Things To Do
in Hashima
Hashima, Japan, also known as Gunkanjima (Battleship Island), is a small abandoned island located off the coast of Nagasaki. It was once a bustling coal mining facility with a high population density, featuring towering concrete buildings. The island is now a popular tourist destination, offering guided tours of its eerie abandoned structures.
Hashima's unique industrial ruins and historical significance have earned it recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- "Arigatou" - Thank you
- "Sumimasen" - Excuse me / I'm sorry
- "Konnichiwa" - Hello / Good afternoon
- "Eigo o hanasemasu ka?" - Do you speak English?
- "Oishii" - Delicious
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $50 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $10 - $40
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $70
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $70
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a ferry ride to Hashima Island, also known as Gunkanjima. Enjoy the scenic views of the ocean and prepare to explore the historic ruins upon arrival.
Spend your afternoon wandering through the abandoned buildings and learning about the island's coal mining history. Don't forget to capture some striking photographs of the eerie landscape.
As the day winds down, take the ferry back while reflecting on the unique history of Hashima. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant once you return to Nagasaki.
Begin your morning by visiting the Hashima Island Museum to get an overview of the island's significance. This educational stop sets the stage for your exploration.
Continue your day by touring the famous ruins, including the school and apartment buildings. Engage with a guide to enrich your understanding of life on the island during its peak.
End your day with a peaceful walk along the coastline back in Nagasaki. Relish the sunset views before enjoying a traditional Japanese meal.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich industrial history and unique heritage as a former coal mining island.
- Stunning architectural ruins and a captivating ghost town atmosphere.
- Popular tourist destination for history enthusiasts and urban explorers.
- Unique view of the sea and surrounding landscapes, offering scenic photography opportunities.
- Limited accessibility; visitation may require prior arrangements and guided tours.
- Hazardous conditions due to dilapidated buildings, posing risks to safety.
- Restricted development and activities due to its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Mainly a tourist spot with little to no local amenities for extended stays.
Best Activities in Hashima
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the scenic trails and beautiful landscapes of Hashima.
Enjoy cycling around the city and its surrounding areas.
Observe the diverse bird species in Hashima's natural environment.
Relax and enjoy a leisurely picnic in one of Hashima's parks or green spaces.
Places to Visit in Hashima
Visit one of these nice places.
A former coal mining island with abandoned buildings and a unique industrial landscape providing stunning photo opportunities.
A digital museum showcasing the history and significance of Hashima Island, offering virtual views and photo opportunities.
Food in Hashima
Hashima Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Considered one of the finest types of beef in Japan, Hida beef is known for its tenderness and marbled texture. It's a must-try dish when visiting Hashima. You can savor this delicacy at local restaurants such as Maruaki and Kawashima, known for their expertise in preparing Hida beef.
Must-Try!
Hitsumabushi is a grilled eel dish served over rice, renowned for its delectable flavors and satisfying textures. For an authentic taste, head to Atsuta Horaiken, a well-regarded restaurant specializing in this local specialty.
Tebasaki, or Nagoya-style chicken wings, are a popular local dish in Hashima. These crispy and flavorful chicken wings can be enjoyed at Yamachan, a renowned izakaya chain known for its excellent Tebasaki.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Yanagibashi Central Market is a bustling hub of fresh produce, seafood, and local delicacies. Visitors can explore the market's vibrant stalls and sample a variety of street food, such as skewered seafood, grilled meats, and regional snacks.
Osukannonji-dori Street is a popular destination for street food enthusiasts. Lined with stalls and vendors offering an array of snacks and treats, visitors can indulge in festival-style foods like takoyaki, yakisoba, and imagawayaki while soaking in the lively atmosphere.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Hashima, Japan, it is important to respect personal space and avoid standing too close to others, especially during conversations or interactions.
When entering a home or certain traditional establishments in Hashima, it is customary to remove shoes at the entrance to maintain cleanliness and show respect for the space.
Using polite gestures such as bowing and speaking softly is highly valued in the culture of Hashima, Japan, and is considered a sign of respect towards others.
Safety
Tipping in Hashima
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not a common practice in Japan, including Hashima. It is generally not expected or required in restaurants, hotels, or other service industries.
In Hashima, as in the rest of Japan, cash is the primary method of payment. Credit cards are also widely accepted, especially in larger establishments. Mobile payment methods such as QR codes are becoming increasingly popular.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit Hashima, Japan is during spring (March to May) when the weather is mild, cherry blossoms are in bloom, and the annual Gunkanjima Spring Festival takes place.
During summer (June to August), Hashima experiences warm and humid weather, making it suitable for beach activities and water sports.
Autumn (September to November) is another great time to visit as the temperatures are cooler, and the island is adorned with beautiful autumn foliage, providing scenic hiking opportunities.
Winter (December to February) is a quieter time to visit Hashima. While the weather is colder, visitors can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and explore indoor attractions such as museums and historical sites.
Hashima at Night
Hiking in Hashima
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Enjoy a scenic hiking trail near Tsuetate Onsen with beautiful views of the mountains and hot springs.
A picturesque trail that offers stunning views of traditional towns, lush forests, and the Kiso river.
A moderately challenging hike featuring beautiful vistas of the surrounding landscape and seasonal wildflowers.
This trail provides an easy hike along the Mizunami valley offering pleasant views and a tranquil experience.
A more strenuous hike that rewards you with panoramic views from the summit of this sacred mountain.
Aiports
How to reach Hashima by plane.
The primary international airport serving the Nagoya area, located on an artificial island in Ise Bay, approximately 30 km from Hashima.
Also known as Komaki Airport, it primarily serves domestic flights but has limited international flights, located about 20 km from Hashima.
A major international airport located on an island in Osaka Bay, approximately 150 km from Hashima, serves as a key hub for international air travel.
Also known as Osaka International Airport, primarily a domestic airport with some international flights, located around 140 km from Hashima.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
This demographic group represents the highest proportion of the population in Hashima, reflecting trends common in many post-industrial towns.
This group includes many residents who have lived in Hashima for decades, often comprising families and long-term workers.
Including both young professionals and those starting families, this group has a significant presence, but is smaller compared to older demographics.
This demographic represents a smaller portion of the population, often students in local schools.
While present, this group is relatively small and often correlates with the birth rates of previous decades.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Baseball is one of the most popular sports played and watched in Hashima, with local teams competing in various leagues.
Soccer enjoys a significant following, with local clubs encouraging youth participation and competitive matches.
Basketball is popular among students and is played in schools and local recreational centers throughout Hashima.
Volleyball is widely played, especially among schools and women's teams, contributing to community engagement.
Table tennis has a strong presence in Hashima, often played in schools and clubs, making it a favored recreational sport.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Hashima.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While traditional Japanese cuisine heavily features fish and meat, some restaurants in Hashima offer vegetarian and vegan-friendly dishes. Places like Mamehachi provide plant-based alternatives and creative vegetable-based meals to cater to these dietary preferences.
Visitors with gluten intolerance can find suitable dining options in Hashima. Restaurants like Nagomi Kitchen offer gluten-free choices, including rice-based dishes and meticulously crafted gluten-free alternatives to classic Japanese favorites.