Nagasaki Departure: Feel the Past on Gunkanjima Battleship Island Adventure
- Historical Significance
Discover the abandoned mining town of Gunkanjima, known as Battleship Island. Learn about its rich history and significance as a UNESCO World Heritage site, recognizing its importance in Japan's industrial heritage. - Scenic Ferry Ride
Enjoy breathtaking views of Nagasaki Port and surrounding islands during the ferry journey to and from Gunkanjima. - English-Speaking Guide
An English-speaking guide will accompany you throughout the tour.
Benefit from expert guides who will share captivating stories and insights about Gunkanjima's history and significance. - Meeting Point at Nagasaki Station
Begin your tour directly from Nagasaki Station, with easy access to the port for the Gunkanjima tour. A guide will be waiting at JR Nagasaki Station, in front of Nagasaki City Tourist Information Center (長崎市総合観光案内所前).
Package Options
Sightseeing Tours
| Tour Type | Private tour |
| Transportation method | Get there on your own |
| Departure Time | Late Departure (After 9 am) |
| Minimum participant requirement | 2 travelers |
| Tour types | Guided tour |
Product Info
Purchase Notice
This tour is a private tour. We can accommodate groups from a minimum of 2 to a maximum of 7 people.
Please note that Gunkanjima tours are highly dependent on weather conditions, and landing on the island is not always guaranteed. If the ferry is cancelled on the day due to weather, the tour will automatically be replaced with a city sightseeing itinerary, including a visit to the Gunkanjima Digital Museum.
This revised 6-hour itinerary can be customized at your discretion and will include a private taxi. In this case, we will refund the ferry ticket fee; however, please understand that all other tour costs are non-refundable.
No refunds will be issued in case the customer doesn't show up at the meeting spot on time.
We accept only children above 6 years old to join the tour.
If you are bringing children of elementary school age, please sign and submit the Parent/Guardian Pledge.
Please keep your children staying with you at all the time during the whole
tour including in the ship or on the island.
Due to the rule from Nagasaki city, preschooler who is under 6 years old, is not allowed to go to the deck place. And please have the seats inside. And for parents, please have seats inside with your children (at least one adult accompany).
In summer, the temperature is often up to 40℃ ,also, very cold and windy
in winter in Gunkanjima. Please take care of your children well.
Please note that the Gunkanjima tour is highly weather-dependent. If the tour is canceled ON THE DAY OF DEPARTURE due to weather conditions, a partial handling fee will be charged. We appreciate your understanding of this policy.
Reminders
◇ Notes on Landing on Gunkanjima
1. Rain wear : A reason on the safety can't use an umbrella in the tour facilities in GUNKANJIMA. Please bring a rain jacket and a raincoat on a rainy day.
2. Skin protection : The reflected light is very bright as there is no shade on the tour route, so we strongly recommend bringing a wide-brimmed hat and something to drink during the summer season. Please wear light and comfortable clothing.
3. Shoes : Please put on sneakers or shoes with flat soles.
4. Landing time : Landing time is about 40-50 minutes (depending on wave conditions) according to Nagasaki City regulations.
On the island, you will make a 220-meter long round trip, and the guide will give you an explanation using the photos of those days at three view point squares.
5. People with disabilities or chronic diseases : If you have any disabilities (including handicaps) that may interfere with your ability to board the ship, or if you have a chronic illness or other medical condition, please let us know in advance so that we can determine if you can board the ship, because there is a risk that your condition may get worse.
6. Regulations : You will observe the high-rise apartment buildings from the ship during the cruise around the island. On the island, you will be required to follow the instructions from the guide and safety guides, and move in a group.
◇ When landing is impossible
Please note that depending on the weather and sea conditions of the day, landing on Gunkanjima may not be possible even if conditions in the port are calm. This is because there is a great difference between the waves in Nagasaki Port and the waves around Gunkanjima. We will refund the ticket for the Gunkanjima Cruise if the ship's operation has been suspended.
In the event that the ship has departed from the port but landing on Gunkanjima is not possible due to high waves, the cruise will return to port early .
