What is Gunkanjima or Battleship Island?

The Name and History

“Gunkanjima” is the nickname of “Hashima”, a solitary island floating in the sea about 19 KM or 12 miles southwest from the Port of Nagasaki.

Gunkanjima is also an island with seabed coalmine, which had underpinned modernization of Japan by supplying usable coal for iron-making. This coal was mainly for the Yawata Steel Works, which have been managed by the Mitsubishi Mining Company since 1890.

Although, in the beginning, the island was just mere nude aqueous-rock-shallows, the present figure has been formed with repeated expansions of the sea wall by reclaiming the surroundings in step with advances in the mining technologies.

House construction for employees had been increased along with the developments with the coal mine. A string of multi-story apartments with reinforced concrete had been constructed since 1916.

Gunkanjima was forested with the multi-story apartments that had a population of more than 5,000 people, producing the appearance of a fortress of the sea, which looked like “Tosa” a battleship (or gunkan in Japanese). This is how it came to be known as “Gunkanjima,” meaning battleship-island.

Energy-reform-stricken rationalization had been promoted in the coal mine since the first half of 1960’s. The coal mine shut down on January 15, 1974. Gunkanjima became an inhabitant island on April 20 in the same year.

Information about Cruising
Fare and Time Table

Gunkanjima Landing & Cruise

The island became open to the public for visiting on April 22, 2009. You will be enchanted by the breathtaking views of “Gunkanjima”, known as the man-made-island for the seabed coalmine, after landing.
You will also receive satisfaction from the sights on the ferry while sailing around the island. Both views of short-distance and long distance will be engraved in your mind’s eye forever.

Authorization conditions require a signature on the Agreement.
Click here to download the documents to be submitted for the “Gunkanjima Landing & Cruise.”

REMARKS

- We arrange Chinese and English guides for our passengers from abroad. The guide fee is free. Chinese guides are available on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, and English guides are available on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
- A group discount fare shown below is applied to groups of 15 or more.
- The fares for the Gunkanjima Landing & Cruise includes “a round-trip fare”, “a guiding fee on the island”, “a safety guide fee” and “a cruising guide fee.”
- We will make a full refund of landing fees and 10-percent passage fees in case if you can’t effect a landing.
- We may not be able to set sail depending on weather conditions. Reservations are required.
- A signature on the “Agreement” is a requirement.
- Please check the details of the “Agreement” and “Things to Note When Visiting Gunkanjima.”
- We began to accept junior high and high school students on school excursions for a trial period in May 2011.
- In addition, authorization conditions of landing are laid down separately.
- Junior high and high school students are allowed to join a general cruising including landing when accompanied by a guardian.

TIME TABLE

  First Ferry Second Ferry
Ohato, dep. 9:00 13:00
Gunkanjima, arr. 9:30 13:30
Gunkanjima, dep. 10:30 14:30
Ohato, arr. 11:30 15:30

FARE

  Individual Group Discount
Adult (age 12 and over) ¥4,500
+ ¥310
¥4,100
+ ¥250
Junior High&
High School Students
¥4,500
+ ¥310
¥4,100
+ ¥250
Child (age 6 to 11) ¥2,250
+ ¥150
¥2,050
+ ¥120

NOTE: Facility fees will be charged for landing by Nagasaki City in addition to passenger fees.

Gunkanjima Cruise

You can see “Gunkanjima” in 30 to 40 minutes after the ferry pulls out of the Port of Nagasaki.
We move closer and go around the island in a slow manner. Please do not miss the captivating views of a forest of abandoned buildings.
The sceneries conjure up an image of the history and lifestyle of people at the coal mine as if you were a witness of the real lives of inhabitants of that time.
You should definitely find delight and pleasure in seeing the scenic views from the ferry deck.

REMARKS

- A group discount fare shown below is applied to groups of 30 or more.
- We may not be able to set sail depending on weather conditions. Reservations are required.
- Minimum passenger count is 30.
- Please feel free to consult us concerning departure time other than shown below, charter services and parties on the ship.

TIME TABLE

First Vessel Second Vessel
9:30
(tentative)
13:30
(tentative)

FARE

  Individual Group Discount
Adult (age 12 and over) ¥3,300 ¥2,970
Junior High&
High School Students
¥3,300 ¥2,970
Child (age 6 to 11) ¥1,650 ¥1,490

Nagasaki Port Sail

On a faithful replica of the original Kanko Maru, you will be able to feel and experience the hot blood of the samurai spirit, tracing back through Japan’s history and following the trajectory of the ship that had kept pace with the times during the turbulent days at the end of samurai period.

