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- Discover why Hashima Island is inaccessible on many days and learn 5 essential tips on clothing, items to bring, and more for a safe, enjoyable visit.
Hashima Island, commonly known as Gunkanjima (Battleship Island), is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in Nagasaki, Japan. Due to its remote location, access to the island is limited, and it is gradually deteriorating, raising the possibility that it may become inaccessible in the near future.
This article provides a detailed guide on how to visit Hashima Island.
Hashima Island: The Enigmatic Island of Rise and Fall, Nagasaki’s Industrial Heritage
Gunkanjima, officially known as Hashima Island, is a small island located 18.5 km off the coast of Nagasaki City in Nagasaki Prefecture. It flourished as an undersea coal mine from the Meiji era to the Showa era, boasting one of the highest population densities in the world. Cutting-edge technology of the time, such as Japan’s first reinforced concrete high-rise apartments and the world’s longest undersea water pipeline, was introduced, along with schools and hospitals.
The island earned the nickname “Battleship Island” due to its resemblance to a battleship. However, after the coal mine closed in 1974, the island was abandoned and became a ghost town. Its unique landscape and historical value have made it a popular tourist destination and a registered UNESCO World Heritage site.
The island looks like a battleship when seen in silhouette, giving it the name Gunkanjima.
The History of Hashima Island from the Meiji to Showa Eras - The Rise and Fall of the Undersea Coal Mine
Coal mining began in the Edo period, and from the Meiji era onwards, the island was owned by Mitsubishi. At its peak, it produced 83,000 tons of coal annually, with over 5,000 residents living on the island. Mitsubishi closed the mine in 1974, and the island became uninhabited. Today, it is recognized as an industrial heritage site and was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2015 as part of the Sites of Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution.
- 1890 (Meiji 23): Mitsubishi began development.
- 1916 (Taisho 5): The first reinforced concrete apartment building in Japan, “Building No. 30,” was constructed.
- 1941 (Showa 16): Continued operation during WWII, achieving record coal production.
- 1960 (Showa 35): The population reached its peak.
- 1970 (Showa 45): Mitsubishi announced the end of mining operations.
- 1974 (Showa 49): January 15: Mine closure; April 20: Became uninhabited.
- 2015 (Heisei 27): Registered as a World Heritage site.
How to Get to Hashima Island
To visit Hashima Island, you need to book a Gunkanjima Landing Tour Cruise. There are no other ways to access the island.
By joining a tour, you can:
- Travel to Hashima Island by boat, land on the island, and return to the departure port.
- Be guided by a tour guide during the journey and after landing.
The tours are comprehensive, offering guidance throughout the trip to and from Hashima Island.
Booking is Essential! Tips and Precautions for Reserving a Landing Tour Cruise
Booking in advance is essential for the Gunkanjima Landing Tour Cruise.
Due to the limited number of seats on the boats, you won’t be able to visit Hashima Island without a reservation. While it is possible to book a tour on the day of your visit, it’s best to reserve in advance to ensure a spot.
Reservations can be made online through official websites. Some tour companies also accept reservations by phone or fax.
Benefits of Booking in Advance - Plan Your Trip with Confidence Knowing the Departure Status
By booking in advance, you will be notified if the tour is canceled due to bad weather, giving you peace of mind.
In my experience, six days before my trip to Nagasaki, I was notified by both email and phone that the tour might be canceled due to a typhoon (this was with Seaman’s Club).
Weather-Dependent Tours: Risks and Countermeasures
Hashima Island is an offshore island, making it susceptible to weather conditions.
For instance, even if a typhoon passes, high waves might prevent the boat from docking, leading to tour cancellations.
Given the frequent weather-related cancellations, booking a tour in advance and being informed about the operational status early can help you adjust your travel plans accordingly.
(Tour companies’ official websites also provide updates on tour status.)
Comparing Four Tour Operators - Find the Best Tour Company for You
Only four companies operate tours departing from Nagasaki City:
Tour operations are regulated under the Hashima Island Viewing Facility Ordinance and its enforcement regulations, ensuring that only approved companies can conduct tours.
There is one more approved company, which operates tours from Nagasaki City, Nomomachi, known as The Seventh Ebisu Maru.
Given that most tourists focus on Nagasaki City, we will consider the four main tour companies for this discussion.
Points to Consider When Choosing a Tour Company - Schedule, Fees, Boat Size, and More
Each tour company offers unique features for their Gunkanjima Landing Tour Cruises.
