The Gunkanjima Cruises are a good afternoon activity for anyone visiting Nagasaki City. Small boats take passengers out of the bay and towards the man-made island, and the breeze that comes off the ocean is cool and refreshing even in summer. Though the on-ship guiding is only in Japanese, there are plenty of informational pamphlets that tell all about the island and its history. There is also an English website where you can check the status of the cruises and make online reservations.
Take note, though—if it’s windy and/or the waves are rough, it’s easy to get seasick, even for those with strong stomachs. Also, high waves often mean the boats can’t dock at the island, which means passengers won’t be able to get off and walk around the island, even if they reserved the landing course. These cruises are definitely best suited for clear, calm days!