Kanko Maru was Japan’s first steam warship, given by the Dutch in 1855. Consummate samurais such as Kaishu Katsu, who is particularly known for his role in the surrender of Edo, and Ryoma Sakamoto, a key player in the movement to overthrow the Tokugawa shogunate, learned to sail the oceans on the training ship, which became one of the first ships of the fledging Imperial Japanese Navy. The replica of the ship was built in the Netherlands in 1987.

(Referenced historical source: Wikipedia)

REMARKS

- A group discount fare shown below is applied to groups of 30 or more.
- We may not be able to set sail depending on weather conditions. Reservations are required.
- Please note that we may have to cancel setting sail in case of a strong wind, where a wind speed exceeds 5 meters per second, by the captain’s judgment.
- Please feel free to consult us concerning charter services and parties on the ship.

TIME TABLE

First Vessel Second Vessel
12:00 16:00

FARE

  Individual Group Discount
Adult (age 12 and over) ¥2,000 ¥1,800
Junior High&
High School Students
¥2,000 ¥1,800
Child (age 6 to 11) ¥1,000 ¥990

Sunset Cruise

You will enjoy a spectacular sunset reflected on the surface of the sea water while riding on the sea breeze in a pleasant evening.
The sun goes down by the time we make a U-turn while appreciating Iojima Island before your eyes. You will be fascinated by reflection on the water of the world-famous magnificent night piece, filled with glitteringly-mesmerizing lights, of the City of Nagasaki

REMARKS

- Minimum passenger count is 30.
- We may not be able to set sail depending on weather conditions. Reservations are required.
- Please feel free to consult us concerning departure time other than shown in the chart, charter services and parties on the ship.

TIME TABLE

First Vessel Second Vessel
- -

FARE

  Individual
Adult (age 12 and over) ¥2,500
Junior High&
High School Students
¥2,500
Child (age 6 to 11) ¥1,250

Access


View Larger Map

Please visit us at Window Seven

Window Seven is on the first floor of the Nagasaki Port Ferry Terminal Building at 17-3 Motofuna-machi, Nagasaki City

