Gunkajima is located 19km off the coast of Nagasaki's west port. The official name for the island is actually "Hashima Island", however, due to it being similar to the former Japanese navy battleship "Tosa", it started to be called "Gunkajima". In the latter part of the Edo period, coal was discovered on the island, and from the 23rd year of the Meiji era and onwards, a coal mine prospered. Currently, the mine is closed, however, you're able to visit the historic remnants of the mine, which is very popular among tourists. Please note, access to the island is only granted to participants of the guided tour.
