Embark a boat trip to explore the “battleship island” of Gunkanjima
Hashima, commonly known as Gunkanjima meaning Battleship Island, is a haunting uninhabited island off Nagasaki’s coast in southern Japan. Steep in history, this island was once a coal mine undersea until 1974, a symbol of the rapid industrialization of Japan but also a reminder of its past as a site of forced labour before and during the World War II. After decades of being abandoned with all its buildings, giving it an eerie and haunting atmosphere, the island was rediscovered as a spot of undisturbed historic ruins with many sightseeing boat tours each day from Nagasaki Port. Just a 50-minute boat ride passing through the large Mitsubishi ship building factories and other islands along the way, tourists will be possible to explore the city from three observation decks on the southern end without getting close to the buildings for safety. The nice views of Nagasaki city and its port from the boat also make it an enjoyable day trip for visitors.
