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

day 1
Explore Hashima Island
morning
:

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.

afternoon
:

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.

evening
:

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.

day 2
Historical Tour of Hashima
morning
:

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.

afternoon
:

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.

evening
:

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!

Hiking

Explore the scenic trails and beautiful landscapes of Hashima.

Cycling

Enjoy cycling around the city and its surrounding areas.

Birdwatching

Observe the diverse bird species in Hashima's natural environment.

Picnicking

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.

Hashima Island

A former coal mining island with abandoned buildings and a unique industrial landscape providing stunning photo opportunities.

Gunkanjima Digital Museum

A digital museum showcasing the history and significance of Hashima Island, offering virtual views and photo opportunities.

Food in Hashima

Hashima, Japan, offers a diverse and rich culinary experience, reflecting the region's unique culture and history. With influences from traditional Japanese cuisine and modern trends, visitors can expect a wide range of flavors and dishes to savor.

Hashima Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Hida Beef

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

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

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

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

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

The climate of this island, known for its historical significance and abandoned architecture, is classified as humid subtropical. It experiences mild winters and warm summers. During the winter months, average temperatures range from around 5°C (41°F) to 10°C (50°F), while summer temperatures can rise to between 25°C (77°F) and 35°C (95°F). The island receives a significant amount of rainfall throughout the year, with a peak during the summer months, particularly in June and July when the Asian monsoon affects the region. This can lead to heavy downpours and sometimes storms. Due to its coastal location, the island is also influenced by typhoons, which can occur in late summer and early autumn, bringing strong winds and heavy rain. Overall, the climate is characterized by relatively high humidity and a well-defined seasonal variation, making it a unique environment for its historical ruins and nature.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Respect Personal Space

In Hashima, Japan, it is important to respect personal space and avoid standing too close to others, especially during conversations or interactions.

Remove Shoes Indoors

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.

Practice Polite Gestures

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

The small, abandoned island known for its striking, crumbling concrete structures presents a unique setting that attracts many visitors. While it may be an intriguing site due to its history as a former coal mining facility, safety on the island requires careful consideration. Access to the island is regulated, and visitors typically arrive via guided boat tours. These tours ensure that safety protocols are in place, as the terrain can be uneven and hazardous. The buildings on the island, some of which are several stories high, are in various states of disrepair. Entering these structures can be dangerous due to unstable floors, loose debris, and potential falling hazards. Additionally, the surrounding waters can be unpredictable, requiring all visitors to follow the guidelines and instructions provided by tour operators. Life jackets are usually provided on the boats, underscoring the importance of safety during the trip to and from the island. Overall, while exploring the remnants of this once-thriving community can be fascinating, it's essential for visitors to respect the safety measures and remain aware of their surroundings to ensure a safe experience.

Tipping in Hashima

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping

Tipping is not a common practice in Japan, including Hashima. It is generally not expected or required in restaurants, hotels, or other service industries.

Payment

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...

Spring

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.

Summer

During summer (June to August), Hashima experiences warm and humid weather, making it suitable for beach activities and water sports.

Autumn

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

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

Publicly known as the iconic "Battleship Island," Hashima offers a unique twist to nightlife due to its intriguing mix of history and modern exploration. The island, once bustling with coal miners and their families, is now an abandoned ghost town that attracts thrill-seekers and history enthusiasts alike. Even though traditional nightlife activities like bars and nightclubs are nonexistent on Hashima, the island’s allure comes from its eerie, post-apocalyptic ambiance and the chance to explore its crumbling structures under the moonlight. Guided night tours are popular among visitors, providing an ethereal experience as they traverse the maze of dilapidated buildings and deserted streets shrouded in darkness. These tours often delve into the rich history of the island and its significance during Japan's industrial boom. For those interested in a more relaxed experience, the nearby city of Nagasaki offers a plethora of nighttime activities just a ferry ride away. There, you can enjoy vibrant bars, traditional izakayas, and live music venues that cater to all tastes, allowing for a more conventional nightlife experience after exploring the hauntingly beautiful Hashima Island.

Hiking in Hashima

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Tsuetate Onsen Hiking Trail

Enjoy a scenic hiking trail near Tsuetate Onsen with beautiful views of the mountains and hot springs.

Kiso Valley Trail

A picturesque trail that offers stunning views of traditional towns, lush forests, and the Kiso river.

