Gunkanjima: Exploring Nagasaki's Abandoned Battleship Island
- History of Gunkanjima Island
- Why is it Called "Battleship Island"?
- How to Get to Gunkanjima Island
- 8 Must-Know Tips Before Setting Sail for Battleship Island
- What to See on Gunkanjima Island (Hashima Island)
- The Hashima Island in Popular Culture
- Is it Safe to Visit Gunkanjima Island?
- Gunkanjima: A Journey Through Nagasaki's Deserted Island
- FAQ's
Welcome to our guide about Gunkanjima, also known as Battleship Island, which is close to the city of Nagasaki in Japan. This island used to be full of people working in coal mines, but now it's completely empty, with only old buildings left behind.
If you like history or want an exciting adventure, keep reading to learn more about this fascinating but empty island.
History of Gunkanjima Island
Gunkanjima Island, also known as Hashima, is about 19 kilometers away from the heart of Nagasaki city and was initially developed as a coal mining facility. The island became a critical part of Japan's Meiji industrial revolution, founded in 1887, serving as a significant coal supplier and contributing to Japan's modernization.
At its peak, the island was densely populated, especially during the Second World War, when demand for coal was at its highest. However, when coal reserves eventually depleted, mining operations ceased in 1974. The island quickly transformed from an industrial hub to an abandoned island as residents vacated it, leaving behind a ghost island filled with deserted buildings and silent machinery.
Today, Gunkanjima stands as a haunting yet compelling testament to a bygone era, attracting tourists and history enthusiasts alike.
Why is it Called "Battleship Island"?
Hashima Island is commonly called "Gunkanjima" or "Battleship Island" due to its distinctive shape, closely resembling a warship or battleship. The island earned this nickname because the sea walls, industrial facilities, and high-rise apartment buildings collectively make it look strikingly like a military ship from a distance.
While many associate its shape with the destructive machinery of World War II, the resemblance is purely coincidental and has been a part of its allure for years. As the island gained international attention, especially after being listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the nickname "Battleship Island" became more popular and widely recognized.
The name has helped boost its status as a tourist attraction, even drawing attention from people in countries like South Korea. Despite being an uninhabited island now, this catchy name has not only highlighted its unique physical characteristics but has also added an element of intrigue that attracts visitors from around the globe.
How to Get to Gunkanjima Island
If you plan to visit Gunkanjima, the nearest gateway is Nagasaki Airport. Once you land, you can take a bus or taxi to Nagasaki city, where tour companies offer round-trip packages to the island.
Choosing reputable tour operators is essential to ensure your safe and informative trip. In Nagasaki Port, multiple companies operate tour boats that depart from different locations, including the Nagasaki Port Ferry Terminal near the Ohato tram stop (just 3 minutes by tram line 1 from Nagasaki Station) and the Tokiwa Terminal near the Ourakaikandori tram stop (15 minutes by tram lines 1 and 5 from Nagasaki Station).
8 Must-Know Tips Before Setting Sail for Battleship Island
Before you pack your bags for an adventure to Battleship Island, there are crucial tips you need to know. Dive into our guide on "8 Must-Know Tips Before Setting Sail for Battleship Island" to ensure a safe and enriching experience.
You can't visit Hashima Island on your own
Nagasaki weather gets pretty rough.
Gunkanjima is not for the faint of heart.
You may be refused admittance based on your physical condition.
Babies and pets are not allowed.
You have to sign a safety contract.
The Hashima Island tour is 60 minutes long — max.
Skyfall wasn't filmed there.
1. You Can't Visit Hashima Island on Your Own.
Due to safety and preservation concerns, the Japanese government strictly prohibits individual or independent trips to Hashima Island. You must book through an authorized tour company, which will provide a guided tour complete with essential safety instructions and historical insights.
2. Nagasaki Weather Gets Pretty Rough.
The coastal weather in Nagasaki can be exceptionally unpredictable, ranging from sunny skies to sudden storms. As a result, it's not uncommon for tours to Hashima Island to be canceled or rescheduled on short notice, so be prepared for some flexibility in your travel plans.
3. Gunkanjima Is Not for the Faint of Heart.
The decaying buildings, deserted streets, and eerie silence give Hashima Island, also known as Gunkanjima, a haunting ambiance that can be overwhelming for some visitors. Therefore, it's advisable to be emotionally prepared for a potentially unsettling experience as you walk through what once was the most densely populated place on Earth.