Here are some key points to consider when choosing a tour company.
Tour Timetable and Duration
When visiting Nagasaki, you’ll likely want to explore various attractions, so knowing the tour schedule and duration is crucial.
If the tour timing doesn’t fit into your plan, you won’t be able to include it in your itinerary. Generally, all companies operate two tours per day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, with varying durations.
| Yamasa Shipping | 9:00 am - 11:30 am | 1:00 pm - 3:30 pm | 2 hours 30 minutes |
| Gunkanjima Landing Cruise | 9:10 am - 12:10 am | 2:00 pm - 5:20 pm | 3 hours 10 minutes |
| Seaman's Club | 10:30 am - 1:00 pm | 1:40 pm - 4:10 pm | 2 hours 30 minutes |
| Gunkanjima Concierge | 10:30 am - 1:15 pm | 1:40 pm - 4:20 pm | 2 hours 45 minutes |
The typical tour duration is about 2 hours and 30 minutes. Only the Gunkanjima Landing Cruise includes a visit to other places like the Nagasaki Takashima Coal Museum, making its tour slightly longer.
Check the departure and return times and the duration to see if they fit into your travel schedule.
The Total Duration of the Tour - From Check-in to Return
Tours have a check-in time, so plan to arrive at the meeting place 30 to 60 minutes before the tour starts for paperwork and check-in procedures.
The following table shows the time schedule for each tour company.
| Tour Company | Tour | Check - in Time | Boarding Time | Departure - Return Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yamasa Shipping | 1 | 8:15 am - | 8:40 am - | 9:00 am - 11:30 am |
| 2 | 12:00 am - | 12:40 am - | 1:00 pm - 3:30 pm | |
| Gunkanjima Landing Cruise | 1 | 8:10 am - 8:50 am | 8:50 am - 9:00 am | 9:10 am - 12:20 am |
| 2 | 1:00 pm - 1:40 pm | 1:40 pm - 1:50 pm | 2:00 pm - 5:20 pm | |
| Seaman's Club | 1 | 9:45 am - | 10:10 am - | 10:30 am - 1:00 pm |
| 2 | 1:00 pm - | 1:20 pm - | 1:40 pm - 4:10 pm | |
| Gunkanjima Concierge | 1 | 9:00 am - | 10:10 am - | 10:30 am - 1:15 pm |
| 2 | 10:30 am - | 1:20 pm - | 1:40 pm - 4:30 pm |
Since check-in needs to be completed before boarding time, consider the check-in time when planning your sightseeing schedule.
Therefore, it’s best to estimate the tour duration from check-in to return. Refer to the following table for details.
| Tour Company | Tour | Check - in to Return Time | Total Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yamasa Shipping | 1 | 8:15 am - 11:30 am | 3 hours 15 minutes |
| 2 | 12:00 am - 3:30 pm | 3 hours 30 minutes | |
| Gunkanjima Landing Cruise | 1 | 8:10 am - 12:20 am | 4 hours 10 minutes |
| 2 | 1:00 pm - 5:20 pm | 4 hours 20 minutes | |
| Seaman's Club | 1 | 9:45 am - 1:00 pm | 3 hours 15 minutes |
| 2 | 1:00 pm - 4:10 pm | 3 hours 10 minutes | |
| Gunkanjima Concierge | 1 | 9:00 am - 1:15 pm | 4 hours 15 minutes |
| 2 | 12:30 am - 4:30 pm | 4 hours 0 minutes |
Note that Gunkanjima Concierge’s check-in and boarding locations are separate, requiring an additional 5 minutes for transfer. Plan your schedule with extra time in mind to accommodate such transfers.
Comparing Tour Prices - Check Discount Information for Smart Booking!
Tour prices vary by company. The table below compares the standard plan prices for one adult.
| Tour Company | Cruise Fee | Facility Tour Fee | Total Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yamasa Shipping | ¥4,100 | ¥250 | ¥4,350 |
| Gunkanjima Landing Cruise | ¥3,600 | ¥310 | ¥3,910 |
| Seaman's Club | ¥3,900 | ¥310 | ¥4,210 |
| Gunkanjima Concierge | ¥5,000 | ¥310 | ¥5,310 |
Gunkanjima Concierge includes admission to the Gunkanjima Digital Museum, making it more expensive. However, considering the museum’s admission fee of ¥1,800, it becomes a bargain.