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellations 15 day(s) (inclusive) before the selected date are allowed. Unused orders can be canceled for free
- For cancellations made 8 to 14 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 20% will apply
- For cancellations made 4 to 7 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 30% will apply
- For cancellations made 2 to 3 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 50% will apply
- Cancellation is not allowed between 0–1 days from the selected date. Orders cannot be canceled or modified, and refunds will not be granted.
- Due to time zone differences, the confirmed cancellation date is based on the supplier’s local time. Please allow 2–5 business days to process your cancellation request, after which the cancellation fee will be charged according to the product’s cancellation policy. Once your refund request is confirmed, KKday will initiate the refund to your original payment method within 15 days. The actual refund timing depends on your card-issuing bank’s policy.
FAQ
1. What is the historical significance of Gunkanjima (Battleship Island) and why was it abandoned?
Gunkanjima, also known as Hashima Island, is a UNESCO World Heritage site celebrated for its pivotal role in Japan's industrial revolution, particularly coal mining. It once housed a bustling community of miners and their families, becoming incredibly densely populated. The island was completely abandoned in 1974 after the closure of its coal mines, which occurred due to the national shift from coal to petroleum as the primary energy source. This led to the iconic, decaying concrete structures seen today.
2. Does anyone currently reside on Gunkanjima (Battleship Island)?
No, Gunkanjima (Battleship Island) has been entirely uninhabited since its abandonment in 1974. The buildings and infrastructure have been left to naturally decay over decades, earning it the nickname 'Ghost Island.' Visitors on guided tours can witness this preserved, desolate landscape and gain a unique insight into its past as a vibrant, self-sufficient mining town.
3. Are there specific access restrictions for visitors on Gunkanjima (Battleship Island) tours?
Yes, access to Gunkanjima (Battleship Island) is strictly regulated due to safety concerns regarding the deteriorating structures and to preserve the historical integrity of the site. Visitors are only permitted to land on designated viewing platforms and must remain with their licensed tour guide at all times. Landing on the island is also subject to weather conditions, and tours may be modified or canceled if conditions are deemed unsafe.
4. Are official tours available to visit Gunkanjima (Battleship Island)?
Yes, official and guided tours are available to visit Gunkanjima (Battleship Island), a designated UNESCO World Heritage site. These tours offer a unique opportunity to explore the historical abandoned mining town and learn about its significant industrial heritage. Tours typically depart from Nagasaki and include a scenic ferry journey to the island, accompanied by knowledgeable guides.
5. How long does a typical Gunkanjima (Battleship Island) tour last?
A typical Gunkanjima (Battleship Island) tour, encompassing the scenic ferry ride to and from the island, along with the guided exploration on Gunkanjima itself, generally spans several hours. This duration allows for a comfortable boat journey, sufficient time on the island to observe the historical sites from designated areas, and comprehensive commentary from an expert guide about its past.
6. Where is the meeting point for the Gunkanjima (Battleship Island) tour departing from Nagasaki?
The meeting point for the Gunkanjima (Battleship Island) tour departing from Nagasaki is conveniently located at JR Nagasaki Station. Participants will meet their guide directly in front of the Nagasaki City Tourist Information Center (長崎市総合観光案内所前). This central location ensures easy access to the port for the ferry departure, making your journey seamless.
7. What can visitors expect during the ferry journey and on Gunkanjima (Battleship Island) itself?
During the ferry journey to Gunkanjima, visitors can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Nagasaki Port and the surrounding islands. Once on Gunkanjima, an English-speaking guide will lead you through designated observation areas, sharing captivating stories and insights into the island's rich history and significance. You'll witness the unique, abandoned concrete structures and former residential areas, offering a poignant glimpse into its industrial past.
8. What is included in the cost of a Gunkanjima (Battleship Island) tour?
The cost of a Gunkanjima (Battleship Island) tour typically covers the round-trip ferry transportation from Nagasaki to the island, guided access to the designated viewing areas on Gunkanjima, and the services of an English-speaking guide who provides detailed historical context and explanations. Booking through KKday offers the convenience of a streamlined reservation process and reliable tour arrangements for your adventure.
