Ikeshima (池島) , also known as Ike Island, is a small island in Nagasaki, Japan.
Understand
The last open-pit coal mine in Japan, Ikeshima housed nearly 10,000 people at its peak, but closed down in 2001. A little over 100 people are left now, mostly tending to a nascent tourist industry of people visiting the ruins.
The island is often compared to nearby Gunkanjima (Battleship Island) of James Bond fame, but is far less well known and, as a (barely) living community, is much more freely accessible. The mine areas are still marked off and can legally only be accessed on guided tours.
Get in
The island is served by 7 daily ferries from Konoura port (神浦港) and 6 from Seto port (瀬戸港), a frankly absurd level of subsidized service given the tiny population. Fares range from ¥370-570 and travel times from 10-26 minutes depending on the ship, see Kanko Sotome for schedules.
Both ports can be reached by bus from central Nagasaki, but you will need to transfer at Sakuranosato Terminal (桜の里ターミナル) and the trip will take at least 1.5 hours.
Get around
See
The main/only reason to visit the island is the "ruin porn" of seeing abandoned or semi-abandoned buildings slowly being taken over by nature.
Do
- Mine tour. Two-hour tours of mine, two times a day, including a ride on the mine "trolley" train. Intended for Japanese speakers. Book at least one day in advance. ¥3170/1580 adult/child, plus ¥900 for a "miner's bento" for morning tours only. 2023-02-08
Buy
Eat
- Kaachan no Mise (かあちゃんの店). "Mommy's Shop" is the only public eatery on the island. 2023-02-08
Drink
Sleep
There is exactly one place to sleep on the island, and it's not much. Most visitors opt to day-trip from Nagasaki.
- Ikeshima Chuo Kaikan (池島中央会館). Spartan lodging at the community hall. ¥3446/night, no meals 2023-02-08