really need on this Japanese abandoned island.

There aren’t any restrooms on Hashima Island so if you need to use one, you have to go to use the toilet on the ferry. If you need to use the restroom, the ferry will be at the dock so you can go back to use the restroom at any time.

Additionally there aren’t any food vendors or trash cans on Hashima Island.

The area where you can walk around is very limited.  There were three sections where the tour stopped to explain things about the island.  We weren’t allowed to wander around on our own.  Security was very vigilant about watching the tour groups and keeping people in the safe areas.  The buildings are very dilapidated and can fall at any given moment. 

The island was abandoned 40 years ago and after 40 years of rough weather and typhoons, the island is now in this condition.

Ferry Ride back to Nagasaki

After about an hour of touring Battleship Island, the tour ended and we returned to the ferry.  The ferry took a lap around the island so we could get a better feel of what we missed out on. 

As we got closer to Nagasaki, the staff walked around trying to sell souvenirs for Gunkanjima.  They were selling hats, T-shirts, towels flags and postcards. It’s really hard to sell souvenirs with an island as the mascot.

I passed on making any purchases.

Getting to Hashima depends on good weather! Planning last minute helps and if you’re lucky with clear weather that’s even better!

If you’re not as lucky, the Hashima Island tours offer free refunds if the weather is so bad that they can’t even leave the Nagasaki ferry port.

Your best chance is to plan a flexible schedule and go on the day with the best weather. You don’t really have to buy your tickets in advance since there are multiple ferry companies, but only one company is available to book online (and in English).

Things To Do In Nagasaki

Seeing Hashima Island was beautiful yet sad. I returned to my Nagasaki Capsule Hote l and decided not to continue eating any more horse …at least for now. So If you’re in Nagasaki for a few days you can do the following:

• Take a day trip to the Dutch Amusement Park Huis Ten Bosch
• Eat at Huis Ten Bosch Robot Restaurant
• Visit (but don’t stay) at Henn Na Hotel

Disclosure: The Klook links are affiliate links were I get a small commission. It’s still as cheap of cheaper than the lowest prices you can find online.

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Japan Heritage Journey on Hashima

History unveils its captivating past

Here is a short, one-minute video from the tour of Hashima Island I took. Join us on a journey to uncover the secrets of Hashima Island.

As of January 15, 2024, 50 years have passed since Hashima Island, famously known as "Gunkanjima" or Battleship Island, closed permanently. Several Japanese media reported on the 50th-anniversary ceremony of Gunkanjima's closure, welcoming a few former residents at Gunkanjima Digital Museum on the 15th.

"Every day looks different due to such natural conditions.”

Typhoons and other catastrophic events have directly struck the island, causing damage to the seawalls that are still standing. The historical site of the island has not been restored since it was abandoned.

A tour guide told us during the island tour that "Every day looks different due to natural conditions." Explore this UNESCO World Heritage site in Nagasaki, where the intersection of history and nature paints a mesmerizing picture of daily transformation amid the remnants of an industrial past.

Hashima Island boasts several records—it is a UNESCO World Heritage site and was once the world’s most densely populated island, with as many as 5,259 residents in 1959. Japan's first submarine water system was also built on the island, making the water supply easier to secure. In addition, some film companies were attracted to the island and created productions including the James Bond film, “Skyfall” and the Japanese manga series “Attack on Titan.”

Most of the people on the island in Nagasaki City worked in the undersea coal mine. However, this artificial land had everything to ensure people were taken care of—an elementary school, a hospital, a theater, a shrine, and more.

The island’s history:

In 1890, the Mitsubishi company purchased the reefs to dig an undersea coal mine. However, the reefs were likely too cramped for miners and their families to live on. The seawall embankment was repeatedly extended in the form of six rounds of reclamation projects around the island from 1897, according to a Gunkanjima guide site . As the workforce increased, the company could mine and sell more coal. During the Meiji period, the island was almost exactly as it is today, having almost tripled in size, reclaimed and constructed in its present form—becoming one of the world heritage sites.

