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Back at your ship in good time
This tour is planned to bring you back to the port 90 to 120 minutes before your ship departs. If traffic or opening hours require it, your guide may change the order of visits or the time at a stop.
Illustration only. The exact hours depend on your ship’s schedule and are listed per departure below.
Tour Overview
Are you looking for a unique travel experience in Japan? The Gunkanjima Tour in Nagasaki will take you to explore the world-famous “ghost island”. By joining the Ghost Island cruise experience, you will witness historic ruins firsthand, hear stories about its mysterious past, and feel the incredibly distinctive beauty of Hashima Island.
This Nagasaki shore excursion is perfect for travelers who love exploration, are passionate about history, and want to visit one of Nagasaki’s most impressive destinations. Inquire about the Nagasaki Gunkanjima tour now to enjoy attractive special offers!
- A boat crossing of Nagasaki Bay: Views on the way, with your guide introducing the island’s history and coal-mining industry.
- Ruins of high-rise housing: Apartment blocks that once housed miners and their families, and the sea walls built against ocean waves.
- Traces of daily life: Remains of cinemas, restaurants, hospitals and entertainment areas on what was once one of the most densely populated places in the world.
Inquire about this tour now with Japan Shore Excursions – Your local experts in unforgettable journeys!
Who This Tour Is For:
- Travellers who love exploration and are passionate about history.
- Guests interested in Japan’s industrial history and urban ruins.
- Guests comfortable with a boat transfer, stairs and uneven ground.
⚠ Not wheelchair accessible. The tour includes a boat transfer, stairs and extremely uneven terrain on the island.
Full Itinerary
Five stops in one day, with entrance fees included for the museum, Dejima and Glover Garden.
Departure from Nagasaki Port to Gunkanjima Island
The journey begins at Port of Nagasaki, where your tour guide welcomes you and assists you in boarding the boat. The boat ride to Gunkanjima Island typically takes around 30 - 40 minutes.
During the cruise, guests can enjoy beautiful views of Nagasaki Bay while listening to the guide’s introduction to the island’s history, its coal mining industry, and how it became one of the most densely populated places in the world during its peak.
Explore Gunkanjima Island
Upon arrival at Hashima Island (Gunkanjima), visitors will explore designated safe viewing areas while learning about the island’s unique past. During the visit, you will:
- Walk near the ruins of high-rise concrete apartment buildings that once housed miners and their families
- Observe the massive sea walls built to protect the island from ocean waves
- Learn about daily life in what was once one of the most densely populated places in the world
- See the remains of urban facilities such as cinemas, restaurants, hospitals, and entertainment areas
Coal mining operations ended in 1974 when energy demands shifted away from coal. The island was quickly abandoned, leaving behind buildings, objects, and traces of daily life that remain largely untouched for decades.
Today, the contrast between decaying concrete structures and nature reclaiming the island creates an unforgettable atmosphere.
Return to Cruise Port
After exploring the island, visitors will return to the boat and cruise back to Nagasaki Port. The tour concludes at the port according to schedule, leaving you with a memorable glimpse into one of Japan’s most unusual historical sites.
Why choose our Gunkanjima (Battleship Island) tour?
Gunkanjima, also known as Battleship Island or Hashima Island, is one of the most fascinating and mysterious destinations in Nagasaki, Japan. Once a thriving undersea coal mining community, the island was suddenly abandoned in 1974, leaving behind a haunting landscape of concrete buildings and industrial ruins.
Today, Gunkanjima has become a popular destination for travelers who are curious about Japan’s industrial history and unique urban ruins. The island is also part of the UNESCO World Heritage listing related to Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution.
By joining a Gunkanjima Island tour, visitors can:
- Discover one of the world’s most famous abandoned islands.
- See dramatic concrete apartment blocks and historic mining facilities.
- Learn about the lives of thousands of workers who once lived on the island.
- Enjoy a scenic cruise across Nagasaki Bay to reach this iconic destination.
Tour Details
Activity level: Moderate
Boat transfer, stairs and extremely uneven terrain. Not wheelchair accessible.
Guide
Licensed English-speaking guide.
Transport
Chartered car or coach, with highway and parking fees covered.
On the Island
Designated safe viewing areas only. Most buildings are unsafe and cannot be entered.