Yamasa Shipping offers an early bird discount of up to 20% if booked three months in advance, reducing the cruise fee to ¥3,600.
Seaman’s Club provides a discount coupon on their official website. Print and bring it to get a ¥300 discount, lowering the cruise fee to ¥3,600.
Considering these discounts, the adjusted cruise fees are as follows:
| Tour Company | Cruise Fee (Before Discount) | Discount | Cruise Fee (After Discount) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yamasa Shipping | ¥4,100 | 20% (if booked three months in advance) | ¥3,600 |
| Gunkanjima Landing Cruise | ¥3,600 | - | ¥3,600 |
| Seaman's Club | ¥3,900 | ¥300 | ¥3,600 |
| Gunkanjima Concierge | ¥5,000 | ¥1,800 (not a discount, but deducting the Digital Museum fee) | ¥3,200 |
Note that Gunkanjima Concierge does not actually provide a discount but is cheaper if you plan to visit the Gunkanjima Digital Museum.
If you want to visit the Gunkanjima Digital Museum, Gunkanjima Concierge is the best option. Otherwise, choose one of the other three companies for the lowest price.
Departure Locations for Gunkanjima Landing Tour Cruises - Differences Between Nagasaki Port Terminal and Tokiwamachi Terminal
There are two departure locations for Gunkanjima Landing Tour Cruises, depending on the tour company: Nagasaki Port Terminal or Tokiwamachi Terminal.
Nagasaki Port Terminal
Companies Departing from Nagasaki Port Terminal
- Yamasa Shipping
- Gunkanjima Landing Cruise
Tokiwamachi Terminal
Companies Departing from Tokiwamachi Terminal
- Gunkanjima Concierge
- Seaman’s Club
Distance Between Nagasaki Port Terminal and Tokiwamachi Terminal
It takes about 15 minutes to walk from Nagasaki Port Terminal to Tokiwamachi Terminal. You can also use a streetcar or taxi for a quicker transfer.
The Comfort of the Cruise Ship - Does the Size Matter?
The size of the cruise ships varies by company.
| Tour Company | Ship Name | Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Yamasa Shipping | Marbella | 225 passengers |
| Gunkanjima Landing Cruise | Black Diamond | 200 passengers |
| Seaman's Club | Saruku II | 96 passengers |
| Gunkanjima Concierge | Jupiter | 200 passengers |
If you’re prone to seasickness, choose a larger ship. The largest is Yamasa Shipping’s Marbella with a capacity of 225 passengers, followed by Gunkanjima Concierge’s Jupiter and Black Diamond with 200 passengers. Seaman’s Club’s Saruku II is smaller with a capacity of 96 passengers. However, all ships can be affected by weather, so bringing motion sickness medication is recommended.
When I boarded the Jupiter (Gunkanjima Concierge), it rocked slightly while stationary offshore, but hardly at all while sailing.
Tips for Choosing Seats on the Cruise - The Best Views from the Right Side
The route from Nagasaki Port to Hashima Island offers views of charming islands. For the best views and guided commentary, choose a seat on the right side of the ship. While you can also see the scenery from the left side on the return journey, the right side offers better views on the way to the island.
Important Points to Note When Visiting Hashima Island
Before joining a Gunkanjima Tour Cruise, there are some important points to note. Failure to comply may result in not being able to board the ship or land on the island. Please ensure you read and understand the following precautions.
Read more about Important Points to Note When Visiting Hashima Island
Planning Your Trip to Hashima Island - Explore the Historical and Mysterious Uninhabited Island
This article has provided a detailed guide on how to visit Hashima Island, Nagasaki’s UNESCO World Heritage site. The Gunkanjima Landing Tour Cruise is the only way to visit this historic island. Although advance booking is essential and weather-related cancellations are a risk, proper planning ensures a safe visit.
Compare the features, prices, and schedules of different tour companies to find the best plan for you. If you’re worried about seasickness, choose a larger ship for a more comfortable trip.
Hashima Island is a valuable heritage site that tells the story of Japan’s industrial history from the Meiji to Showa eras. By joining a landing tour, you can directly observe the island’s brick buildings and undersea coal mining remnants while listening to guides’ explanations, offering a glimpse into the lives of those who once lived there.
We hope this article helps you plan your trip to Hashima Island. Visit this enigmatic uninhabited island and create unforgettable memories.
