Located 15km off the coast of Nagasaki, it looks like an urban explorer’s wild dream. Because of its warship-like shape, it is nicknamed Gunkanjima (Battleship Island, its official name is Hashima Island). The abandoned island is accessible by guided tours from Nagasaki port.
Vulnerable to Collapse
In reality, there is not much to explore. Since it was opened to tourism in 2009, visitors have been restricted to a concrete and fenced walkway several hundred meters long. A full reopening is unlikely, as it would require serious investment in restoration and safety. The island has not been maintained for several decades, leaving its structures vulnerable to collapse. To prevent further damage, some areas have already been reinforced with concrete.
The history of the island is linked to a near underwater coal mine that was exploited from there in the pre-oil era. At its height, Gunkanjima was home to more than 5,000 miners, making it the most densely populated place in the world. In the 1970s, coal was increasingly replaced by oil. When the coal reserves were exhausted, the mine was closed and the island emptied of its inhabitants.
A Glimpse Inside
Google’s street view technology provides extensive coverage of the site. It offers a glimpse inside the buildings, revealing remnants of the island’s former inhabitants, like discarded soda bottles or yesterday’s CRT televisions.
