Hashima Island, usually known as "Gunkanjima" or "Battleship Island," is located approximately 17.5 kilometers southwest of Nagasaki Port in Japan. It takes about forty minutes by boat to get from Nagasaki Port. The island spans an area of 63 hectares with a complete shoreline length of 1.2 kilometers. It as soon as thrived because of coal mining and had the best population density in the world. However, the island has been abandoned for 45 years.
In 2009, the general public was granted admission to Gunkanjima, and in recent times, many people have gone to the island to participate in landing tours. In July 2015, Gunkanjima became formally registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Map of Hashima Island
| Name | Hashima Island (Japanese: 端島), or Gunkanjima (Japanese: 軍艦島) |
| Country | Japan |
| Prefecture | Nagasaki |
| Coordinates | 32°37′40″N 129°44′18″E |
| Area | 0.063 km2 (0.024 sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC +9 |
| Population | 0 |
| Airport | N/A |
How to Get to Hashima Island
In order to go to Gunkanjima, it's far more essential to participate in guided tours organized by numerous shipping agencies. Currently, there are five groups authorized to conduct landing tours. Two journeys are operated day by day, with one in the morning and one in the afternoon.
Apart from landing on Gunkanjima, different fun journeys will let you take a look at the island carefully from the sea or visit Takashima Island, which has a connection to Gunkanjima. Even if you are unable to set foot on the island, you can nevertheless respect the allure of Gunkanjima and have a fulfilling time.
Below are the five organizations that offer Gunkanjima landing tours. You can go to their websites to find out about the specs of their vessels and the details of the tours.
■やまさ海運
https://www.yamasa-kaiun.net/
■軍艦島コンシェルジュ
https://www.gunkanjima-concierge.com/
■高島海上交通
https://www.gunkanjima-cruise.jp/
■シーマン商会
https://www.gunkanjima-tour.jp/
■第七ゑびす丸
http://www.7ebisumaru.com/
You can also make online reservations via the Klook platform:
*To ensure the safety of the landing, specific requirements were set up, which include wave peak under 0.5 meters and wind speeds beneath 5 meters according to second. If these situations aren't met, landing will not be possible.
Hashima Island Recommended Attractions
To behold the towers within the restricted zone from the sea
As one technique for Hashima Island, the initial enterprise includes a maritime exploration of the architectural façades within the confined region.
The number one and secondary schools on Hashima Island boast expansive windows, permitting the kids enough opportunity to bask in the sun's radiance. Situated alongside the shoreline, they offer unobstructed vistas of the encircling panorama.
Adjacent to the faculty lies Building 65, the largest residential complex on the island, accommodating no much less than 313 households. Continuing westward, one shall stumble upon Building 48, which is rumored to be a marble emporium inside its subterranean recesses. Moreover, Buildings 18 and 19 function as rooftop "sky farms" designed to cater to the desires of the uninitiated youngsters.
Having circumnavigated those architectural marvels, one may continue in the direction of the western coast, in which the island most strikingly resembles a formidable warship, affording an ideal backdrop for taking memorable pictures pix.
Visit the two observation centers located on the island
Upon confirming the docking safety standards, we disembarked at the sole pier, called Dolphin Dock, on the naval island. Accompanied by using a manual, we launched into an excursion of 3 high-quality sites.
Firstly, as we marveled at the ruins earlier than us, we made our way towards the primary statement factor. Here, we explored the production centers, which included the coal storage backyard and remnants of the infrastructure associated with the primary mine's 2d shaft. The sight of conveyor belt supports and collapsed structures created a sincerely awe-inspiring spectacle. One can also see Building No. 3 atop the hill, which is said to be the house of excessive-ranking executives.
Of course, from the first statement deck to the second one, we had the opportunity to carefully respect the middle of the World Heritage web page—the Tenkawa Seawall (天川の護岸).
The extraordinary panorama of the naval island owes its existence to the stone masonry techniques employed at some point in the Meiji era. At the second observation point, we beheld the remains of a purple-brick entwined platform, upon which a lift was installed to lower cages into the coal mine. Additionally, we encountered the ruins of what is believed to be the crimson-brick main administrative office of the coal mine.
The third observation center, "Building No. 30"
The "Building No. 30" held the maximum charming attraction. It left one in a state of awe, for it appeared as if it could collapse at any moment. Erected in 1916 (Taisho 5), it stands as Japan's oldest bolstered concrete high-rise rental building, as seen from the third statement deck.
This six-tale shape, with its rectangular-shaped ceilings, is said to encompass the design aesthetics of its time. Building No. 30 has surpassed its predicted lifespan and is rumored to be in a precarious country on the verge of crumbling.
Across from Building No. 30 lies the ruins of a water reservoir, once a gathering vicinity for the island's inhabitants. As swimming in the open sea is prohibited at the naval island, they resorted to the introduction of a swimming pool and the usage of seawater, a stunning feat indeed.
Classic route of Hashima Island
1. From the first panoramic square near the ship's docking entrance, one can behold the coal production facilities as well as the residential dwellings of the employees and their families.
2. Moreover, there stand the elementary and junior high schools erected for the island's youthful inhabitants. The first to fourth floors house the elementary school, while the fifth to seventh floors are designated for the junior high school, with the seventh floor serving as a dedicated sports arena.
3. In the year 1916, Japan witnessed the completion of its inaugural seven-story reinforced steel apartment edifice—a groundbreaking architectural achievement. Subsequently, one can witness the remnants of several apartment buildings constructed after that, now reduced to nothing but haunting ruins.
Q&A About Tours to Hashima Island
Q: What is the expected value for a go-to to the naval island?
A: To board the naval island, visitors are required to pay an "Island Tour Facility Fee" of 300 yen for adults and 150 yen for kids, along with the boarding rate (beginning at three six hundred yen from any of the five naval island cruise organizations).
Q: When is the excellent time to go to the naval island?
A: The visitor companies to the naval island are open 12 months round. However, it's miles really worth noting that in the winter season, the sea waves may be high, making it challenging to land on the island. It is suggested that you go during the early spring to autumn seasons.
Q: What do you do you need to bring for a trip to the naval island?
A: As there are no vending machines on the naval island, it's beneficial not to neglect to convey beverages!
Q: What ought one to wear for an experience on the naval island?
A: High-heeled footwear is prohibited, so it's far encouraged to wear comfortable apparel that lets in for smooth movement. Skirts are not encouraged. The use of parasols and umbrellas is also prohibited, so please ensure adequate sun protection!
Q: Is it recommended that solo tourists go to the naval island?
A: To visit the naval island, it's vital to enroll in an excursion organization. This guarantees a secure exploration of the island, even for solo tourists.
