Gunkanjima (Hashima Island)

Hashima, also known as “Gunkanjima” or “battleship island”, is an uninhabited island that sits approx. 18km off the port of Nagasaki.
With the island’s surrounding concrete breakwater wall and multi-story apartment complex inside, the island was nicknamed “Battleship Island” for its apparent resemblance to Battleship Tosa.

Hashima island served for many years as a coal mining site after coal was first discovered here around 1810.
In 1960, it was home to about 5,300 people. The island featured Japan's first high-rise reinforced concrete apartment building, constructed in 1916, along with a hospital, schools, shops, and entertainment facilities such as a movie theater, allowing residents to live comfortably.
However, Japan’s primary energy source switched from coal to oil, leading to a closure of the coal mine in January of 1974. By April of that year all residents left the island and it has remained uninhabited ever since.

As the buildings have continued to deteriorate, this literally abandoned island has become popular for its unique air and mystique. It has since been used as a set in a number of movies, dramas, music videos and other famous titles including “Attack on Titan” and more.

Hashima Island has been cleared for tourism as of 2009.
It was registered as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in 2015.