Gunkanjima island Cruise Experience | Nagasaki, Japan
- Explore Hashima Island, Japan's abandoned island known for its coal mining history and desolate ruins
- Discover the island's unique battleship-like shape and remnants, making it a popular tourist destination and a UNESCO World Heritage site
- Visit filming locations from the James Bond movie "Skyfall" on the island
Sightseeing Tours
| Tour Type | Shared tour |
| Transportation method | Get there on your own |
| Meal arrangement | Arrange yourself |
| Sightseeing type | Historic site tour, Islands tour |
| Transport | Sightseeing cruise |
| Cruise type | Sightseeing boat |
Product Info
The content of this product is provided by machine translation and may not reflect the actual information, please take this into consideration before booking.
ー What Can You Expect ー
Located approximately 19 kilometers southwest of Nagasaki Port, Nagasaki Gunkanjima, also known as Hashima Island, served as a seabed coal mining base owned by Mitsubishi Group. Reclaimed land, high-rise apartments, and various facilities surrounded the island, resembling a sea fortress due to its resemblance to a warship. However, in April 1974, the island closed as coal resources depleted, leaving it uninhabited and in ruins. Fast forward to January 5, 2009, when it was recorded in the "Kyushu and Yamaguchi Modernization Industrial Heritage Group," marking the beginning of a new era. On April 22, 2009, the prohibition on tourist landings was lifted, enabling various travel companies to operate island tours. In 2015, Gunkanjima gained World Cultural Heritage status as part of the Meiji Japan Industrial Heritage Revolutionary Site. Notably, the renowned movie "Skyfall" was filmed on Gunkanjima in Nagasaki, Japan, further adding to its widespread recognition.
Purchase Notice
- For safety reasons, children under the age of 3 are not allowed to participate in this tour
- If the voyage is canceled due to bad weather on the day of the tour, a full refund will be issued. After departure, if the boat cannot land on the island due to weather or sea conditions, a partial refund of the boat fare and the landing fee collected at check-in will be provided
Reminders
When checking in, please ensure that the name on your passport matches the name used for the booking
Please note that umbrellas are not allowed on the island during rainy conditions. It is recommended to bring your own raincoat to stay dry and comfortable during your visit
During your visit to the island, it is important to follow the instructions provided by the staff. Due to the limited time and specific activities allowed on the island, it is necessary to adhere to the group behavioral rules for a smooth and enjoyable experience
On the day of the cruise, all participants are required to submit a "Pledge" form. Participants age 11 and below must also submit a "Guardian's Approval Form." These documents will be provided to you during the check-in process, and it is necessary to fill them out before submitting them as instructed
We kindly advise you to take good care of your personal belongings during the trip and avoid carrying valuable items if possible. In the event of loss or damage to personal belongings during the journey, please note that you will be held responsible for any losses incurred
Please be aware that the departure and arrival times provided are approximate and serve as guidelines. They may be subject to change based on the navigation conditions on the day of the cruise. We appreciate your understanding and flexibility in this matter
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellations 9 day(s) (inclusive) before the selected date are allowed. Unused orders can be canceled for free
- For cancellations made 3 to 8 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 30% will apply
- Cancellation is not allowed between 0–2 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 the cancellation is confirmed, you will receive your refund within 14 working days.
FAQ
Most Nagasaki Gunkanjima Island cruise experiences include a landing and touring itinerary. However, due to strong winds and waves in the waters surrounding Gunkanjima Island, actual landing is subject to the weather and sea conditions of the day to ensure visitor safety. If landing is not possible due to weather, the cruise will still circle the island, allowing visitors to admire its unique landscape from the sea.
Gunkanjima Island was once an important coal mining base, so its residents primarily consisted of miners and their families. In addition to miners, there were many residents providing daily life services, such as teachers, doctors, and shopkeepers. At its peak, the island's population density surpassed that of Tokyo, making it a highly concentrated small city.
The official name of Gunkanjima Island is "Hashima." From afar at sea, its unique cluster of buildings resembles the Japanese battleship "Tosa," hence its nickname "Battleship Island." Its charm lies in these abandoned reinforced concrete structures, which bear witness to Japan's modern industrialization history and prosperity, while also evoking a post-apocalyptic sense of desolation, creating a unique visual impact.
During a Gunkanjima Island cruise experience, you will primarily see ruins of abandoned reinforced concrete high-rise apartments, schools, hospitals, and coal mining facilities. These structures exhibit a unique desolate beauty due to erosion by wind and rain. In particular, "Building 30," once one of Japan's earliest reinforced concrete high-rise apartments, is a significant landmark on the island.
Gunkanjima Island was designated a World Cultural Heritage site in 2015. Its primary value lies in its testament to Japan's industrialization process from the Meiji Restoration to after World War II, especially the development of the coal mining industry. The well-preserved abandoned structures on the island are a microcosm of a high-density mining city of that era, presenting a unique cultural landscape and human habitation pattern, holding significant historical and architectural research value.
Gunkanjima Island's coal mining history was central to its development. After Mitsubishi Corporation acquired the island in 1890, large-scale underwater coal mining led to rapid prosperity, transforming it into a modern maritime city with facilities like schools, hospitals, and cinemas. However, with the energy policy shift towards oil, the coal mining industry declined. Gunkanjima Island officially closed its coal mines in 1974, its residents evacuated, and the island was subsequently abandoned.
For the safety of visitors and to preserve the heritage, tourists are not allowed to enter all abandoned buildings when visiting Gunkanjima Island. After landing, visitors will follow designated safe pathways and tour from specific viewpoints. Guides will explain the historical background and architectural features at these points, allowing visitors to experience the island's atmosphere from a safe distance.
Gunkanjima Island was an inspiration for the villain's secret base and a filming location for the movie "Skyfall." Although some scenes in the movie were studio sets, the unique desolate ruins, towering apartment complexes, and post-apocalyptic atmosphere of Gunkanjima Island provided significant visual references for the film. As visitors walk on the island, they can feel a sense of mystery and grandeur similar to the movie scenes.
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