FAQ

1. Does the “Gunkanjima Landing & Cruise” include a tour around the island on the ferry?
We will have a tour around the island on the ferry after the tour of the island, and return to the Nagasaki Port Ferry Terminal. For more details, please consult the brochure.
2. Where is the parking lot for a car/bicycle?
Parking is available at Ken-ei Parking Lot, a three-story parking lot, near the Nagasaki Port Ferry Terminal for 120 yen per 30 minutes.
3. Is there a discount for parking?
No, there is not. However, a discount is given only for passengers who are lodgers on solitary islands.
4. What should I do if my car is too tall to enter the multi- story parking lot?
We will be glad to show you other parking lots nearby, including one at the back of Dejima Wharf or one in front of the Nagasaki Customs.
5. Are there more parking lots in addition to Ken-ei Parking Lot?
We recommend Hashimoto Parking Lot when Ken-ei Parking Lot is full during busy days such as the Golden Week Holidays, the Bon vacation and the New Year Holidays.
6. Will it be fair weather or poor weather on my appointment day?
We can’t know until it gets close to your appointment day.
7. Does the ferry roll or pitch?
Gunkanjima is 19 KM or 12 miles from the Port of Nagasaki in direct distance.
The ferry may roll or pitch a little on the open sea, although it is relatively calm in the Port of Nagasaki.
8. Will I get seasick?
The ferry may roll or pitch a little on the open sea.
Please prepare seasickness medication in advance if you are worried.
9. Can I buy seasickness medicine nearby?
Medicine is not available at shops at the Nagasaki Port Ferry Terminal.
You may buy medicine at a drug store in the first basement of Nagasaki You Me Saito, a shopping center.
10. Limits for users of Dolphin Pier at the time of landing of Gunkanjima (Nagasaki Municipal Ordinance)
1. When a wind speed exceeds 5 meters per second.
2. When a wave height exceeds 0.5 meters.
3. When a visibility is 500 meters or less.
NOTE: We shall not use the Dolphin Pier when the captain of the ferry judges that passengers will not be able to disembark in a safe manner even if the criteria are within the limits shown above.
11. Can we set foot on Gunkanjima? What is the latest landing rate?
It depends on circumstances of seasons every year.
Please confirm the previous landing rates on our website.
In addition, both the landing rate and operational rate, in percent figures, are against the set operational volumes per month.
(30 days x 2 operations = 60 operational volumes in June, for example.)
(Please note that the landing rate, in particular, does not mean the rate whether landing is made or not after a departure of the ferry.)
12. Under what circumstances can’t we make a landing?
We cannot land when a wave height exceeds 50 centimeters at the Dolphin Pier, where the ferry comes alongside, according to the Nagasaki Municipal Ordinance.
Additionally, it is required by the National and Municipal Safety Criteria to install boarding ramp.
Landing is not allowed when the boarding ramp are unable to install in a safe manner or the safety of passengers is not assured at the time of embarking and disembarking due to the conditions of waves even after the ferry comes alongside the pier.
13. Are there any restrooms?
Restrooms are available on the ferry, but not in Gunkanjima.
14. Can I buy refreshments on the ferry or in Gunkanjima?
Vending machines are available on the ferry, but no refreshments are sold in Gunkanjima.
You may enjoy food and beverages on the ferry if you bring when boarding.
Alcohol is not allowed on the ferry.
15. Can I photograph or videotape?
You can do both “in Gunkanjima.” However, the permission of Nagasaki City is required for business purposes.
It is prohibited to record an announcement or to photograph a screen “on the ferry.”
16. Is there a rest station or a covered place for a rest in Gunkanjima?
Neither is available.
17. Is a baggage room, for a carrier bag for example, available?
No, it is not.
You may use a coin-operated locker in the Nagasaki Port Ferry Terminal.
18. Can I buy a raincoat?
Yes, you can on the ferry.
However, please prepare one in advance because our supplies and sizes are limited.
19. Can I pay for my fare by my credit card?
We don’t take credit cards, cash only.
20. Can we act on our own in Gunkanjima?
We do things in a group.
An island-guide will give you explanations on sites.
You are requested to follow instructions given by a safety guide when sightseeing.
21. How long are we staying in Gunkanjima?
It will be under one hour.
It may take more time for boarding and alighting, depending on passenger size and the weather.
22. Is there a place to eat around the Nagasaki Port Ferry Terminal?
Restaurants are available on the first and second floor in the Nagasaki Port Ferry Terminal, and in Nagasaki You Me Saito and Dejima Wharf.
23. Is there an ATM nearby?
An ATM is on the first floor at the back of Nagasaki You Me Saito.
24. Is it hot or cold in Gunkanjima?
It’s hot in the summer, and cold in the winter.
In particular please take precautions to avoid heat stress and heat exhaustion in the summer.
25. When will a decision be made on an operation of a vessel?
A final decision is made half an hour before setting sail.
Please note that you may have to seek confirmation if a sailing will be made or not at our window.
26. Are wheel chairs and strollers accessible to the ferry and Gunkanjima?
Wheel chairs and strollers can get onboard the ferry.
- Authorization conditions of landing of Gunkanjima limit an individual who can walk independently. (We request a companion to give assistance to an individual in a wheel chair because our staff may not be able to assist.)
- Landing is not allowed for preschoolers and under.
Such child will stay on the ferry with a guardian. If there are two guardians for a child, the guardians can take turns to make a landing for sightseeing. Therefore, a stroller cannot disembark.
27. Where is there a bus stop, where I can get on a bus bound for Nagasaki Airport?
You can get on a bus at the “Ken-ei Bus Terminal” located in front of Nagasaki Train Station, or “Ohato Bus Stop.”
28. How long does it take from Ohato to Nagasaki Train Station?
It takes 15 to 20 minutes on foot, or 5 to 10 minutes by a taxicab.
29. How long does it take from Ohato to Nagasaki Airport?
It takes about 40 to 60 minutes by a shuttle bus. Please plan for plenty of time, taking traffic conditions into consideration.
30. Can I use a sunshade or an umbrella in Gunkanjima?
No, you can’t due to its being safety hazard.
31. Can I fish in Gunkanjima?
No, you can’t.
32. Can my pet get onboard the ferry?
No animal allowed.

Downloading

Gunkanjima Landing & Cruise: Documents to be submitted by general passengers.

Brochures