Significances:

Securing water on Gunkanjima was extremely problematic, as there were no rivers, ponds, or springs on the island. After the island came under the control of the Mitsubishi company, they established Japan's first submarine water system, providing water supply to residences. Construction began in 1956 on laying two 150-mm steel pipes on the 6.5-kilometer seabed from Takero (Nagasaki's mainland) on the opposite shore to Hashima Island and was finished the following year.

Residents of Hashima Island seemed to enjoy a relatively high standard of living, evident in the presence of TVs in every home. A rooftop became a greenery garden in 1996 and hit a recode to be the first farm in Japan . The purpose of building the farm on top was to educate children.

Landing on Gunkanjima requires authorization and only five tour companies in total are allowed. Twice a day each company is allowed to land, for a total of 10 daily cruises only. More importantly, it’s all up to the weather and natural conditions if you can land. Every tour site shows the potential risk before you reserve a seat.

• You may not be able to land on the island when the wind velocity reaches above 5 meters per second, the wave height reaches above 0.5 meters or the visibility is 500 meters or less. Also, you are not able to land on it when the captain decides that visitors are not able to disembark safely. In the event, you are not able to disembark, you will receive a souvenir. You won’t be charged an entrance fee.
• Also, for safety reasons, people are allowed to walk just one-eighth of the size of the town today. You are only capable of viewing most ruins and historical buildings from a boat.

Keep in mind that while some cruises offer English booking options, it appears that tour guides predominantly explain and speak in Japanese. However, there are brochures available that are written in English.

Hashima Island, also known as "Gunkanjima" or Battleship Island, has become a popular tourist spot in Japan, not only because it designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but also for its unique benchmarks. This once vibrant undersea coal mine was abandoned in 1974; however, uncovered history and stories remain. Immerse yourself in the history of the island, delving into its captivating past and cultural significance.

More about Gunkanjima and Nagasaki:

Highlights of Nagasaki

Nagasaki Prefecture is a fantastic area located in the south of Japan. There are some of the biggest draws of this prefecture including..

Ruins of Ikeshima, Coal Mine Island

Those with a taste for adventure should check out this thrilling tour of Japan's industrial heritage

Getting there

It depends on the tour site you book, but most cruises depart and arrive at the same location—Motofuna Pier.

• From Ohato Streetcar Stop, it's just a 2-minute walk.
• From Nagasaki Station, a 10-minute walk is required.
• From Nagasaki Airport, take a shuttle bus to Nagasaki Station and then proceed on foot.
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By Emi Takahata

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Information

5-6 Matsugaemachi, Nagasaki City, Nagasaki 850-0921 ( Directions )

095-895-5000

gunkanjima-museum.jp

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• Nagasaki city World Heritage Sites

JUL 30.2018

APR 04.2023

• World Heritage Site

The Abandoned 'Battleship Island' Hashima: Remnants of Japan's Industrialization

Hashima, often known as Gunkanjima or "Battleship Island", lies on the southwestern coast of Nagasaki prefecture. The small island, only measuring 6.5 hectares, was nicknamed as such because it resembled a battleship from afar, due to its many concrete and steel buildings. During the early to mid 1900s, Hashima served as one of the hottest spots in Japan for coal mining, and the island even once had the world’s highest population density. Today, only its abandoned ruins remain, and serve as a compelling life-sized artifact of the beginnings and struggles of industrial Japan.

History of Hashima, the "Battleship Island"

Workers going into the mines of Hashima (photo courtesy: Nagasaki Prefecture Tourism Association)

The "Battleship Island" Hashima is located 18 km from the port of Nagasaki. It was in the late 1800s that coal mines were discovered along the coast of Hashima Island, leading to a rapid development of the island.