Yamabuki Mountain Trail

A moderately challenging hike featuring beautiful vistas of the surrounding landscape and seasonal wildflowers.

Mizunami Valley Hiking Trail

This trail provides an easy hike along the Mizunami valley offering pleasant views and a tranquil experience.

Mount Ontake

A more strenuous hike that rewards you with panoramic views from the summit of this sacred mountain.

Aiports

How to reach Hashima by plane.

Chubu Centrair International Airport (NGO)

The primary international airport serving the Nagoya area, located on an artificial island in Ise Bay, approximately 30 km from Hashima.

Nagoya Airfield (NKM)

Also known as Komaki Airport, it primarily serves domestic flights but has limited international flights, located about 20 km from Hashima.

Kansai International Airport (KIX)

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.

Osaka Itami Airport (ITM)

Also known as Osaka International Airport, primarily a domestic airport with some international flights, located around 140 km from Hashima.

Walkability

Walkability in this small, abandoned island city is characterized by its unique landscape shaped by its industrial past. Once a thriving coal mining community, the island is now largely deserted, with remnants of concrete structures and narrow paths that reflect its history. The terrain consists mostly of crumbling buildings and overgrown vegetation, providing a haunting yet fascinating atmosphere for exploration on foot. The pathways that remain allow for a somewhat limited but intriguing walking experience through the ruins, where visitors can navigate the remnants of homes and factories. While the overall environment is not designed for modern pedestrian comforts, the historical elements add to the charm for those interested in urban exploration and history. The walkability here is less about accessibility and convenience and more about the unique opportunity to traverse a once bustling industrial site, now frozen in time. The experience is both somber and enlightening, offering insights into the lives of past inhabitants and the industrial heritage of Japan.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Older Adults (65+)

This demographic group represents the highest proportion of the population in Hashima, reflecting trends common in many post-industrial towns.

Middle-Aged Adults (45-64)

This group includes many residents who have lived in Hashima for decades, often comprising families and long-term workers.

Young Adults (20-44)

Including both young professionals and those starting families, this group has a significant presence, but is smaller compared to older demographics.

Teenagers (13-19)

This demographic represents a smaller portion of the population, often students in local schools.

Children (0-12)

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

Baseball is one of the most popular sports played and watched in Hashima, with local teams competing in various leagues.

Soccer

Soccer enjoys a significant following, with local clubs encouraging youth participation and competitive matches.

Basketball

Basketball is popular among students and is played in schools and local recreational centers throughout Hashima.

Volleyball

Volleyball is widely played, especially among schools and women's teams, contributing to community engagement.

Table Tennis

Table tennis has a strong presence in Hashima, often played in schools and clubs, making it a favored recreational sport.

Traffic

An unusual aspect of urban transportation can be observed on Hashima, an abandoned island also known as Gunkanjima or "Battleship Island." Due to its small size, traffic is virtually non-existent in the conventional sense. There are no cars or buses traversing the roads; instead, the transportation tends to consist of walking paths and the occasional use of bicycles by visitors. Access to the island itself is facilitated by boat services from neighboring areas such as Nagasaki, enabling tourists to explore the remnants of what was once a bustling coal mining hub. The lack of traditional traffic contributes to a unique atmosphere, allowing for an immersive experience of its historical significance and haunting structures. Overall, the concept of traffic on Hashima is marked by its absence, with foot traffic primarily composed of curious explorers and history enthusiasts. This absence highlights the island's transformation from a densely populated industrial center to a deserted relic, creating a stark contrast to more conventional urban traffic landscapes.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Hashima.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian and Vegan Options

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.

Gluten-Free Options

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.

Healthcare

Healthcare in this region is characterized by its integration of traditional practices and modern medical facilities. The local government plays a pivotal role in ensuring that residents have access to essential medical services and facilities. The healthcare system typically includes a mix of public hospitals, clinics, and private healthcare providers, offering a range of services from general medical care to specialized treatments. Community health centers serve as accessible points for primary care, preventive services, and health education. In addition, the population tends to have a high level of health literacy, often participating in regular health screenings and wellness programs. Emergency medical services are available, and there are protocols in place for disaster preparedness, given the area's vulnerability to natural events. Overall, the healthcare infrastructure aims to provide comprehensive care while promoting public health and safety through various community initiatives.

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