安田 淳 's page

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.

• Nagasaki
• Tourist Attractions

I joined a tour from Nagasaki Port to Gunkanjima (Hashima Island). There were lots of interesting sights along the way, like shipyards and the Megami Bridge. As we got closer to Gunkanjima, everyone on board got more and more excited.
Unfortunately, because of the typhoon the day before, we couldn't actually land on the island, but we did get to circle around it by boat. Using my camera's zoom lens, I could clearly see the decaying old residences, which was really moving. Next time, I definitely want to set foot on the island.

Museum Meiji Mura Village

This open-air museum first opened its doors in 1965, the artistically and historically valuable buildings, including 11 important cultural properties, mostly from the Meiji period, were relocated, preserved, and exhibited here.

• Aichi
• Museums

Many valuable buildings from the Meiji and Taisho periods, including the 'Imperial Hotel,' have been relocated here. You can tour the interiors, try gourmet food recreated from Meiji-era recipes, and even rent period costumes for photos—there are so many ways to enjoy your visit. The grounds are quite large, so I recommend using the steam train, streetcar, or shuttle bus to get around.
There are other attractions nearby, like the Little World open-air museum and Inuyama Castle, but it's probably best to spend a full day at Meiji Mura without trying to squeeze in too much.