Everyday life on Gunkanjima (photo courtesy: Nagasaki Prefecture Tourism Association)

Hashima Island, measuring only 160m by 480m in land area, quickly developed alongside the coal mining operation. In 1959, the population reached a total of 5,259, recording history's highest population density to this day. High-rise residences, schools, hospitals, movie theaters, swimming pools, and even shrines were built on Hashima's grounds. Due to the island's silhouette resembling the battleship "Tosa", the island was nicknamed Gunkanjima - "Battleship Island".

There were even barbershops on Gunkanjima (photo courtesy: Nagasaki Prefecture Tourism Association)

Despite the extreme population densities, it is said that the residents of Hashima lived with access to all of their necessary life amenities. That being said, work at the coal mines is known to have been extremely strenuous, and it is also a known fact that foreign prisoners of war were assigned especially rough work.

The ruins of Hashima today

In the 1970s, Japan switched its main energy source from coal to petroleum. The coal-mining industry receded and with that, the population of "Battleship Island" Hashima slowed down too. In spring of 1974 the island was completely shut down, and the entire population made its way to zero.

The island was closed off until 2009, when it opened for tourism. Gunkanjima was designated as a World Heritage Site in 2015, and currently serves as a symbol of Japan’s rapid industrialization.

Sights on the Battleship Island

The dolphin pier.

Dolphin Pier

There is no permanent dock on Hashima Island, since the waves are too strong to dock a ship for landing. Instead, there is a “dolphin pier”, a type of dock that does not need to be attached to the island. This was the type of dock used in Hashima Island's coal-mining days as well. This is the starting point for most tours of the island.

Apartment Buildings 30 & 31

The apartments on Hashima Island that housed the island's bustling population

Apartment no. 30 was built in 1916, and was the first steel-framed reinforced concrete apartment in Japan. The apartment was built for the coal miners living on the island. As the first successful steel-framed reinforced concrete apartment in Japan, this building has been long-preserved for its architectural significance.

Apartment no. 31 had many facilities such as a hair salon, post office and a payphone for Hashima Island's residents to use.

The Former General Office

General Office

The General Office, built with beautiful red brick, was one of the most important buildings on the island. The office served as a kind of control center for the island and coal mines. Back when it was in operation, it was off-limits to children.

No. 2 Mining Shaft

No. 2 Shaft

These ruins were formerly at the heart of Hashima Island's mining operations. Although the structure is almost completely gone, the framework of it still remains.

Coal Storage Conveyer Belt

The pillars are the ruins of Coal Storage Conveyer Belt

The pillar-like objects once held up a huge conveyer belt that carried coal from the mines. Like the No. 2 Shaft, the framework of the conveyer belt remains to this day.

Hashima Shrine

Hashima Shrine was a place for coal mine laborers to pray for their safety while working in harsh conditions, which were as far down as 600 meters underground. The main prayer halls have crumbled down, but a part of the shrine still remains.

Hashima Elementary and Junior-High School

Hashima Elementary and Junior High School

The 7-story Hashima Elementary and Junior-High School was built in 1958, in the post war period. Due to the high concentration of high-rise apartments, the entirety of Hashima Island suffered from poor sunlight coverage. To compensate, the windows of the school are made quite large. The school also had a courtyard in its premises.

Museums on Battleship Island

Gunkanjima Museum

The Gunkanjima Museum, located in Nomozaki on mainland Nagasaki, has an abundance of exhibits that tell about the lives of people in the coal mines, and on Hashima Island. The museum provides videos explaining Japan’s Meiji-period industrial revolution and how it affected Gunkanjima.

Gunkanjima Digital Museum

The Gunkanjima Digital Museum explores Gunkanjima and its history with the use of cutting-edge digital technology. Virtual reality allows visitors to experience what it was like to be a coal mine laborer at the time, and have a full 360-degree perception of Hashima Island.

5 Tours to Battleship Island

Visitors can tour around and on Hashima Island, but only with these five designated tour companies. The waters surrounding Hashima Island are usually rough and harsh, and the ships are prone to heavy swaying, making the journey to the island a bit of an endeavor. For these reasons, the tours are heavily regulated.