4. You May Be Refused Admittance Based on Your Physical Condition.
Tour operators are responsible for ensuring their patrons' safety, so don't be surprised if you must undergo a basic health assessment before embarking on the tour. Depending on the result, you may be refused entry to the tour as a precautionary measure to ensure your safety and that of the group.
5. Babies and Pets Are Not Allowed.
Due to the precarious nature of the island's decaying infrastructure and the potential risks involved, babies and pets are strictly prohibited from joining the tours. This rule is enforced to guarantee all visitors' safety and to abide by regulations set forth by the tour company and authorities.
6. You Have to Sign a Safety Contract.
Before boarding the boat to Hashima Island, every visitor is required to sign a safety contract. This document outlines the risks involved and the safety protocols that must be followed, ensuring everyone knows their responsibilities while on the tour.
7. The Hashima Island Tour Is 60 Minutes Long — Max.
Tours to Hashima Island are designed to be brief due to safety concerns and logistical constraints. Typically lasting up to an hour, these tours offer a snapshot of the island's haunting beauty and historical significance without overexposing visitors to potential risks.
8. Skyfall Wasn't Filmed There.
Despite popular belief, the island was not a filming location for the James Bond movie "Skyfall." While Hashima Island inspired the film's setting, the scenes were created using CGI and set rather than being filmed on the island.
What to See on Gunkanjima Island (Hashima Island)
Embark on an unforgettable journey to Gunkanjima Island.
When you step foot on Hashima Island Gunkanjima, the abandoned buildings, including apartment buildings and a town hall, immediately catch your eye. These decaying structures were once part of Earth's most densely populated place, filled with miners and, sadly, Chinese prisoners during wartime.
The island's architectural remnants are significant in understanding Japan's rapid industrialization. Now completely deserted, these sites offer a haunting yet important glimpse into a pivotal era of Japanese history.
The Hashima Island in Popular Culture
Hashima Island, better known as Gunkanjima Battleship Island, has become a historical point of interest and a significant symbol in popular culture. The island's intriguing ambiance has made it a compelling backdrop for movies and documentaries, further popularized by its UNESCO World Heritage site status.
While it inspired settings in movies like James Bond's "Skyfall," it has also been the focus of various documentaries and even a Gunkanjima Digital Museum. For those unable to visit in person, options like the Gunkanjima Cruise offer a way to experience the island's allure.
Overall, the island reached new heights of global attention, drawing a broad audience keen on exploring its past and present-day mystique.
Is it Safe to Visit Gunkanjima Island?
Visiting Gunkanjima Island is generally safe, particularly with qualified tour operators who provide necessary safety measures. They usually equip you with safety gear like helmets and guide you through tour groups to ensure you remain in assessed safe zones.
Once a busy coal mine with a peak population, the island has uneven terrain and crumbling structures, making sturdy footwear essential. Be aware that the island is not wheelchair accessible and was a site of forced labor, which adds a somber tone to its history.
The tours are subject to bad weather conditions, so checking forecasts before your visit is wise. Adhering to the safety guidelines ensures a safe exploration of this historically complex site.
Gunkanjima: A Journey Through Nagasaki's Deserted Island
Gunkanjima, with its haunting yet awe-inspiring atmosphere, provides a deep dive into Japan's industrial past. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, it is a historical link to Japan's Meiji industrial revolution.
Whether you're a history buff or an adventure seeker, this abandoned island offers a unique experience you won't find anywhere else. So, next time you're near Nagasaki city, consider adding Gunkanjima to your itinerary after a somber visit to the Nagasaki Peace Park.
It is an unforgettable journey back in time and a testament to humankind's ambitions and follies.
FAQ's
Why is Gunkanjima Island abandoned?
By the mid-1950s, Hashima Island had over 5,000 residents, making it the most densely populated place on Earth. However, in 1974, the coal reserves depleted, leading Mitsubishi to shut down the mine and resulting in the island's swift evacuation, transforming it into a ghost town with decaying concrete structures.
Does anyone live on Gunkanjima Island?
No, Gunkanjima is currently an uninhabited Island. It was abandoned in 1974 and has remained empty, serving now only as a tourist attraction.
How many died at Hashima Island?
During this time, it's estimated that around 1,300 conscripted laborers died on the island due to various hazards like underground accidents, extreme exhaustion, and malnutrition.
Discover the remarkable history and resilience of Nagasaki on an unforgettable self-guided audio tour.
