Gunkanjima Digital Museum
Explore the history of the abandoned Hashima Island through immersive digital displays, VR, and detailed models.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more immersive
Gunkanjima Digital Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more immersive
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the history of the abandoned Hashima Island through immersive digital displays, VR, and detailed models.
"Totally worth it as it provides a very detailed explanation on the history of the island."
🎟️ Ticket Price & Value
Admission is ¥1,800, but free if you've booked a Gunkanjima Concierge Landing Tour.
☔ Weather Contingency Plan
If Gunkanjima island tours are canceled due to weather, the Digital Museum is an excellent substitute.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Immersive Digital Recreations
Main exhibition hall
Experience Gunkanjima's past through powerful projection mapping, VR, and interactive displays that bring the abandoned island to life.
3D Computer Guided Tours
Exhibition rooms
Explore detailed 3D models and computer-generated tours offering a glimpse into the daily lives and structures of the former residents.
Virtual Mine Shaft Experience
VR section
Take a virtual trip down a mine shaft to the undersea coal mining site, offering an eye-opening perspective on the island's industry.
Souvenir Shop Treasures
Museum shop
Find unique mementos like diorama models, keychains, and even lumps of Hashima coal to remember your visit.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Gunkanjima Tours
Understand the Island's History
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Ticket Price & Value
Admission is ¥1,800, but free if you've booked a Gunkanjima Concierge Landing Tour.
☔ Weather Contingency Plan
If Gunkanjima island tours are canceled due to weather, the Digital Museum is an excellent substitute.
🗣️ Language Support
While some content is in English, many exhibits may be primarily in Japanese.
📸 Photo Opportunities
The museum offers many visually engaging displays perfect for photos, especially the large screen collages.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Ticket Price & Value
Admission is ¥1,800, but free if you've booked a Gunkanjima Concierge Landing Tour.
☔ Weather Contingency Plan
If Gunkanjima island tours are canceled due to weather, the Digital Museum is an excellent substitute.
🗣️ Language Support
While some content is in English, many exhibits may be primarily in Japanese.
📸 Photo Opportunities
The museum offers many visually engaging displays perfect for photos, especially the large screen collages.
💡 Pre-Visit Knowledge
Learning about Gunkanjima's history beforehand enhances the museum experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Gunkanjima Digital Museum to be a highly informative and engaging experience, especially when actual island tours are canceled due to weather. The immersive digital recreations, VR, and historical context are praised, though some note that much of the detailed content is in Japanese.
"We found this museum knowing nothing about battleship Island. Around 1916-17 construction began on high-rise reinforced concrete apartments for the coal miners. Eventually growing to accommodation for 5,300. The coal mine and the accommodation was closed down in 1974 and left to decay. The decaying accommodation was featured in the James Bond movie Skyfall.
The museum features 3D computer guided tours, models and lots of photographs"
Stuart Holden
"Due to strong winds on the previous day was not able to take the boat to the actual Gunkanjima. By chance when visiting Glover Garden I saw this museum lol
Ticket was 1800 yen. Totally worth it as it provides a very detailed explanation on the history of the island (multiple language available) and even has a VR version of the island.
According to the staff there is 4 companies operating boats to Gunkanjima and this is one of them. I initially booked online with another company as that was the only one I could find.
Visited: 3 Nov 2024"
De Xing Ong
"Joined a local tour to Gunkanjima and gather here to spend around an hour to visit the museum before hopping onto the cruise. The museum is great yet no English for most of the content. Would definitely have a better experience if you get to know about the history before stepping on Gunkanjima island."
Mato San
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Gunkanjima Digital Museum is conveniently located in Nagasaki. It's a short walk from Glover Garden and easily accessible by public transport. Many visitors find it a good alternative if boat tours to the actual island are canceled due to weather.
The Digital Museum is located on the mainland in Nagasaki, not on Hashima Island itself. Boat tours to Gunkanjima depart from Nagasaki's port, and the museum is often visited before or instead of the island tour.
You can reach the museum via local buses or trams in Nagasaki. It's also within walking distance of several tourist spots, making it easy to incorporate into your itinerary.
Yes, absolutely! The Digital Museum is a standalone attraction that provides a comprehensive look at Gunkanjima's history and features, even if you don't take the boat tour.
While specific parking details can vary, Nagasaki has several public parking facilities. It's advisable to check local parking information or utilize public transport for ease of access.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The standard admission ticket for the Gunkanjima Digital Museum is ¥1,800. However, admission is free for those who have booked the Gunkanjima Concierge Landing Tour.
