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Gunkanjima (Hashima Island)

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Gunkanjima (Hashima Island)

An abandoned island and registered UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site.

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Last update :
Head Editor : Nagasaki City

Hashima, also known as “Gunkanjima” or “battleship island”, is an uninhabited island that sits approx. 18km off the port of Nagasaki.
With the island’s surrounding concrete breakwater wall and multi-story apartment complex inside, the island was nicknamed “Battleship Island” for its apparent resemblance to Battleship Tosa.

Hashima island served for many years as a coal mining site after coal was first discovered here around 1810.
In 1960, it was home to about 5,300 people. The island featured Japan's first high-rise reinforced concrete apartment building, constructed in 1916, along with a hospital, schools, shops, and entertainment facilities such as a movie theater, allowing residents to live comfortably.
However, Japan’s primary energy source switched from coal to oil, leading to a closure of the coal mine in January of 1974. By April of that year all residents left the island and it has remained uninhabited ever since.

As the buildings have continued to deteriorate, this literally abandoned island has become popular for its unique air and mystique. It has since been used as a set in a number of movies, dramas, music videos and other famous titles including “Attack on Titan” and more.

Hashima Island has been cleared for tourism as of 2009.
It was registered as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in 2015.

Highlights

  • Registered as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site as of 2015.
  • Tours of the island now available.
  • The islands visible deteriorated and desolate state draws crowds for its eerie beauty.
  • Used as a filming location for "Attack on Titan" and as a model for the set of "007 Skyfall."

Photos

  • Located about 18 km off the coast of Nagasaki Port. *Photo provider: Pixta

    Located about 18 km off the coast of Nagasaki Port. *Photo provider: Pixta

  • Visitors can still see remnants of Japan's first reinforced concrete apartment building. *Photo provider: Pixta

    Visitors can still see remnants of Japan's first reinforced concrete apartment building. *Photo provider: Pixta

  • The island was once prosperous due to its coal mines, hosting various facilities. *Photo provider: Pixta

    The island was once prosperous due to its coal mines, hosting various facilities. *Photo provider: Pixta

  • Tours are available for visiting the island, but landing is subject to weather conditions. *Photo provider: Pixta

    Tours are available for visiting the island, but landing is subject to weather conditions. *Photo provider: Pixta

  • At its peak in 1960, about 5,300 people lived on the island. *Photo provider: Pixta

    At its peak in 1960, about 5,300 people lived on the island. *Photo provider: Pixta

  • In 2015, it was registered as a World Cultural Heritage site. *Photo provider: Pixta

    In 2015, it was registered as a World Cultural Heritage site. *Photo provider: Pixta

  • Named "Battleship Island" due to its exterior resembling the battleship "Tosa." *Photo provider: Pixta

    Named "Battleship Island" due to its exterior resembling the battleship "Tosa." *Photo provider: Pixta

Official FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.

Q

Do you have signs or pamphlets in foreign languages? (If you do, which languages are available?)
A

Brochures are available in English, Chinese, and Korean. Informational signage in English is also present on the island.

Q

Is free Wi-Fi available in the area?
A

No free Wi-Fi available.

Q

Are coin lockers available?
A

Not available.

Q

Are there restrooms available?
A

No, there are not.

Reviews

2

If the original text is in another language, the AI will automatically translate and display it.

  • 安田 淳

    I joined a tour from Nagasaki Port to Gunkanjima (Hashima Island). There were lots of interesting sights along the way, like shipyards and the Megami Bridge. As we got closer to Gunkanjima, everyone on board got more and more excited.
    Unfortunately, because of the typhoon the day before, we couldn't actually land on the island, but we did get to circle around it by boat. Using my camera's zoom lens, I could clearly see the decaying old residences, which was really moving. Next time, I definitely want to set foot on the island.

  • 楊華

    I haven't been there myself, but after watching the Gunkanjima movie and hearing some of the heartbreaking stories, this place really feels like a ghost island.

Details

Name in Japanese
軍艦島(端島)
Postal Code
851-1315
Address
Hashima, Takashima-cho, Nagasaki City, Nagasaki
Tel
095-822-8888 Nagasaki City Call Center "Ajisai Call"
*For visiting Gunkanjima, you need to participate in a landing tour operated by various shipping companies. However, please note that landing on the island may be affected by weather conditions. For reservations or inquiries about the boat service, please contact the shipping companies directly.
Following shipping companies:
Yamasa Kaiun Co., Ltd. Tel.095-822-5002　https://www.yamasa-kaiun.net/
Gunkanjima Cruise Co., Ltd. Tel.095-827-2470　https://www.gunkanjima-cruise.jp/
Seaman Company Tel.095-818-1105　https://www.gunkanjima-tour.jp/
Gunkanjima Concierge Tel.095-895-9300　https://www.gunkanjima-concierge.com/
The Seventh Ebisu Maru Tel.090-8225-8107　http://www.7ebisumaru.com/cruise/
Official Website
Official Website (English)

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