Seeking the power
to stop the advancing decay.
Hashima Island, commonly known as Battleship Island (Gunkanjima),
has a significant history in coal mining.
In 1868, Thomas Glover invited
the Irish engineer Samuel Morris
to introduce Western-style coal mining techniques
at Takashima Mine.
About 30 years later, Hashima Mine,
which was producing high-quality coal,
was transferred to Mitsubishi.
The production at Hashima Mine eventually grew
to surpass that of Takashima Mine.
Hashima Island, known for producing the highest quality coal, employed a large workforce. The island, which underwent seven phases of land reclamation, was home to Japan’s first high-rise reinforced concrete block of flats. Measuring 480 metres from north to south and 160 metres from east to west, with a perimeter of 1,200 metres, the island’s population exceeded 5,000 at its peak. Its population density was 17.5 times that of Tokyo, making it the highest in the world. In 1958, while television ownership in Japan was around 10%, nearly every household on the island owned a TV.
To preserve this landscape for future generations, landing on the island is essential.
The purpose of the landing tour is not only to experience life during the peak of the coal industry but also to witness the current state of Hashima Island. As the buildings continue to decay, and with preservation efforts still limited, we hope to inspire more people to support the cause of preserving this island for future generations.
The Gunkanjima Concierge contributes a portion of the revenue from entrance fees and the sale of merchandise to support the preservation and reinforcement of the island’s deteriorating structures. Additionally, various fundraising efforts and ideas are being explored to further aid in this mission.
The deteriorating buildings,
some of which have been partially reinforced.
silently tell the story of the lives that once thrived on the island.
Around the year 2000, before tours were available, Yuko Kuon was deeply affected by the overwhelming presence and atmosphere of Gunkanjima during her first visit. Since then, she has been actively involved in preservation efforts. She continues to take action as one of the leading figures committed to considering and shaping the future of Nagasaki.
As a former island resident, he shares his personal experiences to explain life on Hashima Island at the Gunkanjima Digital Museum. Having lived on the island until his first year of junior high school, he knows everything about daily life there and is happy to answer any questions in a friendly and approachable manner.
The museum features intricate models, detailed exhibits, and immersive content, including VR and 5D videos.
Experiencing both the museum and setting foot on the island itself will transform your perspective of this place.
Despite being told that ‘ruins could never become a World Heritage site,’ Ms. Kuon continued her efforts. Driven by a sense of duty to ‘create new tourist content for Nagasaki’, she remained committed to this cause. In 2014, she held the Great Hashima Exhibition at the Nagasaki Prefectural Art Museum to mark the 40th anniversary of the closure of Hashima Mine. This event garnered support from former island residents and other collaborators, raising awareness and momentum for Hashima to become a World Heritage site. The following year, Hashima was officially registered as a World Heritage site, 15 years after Ms. Kuon first set foot on the island.
Due to weather conditions, there may be days when the landing tour is not possible due to high waves. In addition to the tours, there are other places to learn about Hashima Island. The photos and videos collected over the years by former island residents, including those from the Great Hashima Exhibition, have been transformed into immersive content at the Gunkanjima Digital Museum using the latest technology, allowing visitors to experience life on the island as it once was. Through the stories of guides who were born and raised on Hashima, and through virtual experiences, visitors can gain a deeper, more authentic understanding of life on the island, beyond just the landing itself.
Head towards Gunkanjima while listening to an explanation on the outdoor deck.
Gunkanjima Digital Museum
Address: 5-6 Matsugae-cho, Nagasaki City
Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Parking: Several paid parking spaces nearby
Gunkanjima Concierge (Gunkanjima Landing and Tour Cruise)
Address: 5-6 Matsugae-cho, Nagasaki City
(Cruise Tour Boat Reception Location)
Operation Information: 2 cruises per day
Morning Cruise
9:00 a.m. – Reception
10:10 a.m. – Boarding starts
10:30 a.m. – Departure
1:05 p.m. – Return to port
Afternoon Cruise
10:30 a.m. – Reception
1:20 p.m. – Boarding starts
1:40 p.m. – Departure
4:10 p.m. – Return to port
Parking: Multiple paid parking spaces available nearby.
