Nagasaki Departure: Experience History on the Gunkanjima Battleship Island Tour

Gunkanjima Digital Museum

The museum provides an in-depth educational experience regarding the history of Gunkanjima, its past in coal mining, and its importance as a UNESCO World Heritage site. This venue is especially useful for individuals who cannot get to the island due to weather limitations or accessibility challenges. The Gunkanjima Digital Museum delivers an informative and engaging encounter, making it a favored destination for both children and adults with an interest in Japan's industrial legacy and contemporary history.

Nagasaki Battleship Island

Nagasaki Battleship Island, known officially as Hashima Island (端島) or simply Hashima, is a small deserted island situated approximately 15 kilometers from the heart of Nagasaki City, Japan. It is often called Gunkanjima (軍艦島), which means "Battleship Island" in English, owing to its unique outline that resembles a warship. The island functioned as a coal mining site until 1974, at which point over 5,000 inhabitants lived on the 480 meter long and 150 meter wide island, marking the highest recorded population density in history worldwide. In July 2015, Gunkanjima was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the "Sites of Japan's Meiji Industrial Revolution."

Highlights

• Historical Significance Discover the deserted mining village of Gunkanjima, also referred to as Battleship Island. Explore its profound history and relevance as a UNESCO World Heritage site, highlighting its role in Japan's industrial legacy.
• Scenic Ferry Ride Experience stunning vistas of Nagasaki Port and nearby islands during the ferry trip to and from Gunkanjima.
• English-Speaking Guide An English-speaking guide will join you for the duration of the tour. Gain from knowledgeable guides who will provide fascinating narratives and information regarding Gunkanjima's history and importance.
• Meeting Point at Nagasaki Station Start your tour right from Nagasaki Station, with convenient access to the port for the Gunkanjima excursion. A guide will be present at JR Nagasaki Station, in front of Nagasaki City Tourist Information Center (長崎市総合観光案内所前).

Itinerary

• 10:20 Meeting at the Nagsaki Station (in front of the Nagasaki City General Tourist Information Center )
• 12:20 Arrive at Motofune-machi, Nagasaki Port
• 13:00 Board the Gunkanjima cruise and join the landing tour
• 15:30 Return to the hotel or Nagasaki Station
• 16:00 Arrive back at Nagasaki Station

Price Details

Included

• Experience fees
• Guide
• Admission fee

Not included

• Expenses not mentioned
• Personal expenses
• Food

Important Information

◇ Notes on Landing on Gunkanjima

1. Rain wear : A reason on the safety can't use an umbrella in the tour facilities in GUNKANJIMA. Please bring a rain jacket and a raincoat on a rainy day.

2. Skin protection : The reflected light is very bright as there is no shade on the tour route, so we strongly recommend bringing a wide-brimmed hat and something to drink during the summer season. Please wear light and comfortable clothing.

3. Shoes : Please put on sneakers or shoes with flat soles.

4. Landing time : Landing time is about 40-50 minutes (depending on wave conditions) according to Nagasaki City regulations.

On the island, you will make a 220-meter long round trip, and the guide will give you an explanation using the photos of those days at three view point squares.

5. People with disabilities or chronic diseases : If you have any disabilities (including handicaps) that may interfere with your ability to board the ship, or if you have a chronic illness or other medical condition, please let us know in advance so that we can determine if you can board the ship, because there is a risk that your condition may get worse.

6. Regulations : You will observe the high-rise apartment buildings from the ship during the cruise around the island. On the island, you will be required to follow the instructions from the guide and safety guides, and move in a group.

◇ When landing is impossible

Please note that depending on the weather and sea conditions of the day, landing on Gunkanjima may not be possible even if conditions in the port are calm. This is because there is a great difference between the waves in Nagasaki Port and the waves around Gunkanjima. We will refund the ticket for the Gunkanjima Cruise if the ship's operation has been suspended.

*In the event that the ship has departed from the port but landing on Gunkanjima is not possible due to high waves, the cruise will return to port early .*

Purchase Notice

• This tour is a private tour. We can accommodate groups from a minimum of 2 to a maximum of 7 people.
• Please note that Gunkanjima tours are highly dependent on weather conditions, and landing on the island is not always guaranteed. If the ferry is cancelled on the day due to weather, the tour will automatically be replaced with a city sightseeing itinerary, including a visit to the Gunkanjima Digital Museum.

This revised 6-hour itinerary can be customized at your discretion and will include a private taxi. In this case, we will refund the ferry ticket fee; however, please understand that all other tour costs are non-refundable.

• No refunds will be issued in case the customer doesn't show up at the meeting spot on time.
• We accept only children above 6 years old to join the tour.
• If you are bringing children of elementary school age, please sign and submit the Parent/Guardian Pledge.
• Please keep your children staying with you at all the time during the whole tour including in the ship or on the island.
• Due to the rule from Nagasaki city, preschooler who is under 6 years old, is not allowed to go to the deck place. And please have the seats inside. And for parents, please have seats inside with your children (at least one adult accompany).
• In summer, the temperature is often up to 40℃ ,also, very cold and windy in winter in Gunkanjima. Please take care of your children well.

Please note that the Gunkanjima tour is highly weather-dependent. If the tour is canceled ON THE DAY OF DEPARTURE due to weather conditions, a partial handling fee will be charged. We appreciate your understanding of this policy.

How to Use

Voucher will be sent via email. Please show your e-voucher at designated location.

Cancellation Policy

• 15 or more day(s) before the activity date: 0% cancellation fee
• Between 8 and 14 day(s) before the activity date: 20% cancellation fee
• Between 4 and 7 day(s) before the activity date: 30% cancellation fee
• Between 2 and 3 day(s) before the activity date: 50% cancellation fee
• Less than 2 day(s) before the activity date: 100% cancellation fee