These five tour companies are the only official, approved tours of Hashima Island. Most of the tours begin at Nagasaki Port. Only a few provide guidance in Japanese, but here is a guide to all five:

〈1〉Gunkanjima Cruise, Co.

Out of the five tours, Gunkanjima Cruise, Co.’s tour is the most afforadble. The tour guides are extremely knowledgable in the history of Hashima Island. However, it must be noted that tours are only conducted in Japanese. Learn more about Gunkanjima Cruise, Co. .

〈2〉The Gunkanjima Concierge Company

The Gunkanjima Concierge Company’s tour is conducted by former residents of Hashima Island. Although the tour is held entirely in Japanese, English audio guides are available for travelers from overseas. Learn more about Gunkanjima Cruise, Co. .

〈3〉Gunkanjima Landing and Cruise

On the Gunkanjima Landing and Cruise tour, the ship goes all the way around the island. The ship for this tour is the biggest of the five, making the trip the most stable (though still prone to some swaying). Most of the tour is conducted in Japanese, although there are some English explanations. Learn more about Gunkanjima Cruise, Co. .

〈4〉Gunkanjima Tour – 軍艦島ツアー

The Gunkanjima Tour is conducted entirely in Japanese. Participants of the tour will receive a Certificate of Landing, made entirely out of coal. Learn more about the Gunkanjima Cruise, Co. .

〈5〉Ebisumaru Island Ship

The Ebisumaru Island Ship tour may be the most unique out of the five. Rather than a cruise, this tour is more like hopping on a local fishing boat around Gunkanjima. While all of the other tours begin at Nagasaki Port, this one begins at Nomozaki Port (野母崎). The guide of this tour is also a former resident of Hashima Island. Learn more about the Gunkanjima Cruise, Co. .

*For all tours, a ¥300 entry fee to Hashima Island will apply separately *The seas around Hashima Island are known to have rough waves, and tour operations are halted on approximately 100 days every year. When reserving a tour, make sure to be aware of its terms and conditions.

Nearest port: Many of the Gunkanjima tours depart from Nagasaki Port (長崎港).

Access from Nagasaki Station (長崎駅)

【Nagasaki eki-mae Sta.】Nagasaki Electric Tramway Line 1, bound for Shokakuji-shita →【Ohato Sta.】 → about a 5-minute walk

Access from Sasebo Station (佐世保駅)

【Sasebo Sta.】(Bus) Nagasaki ~ Sasebo Line, bound for Chuo-bashi →【Nagasaki Sta.】walk to Nagasaki eki-mae Sta. (tram) →【Nagasaki eki-mae Sta.】Nagasaki Electric Tramway Line 1 / for Shokakuji-shita →【Ohato Sta.】about a 5-minute walk

Access from Nagasaki Airport (長崎空港)

【Nagasaki Airport Sta.】Nagasaki Bus / Nagasaki Airport Liner, bound for for Nagasaki eki-mae →【Ohato Sta.】about a 5-minute walk

Information

Nearby Destinations

Glover garden – グラバー園.

Glover Garden, located in southern Nagasaki city, is home to the former house of Scottish merchant, Thomas B. Glover. Glover was active in Nagasaki during the late 19th century. In the premise are also former homes of British merchants Frederick Ringer and William J. Alt. At night, the entire area lights up and creates the perfect setting for a romantic stroll.

Nagasaki Chinatown – 長崎新地中華街

Nagasaki Chinatown is one of the three largest Chinatowns in Japan, along with the ones in Kobe and Yokohama. This particular Chinatown was made during Japan’s seclusion period between 1641 and 1859 for the Chinese community in Nagasaki. Today, Nagasaki Chinatown is a popular tourist spot in the prefecture. Every February, it hosts the largest Chinese New Years Festival in Japan, called the Nagasaki Lantern Festival.

Glover Garden

Nagasaki Chinatown

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