Nagasaki: Gunkanjima Battleship Island Private Guide Tour

Embark on a unique and immersive journey to Gunkanjima, or "Battleship Island"—a hauntingly beautiful reminder of Japan’s industrial past. Departing from Nagasaki Station, this tour offers an easy and convenient starting point for an unforgettable historical adventure. Explore a UNESCO World Heritage Site: Discover the abandoned coal mining town of Gunkanjima, once the most densely populated place on Earth. Learn about its rise and fall, and its role in Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution, now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Scenic Ferry Ride: Enjoy panoramic views of Nagasaki Port and the surrounding islands as you cruise to and from Gunkanjima. Guided by English-Speaking Experts: An English-speaking guide will accompany you, sharing fascinating stories and insights about the island’s past and its cultural importance.

Inclusions and Exclusions

Know Before You Go

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• We accept only children above 3 years old to join the tour. If you are bringing children of elementary school age or preschool age, please sign and submit the Parent/Guardian Pledge.
• Due to the rule from Nagasaki city, preschooler who is under 6 years old, is not allowed to go to the deck place. And please have the seats inside. And for parents, please have seats inside with your children (at least one adult accompany).
• In summer, the temperature is often up to 40℃, also, very cold and windy in winter in Gunkanjima.
• A reason on the safety can't use an umbrella in the tour facilities in GUNKANJIMA. Please bring a rain jacket and a raincoat on a rainy day.
• The reflected light is very bright as there is no shade on the tour route, so we strongly recommend bringing a wide-brimmed hat and something to drink during the summer season. Please wear light and comfortable clothing.
• Please put on sneakers or shoes with flat soles.
• Landing time on the island is approximately 40–50 minutes, depending on wave conditions, in accordance with Nagasaki City regulations.
• During your visit, you'll follow a 220-meter round-trip route, stopping at three designated viewing points where the guide will provide explanations using historical photos from the island's mining era.
• If you have any disabilities (including handicaps) that may interfere with your ability to board the ship, or if you have a chronic illness or other medical condition, please let us know in advance so that we can determine if you can board the ship, because there is a risk that your condition may get worse.
• You will observe the high-rise apartment buildings from the ship during the cruise around the island. On the island, you will be required to follow the instructions from the guide and safety guides, and move in a group.
• Please note that, depending on the weather and sea conditions of the day, landing on Gunkanjima may not be possible even if conditions in the port are calm. This is because there is a great difference between the waves in Nagasaki Port and the waves around Gunkanjima. We will refund the ticket for the Gunkanjima Cruise if the ship's operation has been suspended.
• In the event that the ship has departed from the port but landing on Gunkanjima is not possible due to high waves, the cruise will return to port early. We will refund the difference between the landing tour fee and the cruising tour fee.
• Please note that Gunkanjima tours are highly dependent on weather conditions, and landing on the island is not always guaranteed. If the ferry is cancelled on the day due to weather, the tour will automatically be replaced with a city sightseeing itinerary, including a visit to the Gunkanjima Digital Museum. This revised 6-hour itinerary can be customized at your discretion and will include a private taxi. In this case, we will refund the ferry ticket fee; however, please understand that all other tour costs are non-refundable.