Nagasaki is known for having a lot of history, being the only port open to foreign trade during Japan’s long isolation in the Edo Period. But one of Nagasaki’s most captivating tourist attractions really isn’t that old – Hashima Island, better known as Gunkanjima, or Battleship Island. It’s eerie existence brings haikyo (urban ruins) fans from all over the world. If you can’t make it to the island yourself, or are unsatisfied with the limited visibility from the tour, wait no longer. Thanks to “Gunkanjima Archives,” an organization run by Nishi Nihon Newspaper, which is dedicated to bringing you photos and videos of the desolate island, you can now take an Ultra HD drone tour of the island in a spellbinding video.
But first, let’s get to know the island a little better. Gunkanjima came into the spotlight when it hosted Raoul Silva, the villain in the most recent 007 movie, Skyfall and then subsequently getting coverage on Google Street View. It was once the home to thousands, with cement apartment blocks, schools and even a movie theater, while functioning as a coalmine for over a hundred years. It was abandoned in the 1970s and sits in decay, as the harsh weather breaks down the structures bit by bit. While this may sound like a great place for the secret lair for villains, it’s not exactly exploration friendly, with many huge buildings in imminent danger of collapsing. Regardless of the danger (or maybe tempted by it) people still want an up-close view.
▼ The view you’ve been waiting for on Battleship Island.
Acknowledging the fact that people were bribing local fishermen to take them to the island to explore the lost world, the city decided to create a tour for the public, so they could see the island in a safe and controlled manner, also recommending it to become an UNESCO World Heritage site. The tour is fun and all, but it’s really hard not to jump over the rail and explore the beautiful ruins up close. So, let’s get it to it. Without further ado, Gunkanjima, as seen by a drone in Ultra HD:
Source: Japaaan
Images: YouTube (Gunkanjima Archives)
50-year-old video of Japan’s Battleship Island shows life in the deserted isle’s glory days 【Video】
Cruising around Gunkanjima, Japan’s otherworldly “Battleship Island”【Photos】
Battleship Island: Five Reasons Why More Movie Villains Should Live Here
Lawson convenience store at popular tourist site is one of the most unusual in Japan
Mt. Fuji decorated with a 500,000-flower pink carpet is Japan’s ultimate spring view
Drink vending machines disappearing in Japan as number drops to lowest in 30 years
Studio Ghibli celebrates the magic of movie theaters with short video, Hayao Miyazaki illustration
Japanese government says country needs more women’s room toilets to meet modern society’s needs
30 Pikachus want to share a Tokyo hotel room with you that has separate Grass, Water, Fire spaces
Howl’s Moving Castle’s scene-stealing dog is here to clean your home as a plushie mop
Sanrio’s Cinnamoroll serves popcorn at this super rare vending machine in Japan
10 awesome ice creams available from convenience stores in Japan
Pringles Chocolate, but with a Japanese twist, is the snack hack you should be trying right now
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events
Starbucks Japan closing only Shinkansen platform branch for popularity-triggered renovations
You can assemble a well-balanced team of Pokémon, them eat them, thanks to Japanese cake chain
Two food hacks take Japan’s convenience store fried chicken to amazing new sandwich heights
7-Eleven Japan’s new baked-in-store sweet treat is only available in three parts of the country
Man bites woman at cherry blossom park in Japan, dies shortly after
Peanuts and Coke becomes a viral hit in Japan, but is it a trend worth joining?
Japan now has a special desk for people who work at home with a pet cat[Photos]
Famous Tokyo cherry blossom spot installs view-blocking screens to fight overcrowding[Video]
Uniqlo announces new T-shirts for One Piece, Naruto and more for manga publisher’s 100th birthday
Train station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
Krispy Kreme releases Super Mario doughnuts in Japan for a limited time
Japanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping list
Studio Ghibli releases Catbus pullback keychain that runs like the anime character
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says