Hashima, Japan

DAILY TRAVEL INSPIRATION: Hashima

Also known as Gunkanjima (Battleship Island) due to its boat-like silhouette, this tiny island off the coast of Nagasaki has a big impact. You might already recognise it as Javier Bardem’s hideout from Skyfall and until recently tourists were banned from visiting.

Hashima was once home to around miners working in a coal mine beneath the island and their families; at its peak almost 5000 people lived here. The mine closed in the 1970s and the residents left soon after. The island has been abandoned ever since.

The only way to get to the island is to go on a guided tour. Several boat companies operate tours from Nagasaki in multiple languages. On the island visitors are restricted to certain areas due to the threat of collapsing buildings and tours are frequently cancelled at short notice due to violent seas making the journey there too dangerous. If you do make it there successfully, you’ll be rewarded with an incredible insight into Meiji era Japan and some unique photo opportunities.

Read more on Hashima below with flight options, current weather, maps, and activities to try while you are there.

Hashima is just one of many featured destinations part of our Daily Travel Inspiration series. Discover more at Daily Travel Inspiration or add it as part of your flash briefings on your Amazon Alexa device. Search 'Daily Travel Inspiration' on your alexa app or check out our Alexa page for more information.