What is Gunkanjima?
Gunkanjima, or Hashima Island, is a small, abandoned island off the coast of Nagasaki. From a distance, it looks like a battleship—so people started calling it “Gunkanjima,” which means “Battleship Island” in Japanese.
The island has a powerful history. It once had a busy coal mine run by Mitsubishi. In the 1950s, over 5,000 people lived there, making it the most crowded place in the world. The island was packed with tall apartment buildings, schools, shops, and even a hospital—all built from concrete and surrounded by a high seawall. But when Japan stopped using coal, the mine closed. In 1974, everyone left. The buildings were left behind, and the island became completely empty.
In 2015, Gunkanjima became a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its role in Japan’s industrial revolution.
Today, you can visit the island by guided boat tour. Some tours even let you land and walk on the island. If you want a deeper and safer experience, we highly recommend joining one of our company’s guided tours.
Why Was Gunkanjima Abandoned?
Why Was Gunkanjima AbanHashima Island was once a symbol of prosperity. In the mid-20th century, thousands of people lived and worked here, extracting undersea coal to power Japan’s rapid industrial growth. But by the 1970s, the energy landscape had shifted—from coal to oil. The Mitsubishi Mining Company shut down operations in 1974, and within weeks, the island’s entire population left. From the world’s most crowded island to a ghost town—almost overnight.
Walking through the ruins today feels surreal. The school gym still has its faded scoreboard. Empty stairwells echo with the sound of waves. Nature is slowly reclaiming the concrete skeletons of a once-bustling city.
I visited Gunkanjima in spring 2025 on a morning tour from Nagasaki Port. After 30 minutes on the boat, the island came into view—dark and compact, just like in the photos. We wore helmets and walked a fixed path near the pier. Our guide pointed out a collapsed school, rusting apartments, and the old bathhouse. You can’t explore freely, but just standing there, surrounded by broken concrete and silence, was unforgettable.
Can You Visit Gunkanjima Today?
Yes—but only by joining an official guided tour departing from Nagasaki Port. Because of the island’s fragile condition, individual access is not allowed, and even tours depend on weather and sea conditions. Most boat tours include:
・A cruise around the island for panoramic views
・Landing on a designated safe walkway (weather permitting)
・Live commentary about the island’s history and life there
Several local operators offer tours, with departures from Tokiwa Terminal or Mochidome Pier. Tours typically last about 2.5 to 3 hours in total.
Why Is Hashima Island Considered Scary?
The nickname “ghost island” isn’t just for show. Hashima’s abandoned concrete structures—cracked walls, empty windows, rusted balconies—create a haunting atmosphere. Nature is reclaiming the space, but slowly. There’s no electricity, no residents, and almost complete silence. For many visitors, it’s not horror, but a strange mix of awe and sadness.
The idea that thousands of people once lived, worked, and raised families here—now gone—adds a weight that’s hard to shake. Some locals whisper ghost stories, and the island has appeared in horror-themed media. But the true “scariness” of Gunkanjima lies in its silence, its shadows—and its memory of Japan’s rapid rise and sudden abandonment.
Access – How to Get to Gunkanjima
Gunkanjima (Hashima Island) lies about 4 kilometers off the coast of Nagasaki, in the East China Sea.
To visit the island, you’ll need to join an official guided boat tour departing from Nagasaki Port.
Departure Terminals:
- Tokiwa Terminal (常盤ターミナル)
- Mochidome Terminal (元船桟橋)
Q&A – Gunkanjima (Hashima Island)
What is Gunkanjima?
Gunkanjima, officially known as Hashima Island, is an abandoned mining island off the coast of Nagasaki.
Its battleship-like shape gave it the nickname “Battleship Island.” It was once a densely populated coal mining hub, now a haunting UNESCO site.
Why is Gunkanjima island abandoned?
Coal mining operations ceased in 1974 due to the shift to petroleum. The entire population evacuated within weeks, leaving the island deserted and decaying ever since.
Can you go to Gunkanjima island?
Yes—but only by guided boat tour from Nagasaki Port. Access to the island is restricted and weather-dependent. Landing is possible only under safe conditions.
Why is Hashima Island scary?
The island’s empty concrete buildings, silence, and decaying structures create an eerie atmosphere. Some visitors describe it as ghostly—not due to legends, but due to its sudden abandonment.
Visitor Info – Gunkanjima (Hashima Island)
• Landing is weather-dependent. If the sea is too rough, tours may only circle the island without landing.
• Helmets and life jackets are mandatory when walking on the island.
• Photography is allowed in designated areas.
• Drone use is strictly prohibited.
• Walking paths are narrow and uneven—closed shoes are highly recommended.
Last updated: December 2025