Hashima Island (Nagasaki) FAQs In 2024

What is Hashima Island and where is it located?

Hashima Island, also known as Gunkanjima (meaning 'Battleship Island' due to its shape), is an abandoned island located about 15 kilometers from Nagasaki, in southwestern Japan. It was once a bustling coal mining facility from 1887 to 1974.

Yes, Hashima Island is open to tourists. However, access is limited, and visitors are only allowed to explore certain areas with a guide for safety reasons, due to the fragile state of the decaying buildings.

To visit Hashima Island, you need to take a boat tour from Nagasaki Port. Tours are typically conducted by several tour companies and must be booked in advance. Most tours include a guided walk through designated pathways on the island.

Yes, due to safety concerns, visitors are restricted to a specific route and are not allowed to wander freely around the island. Some parts are cordoned off to protect both the visitors and the structural integrity of the abandoned buildings.

Visitors can see the remnants of the island's past, including abandoned apartment buildings, a school, a hospital, and other facilities that supported the once-thriving mining community. The island provides an eerie snapshot into past lives and industrial activity.

Yes, photography is allowed on Hashima Island, and it's popular among tourists for its unique industrial ruins and dramatic landscape. However, you should be cautious and respect the barriers that have been put in place.

The best time to visit Hashima Island is from spring to autumn, as the weather is more favorable and the seas are calm, making boat travel easier. It's advisable to check weather conditions and tour schedules in advance.

Visitors should bring sunscreen, water, a hat, and good walking shoes. It's also important to bring your camera or smartphone for photography, and a windbreaker or jacket as it can be windy on the boat ride and the island.

There are no functional facilities on Hashima Island, such as shops, restaurants, or restrooms, as it is an abandoned island. Visitors should use facilities on the mainland or on the tour boat before arriving at the island.

A typical tour to Hashima Island lasts about 2 to 3 hours, including the round-trip boat ride and walking tour. The duration on the island itself is about 45 minutes to an hour.

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