Gunkanjima (Hashima Island)

An abandoned island and registered UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site.

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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.
At its peak in the 1960s, there were an approximate 5,300 people who lived on the island.
It’s home to Japan’s first ever steel-frame concrete apartment complex, but was also home to a hospital, a school, shops, a movie theatre and entertainment buildings that served the people who lived there.
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”, James Bond movie “Skyfall” 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 location set for Attack on Titan and Skyfall.

Videos

Photos

  • Gunkanjima

    Gunkanjima

  • Apartment building

    Apartment building

  • Gunkanjima

    Gunkanjima

  • Cruise tour around Gunkanjima “Battleship” Island.

    Cruise tour around Gunkanjima “Battleship” Island.

  • Gunkanjima

    Gunkanjima

  • Gunkanjima

    Gunkanjima

  • Hashima Island, lit by the setting sun.

    Hashima Island, lit by the setting sun.

Reviews

2
  • Top Reviewer

    長崎港から軍艦島(端島)を目指し、上陸するツアーに参加。造船所群や女神大橋など、軍艦島へと向かう道中も見どころが多いです。そして、海の彼方に見えた軍艦島が近づくにつれ、乗客のテンションも次第に上がっていきます。
    前日の台風の影響で残念ながら上陸はできませんでしたが、島の周りを船でぐるっと一周できました。カメラの望遠レンズを向けると朽ちつつあるかつての住居が鮮明に写し出され、感慨深いものがあります。次回はぜひ上陸も果たしたいです。

  • 楊華

    雖然沒去過,但是看了軍艦島電影,一些慘絕人寰的故事內容,這根本像是一座鬼島

Details

Name in Japanese
軍艦島(端島)
Postal Code
851-1315
Address
Hashima, Takashima-cho, Nagasaki City, Nagasaki
Tel
095-829-1314 (Nagasaki City Hall, Tourism Division)
Access
Different ferry locations available depending on selected tour company.
Official Website
Official Website (English)