While not always mandatory, booking tickets in advance is recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons, to ensure entry and avoid potential queues.
Opening hours can vary, so it's best to check the official website or contact the museum directly for the most up-to-date information on operating times.
The primary way to get free admission is by booking the Gunkanjima Concierge Landing Tour. It's worth checking for any special promotions or package deals.
A standard ticket grants access to all the museum's exhibits, including 3D computer-guided tours, VR experiences, interactive displays, and the historical photo collages.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The museum offers a deep dive into Hashima Island's history with immersive projection mapping, VR experiences of the mine and island life, detailed 3D models, and a vast collage of historical photographs.
Yes, the interactive displays and VR experiences can be engaging for children, offering a unique way to learn about history. However, some historical content might be more suited for older children or adults.
Most visitors spend around 1 to 1.5 hours exploring the museum to fully appreciate the exhibits and VR experiences.
While some content and explanations are available in English, many of the exhibits and detailed historical information might be primarily in Japanese.
Photography is generally allowed in most areas of the museum for personal use, but it's always good to check for any specific restrictions on certain exhibits or during VR experiences.
📸 📸 Photography
The large screen collages showcasing thousands of photos, the detailed 3D models, and the immersive projection mapping areas offer fantastic photo opportunities.
Generally, personal photography is permitted. However, always be mindful of other visitors and check for any signs indicating restricted areas, especially during VR sessions.
It's advisable to avoid using flash photography, especially near sensitive displays or during VR experiences, as it can be disruptive and potentially damage exhibits.
While the museum focuses on the historical aspect of Gunkanjima, the movie 'Skyfall' featured the island, and the exhibits provide context to the locations seen in the film.
A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient. Given the indoor nature and focus on digital displays, a wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the scale of some exhibits.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Look out for the virtual mine shaft experience and the large photo collages, which are particularly captivating. The museum shop also has unique souvenirs that kids might enjoy. It's a good way to introduce younger visitors to Japan's industrial past in a dynamic and accessible format.
✈️ Day-Trippers from Nagasaki
+1Located conveniently within Nagasaki, it can be easily visited alongside other attractions like Glover Garden. Allocate about 1-1.5 hours to explore the museum thoroughly. This allows you to gain valuable insights into this unique UNESCO World Heritage site before or after exploring other Nagasaki highlights.
🎬 Movie Buffs (Skyfall Fans)
Understand the history and context of the abandoned structures that made for such a dramatic backdrop. The museum's detailed recreations and historical photos provide a deeper appreciation for the island's unique architecture and its transformation into a cinematic location.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Hashima Island (Gunkanjima)
The island's primary purpose was the extraction of coal from undersea mines. This industry fueled Japan's industrialization for decades. However, as Japan transitioned to other energy sources, the coal mine on Gunkanjima became less viable. The mine and the island's residential facilities were eventually closed down in 1974, leading to its complete abandonment.
Today, Gunkanjima stands as a stark reminder of industrial history and human endeavor. Its decaying concrete structures, resembling a battleship from a distance, have earned it the nickname 'Battleship Island.' The island is now a UNESCO World Heritage site, attracting visitors interested in its unique history and eerie atmosphere.
Experiencing Gunkanjima Digitally
Virtual Reality (VR) plays a significant role, allowing visitors to virtually explore key areas like the mine shafts and residential buildings. This provides an intimate and educational perspective on the challenging conditions and the community that once thrived there. The museum also features detailed 3D computer-guided tours and a vast collection of photographs, offering a comprehensive visual narrative of the island's rise and fall.
Beyond the historical and educational aspects, the museum also provides a unique shopping experience. The souvenir shop offers a range of items, including diorama models of the island, keychains, and even small pieces of Hashima coal, allowing visitors to take a tangible piece of Gunkanjima's history home with them.
The Impact of Weather on Island Tours
The Gunkanjima Digital Museum serves as an excellent contingency. As it is located on the mainland, it remains accessible regardless of sea conditions. Many visitors who find their island tours canceled turn to the Digital Museum to still experience and learn about Hashima Island's history. This makes the museum a crucial part of the Gunkanjima visitor experience, ensuring that a trip to Nagasaki is not wasted even if the weather is uncooperative.
+1When booking tours to Gunkanjima, it's advisable to choose operators that also offer access to the Digital Museum or have flexible rescheduling options. This preparedness can significantly enhance the overall travel experience, turning a potential disappointment into an opportunity for a different, yet equally informative, exploration.
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