Tour Inclusions & Exclusions
Included
✓ English speaking tour guide (all licensed)
✓ Charted car consisting high-way, parking fee and boat fee
✓ Entrance fees to Gunkanjima island
Not included
✕ Pre and post-tour accommodation
✕ Tips for guide and driver
✕ Meals & Drinks
Cancellation and Refund Policy
| When you cancel | What is charged |
|---|---|
| More than 40 days before | 10% of the deposit is non-refundable and kept as credit for your next trip. The rest is refunded (your bank may charge a fee). |
| 40 to 30 days before | 35% of the deposit |
| 29 to 15 days before | 50% of the deposit |
| 14 to 10 days before | 75% of the total booking value |
| Less than 10 days, or no show | 100% of the total booking value |
Refunds are usually processed within 2 to 4 working weeks after we receive your written cancellation request. After the trip has started, we cannot refund unused services, early departure, late arrival or missed days.
Return-to-Ship Policy in Short
When we step in
- Significant itinerary delays caused by poor tour management or scheduling by our operations team;
- Operational errors that are solely attributable to Shore Excursions Asia and directly result in the guest missing the vessel.
When we are not liable
- Heavy traffic, road closures, severe weather or natural disasters;
- Civil unrest, public demonstrations, strikes, or government/police restrictions;
- Customs or immigration delays, medical emergencies, third-party suppliers.
Guests Responsibilities
- Arrive on time at the meeting point and return on time after free time;
- Follow the guide’s instructions on departure times;
- Communicate requests for additional sightseeing, shopping stops, or itinerary modifications in advance.
Important Information & FAQ about the Hashima Island Tour
Hashima Island lies about 15 kilometers off the coast of Nagasaki, Japan.
When viewed from the sea, the island’s shape and the silhouette of its tall concrete buildings resemble a battleship, giving it the nickname “Gunkanjima".
No. The island has been completely abandoned since 1974 after the coal mining industry closed.
Most buildings are structurally unsafe, so visitors can only access designated observation areas during guided tours.
Real Guest Moments from Our Nagasaki Shore Excursions
Captured during our curated Nagasaki shore tours from port - Comfort, Culture and Connection.
Send Inquiry
Mariazelle –
Gunkanjima is unlike anywhere else we've visited. The island has such an unusual atmosphere, with its empty apartment buildings and industrial ruins surrounded by the sea. We enjoyed the historical explanations and had some good opportunities for photos. I only wish visitors could explore a little more of the island, but I understand the safety restrictions. Still, it was a worthwhile trip and one of the more interesting experiences of our Japan cruise.
Fiorenzo –
Lara was very patient with us during the booking process, especially when we asked about the physical requirements of the tour. We appreciated her detailed explanations, as we were traveling with an older family member. The local guide was equally considerate and made sure everyone understood the boarding procedures and safety instructions. The island itself was fascinating, and the stories behind the abandoned buildings were particularly memorable. We felt well looked after throughout the excursion.
Melissa –
Sammy was very helpful when we contacted Japan Shore Excursions about visiting Gunkanjima. We had several questions about the boat ride, walking conditions and timing, and he explained everything clearly. The booking process was straightforward. We particularly appreciated knowing what to expect before the trip, as this is not a typical sightseeing destination. The combination of the boat journey and the island's history made it a memorable excursion.
Traci –
I wasn't sure what to expect from a tour of an abandoned island, but Gunkanjima turned out to be fascinating. The old apartment buildings, concrete structures and sea walls give the place a very unusual atmosphere. Our guide provided plenty of background without overwhelming us with information. We couldn't enter the buildings, of course, but the designated viewing areas still offered a good perspective of the island.
Andrew & Judy –
We chose this excursion because we wanted to see something different during our cruise stop in Nagasaki. Fiona was responsive during the planning stage and made the arrangements easy to understand. The itinerary was suitable for our time in port, and we appreciated the attention given to the return schedule. Gunkanjima itself was fascinating, particularly the contrast between the abandoned buildings and the surrounding sea.
David & Lyn –
I had a few concerns about arranging an independent excursion while traveling on a cruise, but Fiona made the process very easy. He responded promptly and provided clear information about the schedule and meeting arrangements. The tour itself was well organized, and our local guide did a great job explaining the history of Hashima Island. We particularly appreciated the attention to timing, as getting back to our ship was important to us. A good experience overall.
