◇ 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. We will refund the difference between the landing tour fee and the cruising tour fee.
The tour includes convenient roundtrip Shinkansen tickets from Fukuoka to Nagasaki. Upon arrival at Nagasaki Station, a dedicated guide will meet you at the ticket gate. From there, you will proceed together to the ferry terminal for the scenic boat journey to Gunkanjima Island. The Shinkansen tickets will be sent to your hotel accommodation in Fukuoka prior to the tour date.
Gunkanjima Island, also known as Hashima Island, is an abandoned mining town that has been uninhabited since 1974. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage site recognized for its role in Japan's industrial revolution. Visitors can land on the island, but access is restricted to designated observation areas due to safety regulations concerning the deteriorating structures. All visits must be part of an official guided tour.
The Gunkanjima Battleship Island tour departing from Fukuoka is a full-day experience. This includes the high-speed Shinkansen travel to and from Nagasaki, the guided tour within Nagasaki, and the ferry journey to Gunkanjima Island with the island visit itself. The total duration allows for a comprehensive and immersive exploration of the site's history and unique features.
The tour package provides a hassle-free experience including roundtrip Shinkansen tickets between Fukuoka and Nagasaki. Upon reaching Nagasaki, a dedicated local guide will accompany you. You will enjoy a scenic ferry ride to Gunkanjima (Hashima) Island, where an English-speaking guide will share captivating stories and insights about its historical significance. This ensures a comprehensive and informative visit to the island.
Gunkanjima Island was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site as part of the 'Sites of Japan's Meiji Industrial Revolution: Iron and Steel, Shipbuilding and Coal Mining' due to its exceptional testimony to the rapid development of heavy industry in Japan during the Meiji period. It showcases the complete transformation from an isolated island to a densely populated, highly industrialized coal mining community, symbolizing Japan's modernization.
During the ferry journey to Gunkanjima Island, you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Nagasaki Port and the surrounding islands. The boat ride itself offers a unique perspective of the island's distinctive battleship-like silhouette as you approach. You'll also see various historical sites and modern landmarks along the coastline of Nagasaki, providing a beautiful backdrop to your journey.
An English-speaking guide accompanies visitors throughout the Gunkanjima Island tour to enhance the experience. They provide captivating stories, historical context, and in-depth insights into the island's past as a coal mining facility and a bustling community. The guide ensures visitors understand the significance of the structures and the lives of those who lived there, bringing the history of Gunkanjima to life.
Yes, due to the island's abandoned and decaying structures, strict safety regulations are in place. Visitors must remain on designated viewing platforms and walkways during their time on Gunkanjima Island. Landing on the island can also be subject to weather conditions, as rough seas may prevent the ferry from docking safely. Tours prioritize visitor safety by adhering to these guidelines and local weather advisories.