Gunkanjima (Hashima Island)
端島（軍艦島）
An abandoned undersea coal-mining island off Nagasaki, named for its resemblance to a warship, with ruins of densely packed concrete apartment blocks. A World Heritage Site.
Hashima lies about 18 kilometres southwest of Nagasaki Harbour and covers only about 6.3 hectares. Its dense high-rises and seawalls look like a warship from a distance, which gave it the nickname Gunkanjima, or Battleship Island. In the late 19th century, Mitsubishi began mining undersea coal here. At its peak, about 5,300 people lived on the island, and its population density was once the highest in the world. It had Japan's earliest reinforced-concrete apartment block, built in 1916. After the mine closed in 1974, all residents left, leaving vast ruins. In 2015 it was inscribed as part of the World Heritage site “Sites of Japan's Meiji Industrial Revolution.” At the time of registration, Japan pledged to explain the history of forced labour by workers from the Korean Peninsula and China during the war. Visitors should also learn about this history. Visits are only possible with licensed boat operators. Boats depart from Nagasaki Port (Tokiwa or Ōhato Wharf). The full trip takes about 2.5–3 hours and includes a circuit of the island and a landing on the designated viewing route for about 40–60 minutes. The cost is about JPY 4,000–4,500, plus a landing facility fee. Landing depends on wave height. In rough seas, boats only circle the island or may not sail at all. It is recommended to book online in advance, and those prone to seasickness should take medication beforehand.
Opening hours
Follows boat schedule; usually one morning and one afternoon departure daily
Nearby sights
- Mount Nabekanmuri Park
- Mount Inasa Night View
- Glover Garden
- Oura Church
- Nagasaki Confucius Shrine
- Dutch Slope & Higashi-Yamate Western Houses
- Nagasaki Prefectural Art Museum & Mizubenomori Park
- Tojin Yashiki Site