Gunkanjima (軍艦島), also known as Hashima Island (端島), is a small abandoned island located off the coast of Nagasaki, Japan. The island is known for its unique history and architecture and has become a popular tourist destination since it was reopened to the public in 2009. However, visitors can only access the island through guided tours.
During the 20th century, Gunkanjima was a bustling mining community, and at its peak in the 1950s, it was home to over 5,000 residents, making it one of the most densely populated areas in the world at the time. The island was home to Mitsubishi’s coal mines and played a vital role in Japan’s industrialization.
However, with the decline of the coal industry in the 1970s, the island was abandoned in 1974, and its buildings were left to deteriorate. For many years, the island was closed to visitors due to safety concerns.
In 2015, Gunkanjima was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the “Sites of Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution: Iron and Steel, Shipbuilding and Coal Mining.” Today, visitors can take guided tours of the island and explore its abandoned buildings and streets from designated safe areas. The island’s unique architecture, including its high-rise apartment buildings and concrete sea walls, has made it a popular destination for photographers and history enthusiasts.
The island is only accessible by boat and can be subject to rough seas and strong currents, so tours may be canceled depending on weather conditions.
Getting there
About 50 minutes by boat from Nagasaki Port
Main tour operators
- Gunkanjima Landing & Cruise
- Gunkanjima Cruise
- Gunkanjima Concierge
Departure times:
- Typically two departures daily, around 9 AM and 1-2 PM
Fares:
- About 3,600 to 5,810 yen per adult
- Prices vary depending on the company
Tour duration:
- About 2.5 to 3 hours (including about 45 minutes on the island)
Important notes
- Landing may not be possible or tours may be cancelled due to weather or sea conditions
- Advance booking recommended for weekends and holidays
- Only designated paths are accessible on the island
Access to boarding points from Nagasaki Station
- Nagasaki Port Terminal: Take tram line 1 to Ohato stop (about 3 minutes)
- Tokiwa Terminal: Take tram line 1 or 5 to Ourakaigandori stop (about 15 minutes)