Robert –
We wanted to do something a little different during our stop in Nagasaki, and Gunkanjima caught our attention. The boat trip was enjoyable, with some lovely views along the way. Seeing the abandoned buildings up close was quite surreal. Our guide was knowledgeable and shared interesting stories about the people who once lived and worked on the island. It was a fascinating experience, and I'm glad we chose this excursion.
Dianne –
Gunkanjima is a fascinating place, and I'm glad we included it in our Nagasaki visit. The guide was informative and the boat journey offered some excellent views. Just be aware that you cannot freely explore the abandoned buildings, and the walking areas are restricted for safety reasons. This didn't spoil the experience for us, but it's useful to know beforehand. The history alone makes the visit worthwhile.
Wendy Bailey –
We really enjoyed this excursion. Felix had helped us with the booking and provided clear instructions before our arrival. The trip to Gunkanjima was fascinating, from the views across Nagasaki Bay to the stories of the former mining community. Our local guide was professional and took good care of the group. It was an unusual and thought-provoking experience, and something we will remember from our time in Japan.
Christine C. –
We generally prefer excursions that feel more personal rather than spending the whole day with a large bus group. The guided arrangement suited us well, and we liked having the opportunity to ask questions about the island's history. The boat ride was scenic, and the ruins were impressive up close. The visit was naturally limited to safe areas, but there was still plenty to see and learn.
Debbie –
We booked this excursion with the help of Serena, who was patient with our questions about the schedule and logistics. She explained the arrangements clearly, which gave us confidence when booking independently from our cruise line. The tour itself was interesting and well organized. Our guide was knowledgeable about Gunkanjima's history and made the experience much more meaningful than simply taking a boat trip around the island.
Eve P. –
Gunkanjima was one of the places we were most curious about when planning our stop in Nagasaki. Seeing the abandoned buildings from the boat was quite something, especially after learning about the island's history. The local guide explained how the mining community once lived there and why the island was eventually abandoned. It was a very different experience from the usual sightseeing tours in Japan, and certainly one worth considering for history lovers.
Geogre –
If you enjoy history, especially Japan's industrial development, this tour is worth considering. Our guide gave a clear explanation of the coal mining industry and what daily life was like on Hashima Island. Seeing the buildings in person helped put those stories into perspective. I would have liked a little more time for photographs, but overall the visit was informative and enjoyable.
McMillan –
Gunkanjima was definitely one of the more memorable stops on our Japan cruise. The island looks almost unreal as you approach it from the water. We enjoyed hearing about its industrial past and seeing the remains of the apartment buildings. The tour was well paced, and we didn't feel rushed through the viewing areas. A very interesting half-day excursion from Nagasaki.
Caitlyn –
We've visited many places in Japan, but nothing quite like Gunkanjima. Approaching the island by boat and seeing those deserted concrete buildings was an unforgettable sight. The visit was quite structured because of the safety restrictions, but that was understandable given the condition of the buildings. A very worthwhile experience if you're interested in history or unusual destinations.
Caitlin –
We were pleased with how the excursion was arranged. Lara answered our questions before booking, especially regarding the boat transfer and walking requirements. The local guide was friendly and attentive, making sure everyone stayed together and understood where we could safely walk. There was a reasonable amount of time to observe the ruins and take photographs. Overall, a comfortable and interesting visit.
Mark D. –
The best part of this tour was learning the history behind the ruins. Without a guide, I think we would have simply looked at old buildings without understanding their significance. Hearing about the coal mines, the families who lived there and the island's eventual abandonment gave the visit much more meaning. The scenery was impressive, but the stories were what stayed with us afterward.
Sharon –
This isn't a tour with beautiful gardens or temples, and that's exactly why we enjoyed it. Gunkanjima has a very different atmosphere. The abandoned buildings are impressive, but also a little haunting when you imagine how many people once lived there. The boat ride across Nagasaki Bay was enjoyable too. I'd recommend it to anyone looking for something beyond the usual tourist attractions.
Rosemary M. –
Felix helped us organize the Gunkanjima excursion and was quick to answer our emails. We appreciated the clear information about the meeting arrangements and what was included in the tour. Everything was easy to follow. Our guide was knowledgeable and made sure the group understood the safety instructions before exploring the permitted areas. It was a well-organized experience from beginning to end.