Can I enter the Hario Transmission Station?

No. The structures are typically closed to public entry due to safety concerns and structural preservation. Visitors view the towers from designated observation areas at safe distances.

What can I do at the site?

View the towers from designated observation areas, appreciate their scale and construction from ground level, read informational signage explaining the station's history and significance, and photograph the monumental structures.

How long does a visit typically take?

Visits are relatively brief, focused on viewing and photography from designated areas, as there are no extensive visitor facilities or interior tours available.

Are the towers visible from a distance?

Yes. The towers remain distinctive landmarks visible from considerable distances due to their exceptional height and monumental scale.

Hario Transmission Station

4.4 (1191)Historical LandmarkHistorical PlaceTourist AttractionPoint Of InterestEstablishment

Last updated May 17, 2026

Hario Transmission Station is a historic radio transmission facility on Hario Island in Sasebo City, Nagasaki Prefecture. Constructed in 1922 during the Taisho era as a wireless telegraph station operated by the Imperial Japanese Navy for long-range naval communications across the Pacific Ocean. The station features three massive concrete towers, each approximately 135 meters tall, supporting transmission antennas. These towers were among Asia's tallest structures when constructed. Following World War II, the facility ceased operations and fell into disuse, remaining as historical relics.

The station's significance lies in architectural and engineering achievement and historical naval communications role. The three concrete towers demonstrate construction techniques using reinforced concrete for exceptional height and stability. The towers are striking visual landmarks. The facility is designated a National Important Cultural Property and Modernization Heritage site. The abandoned state with weathered concrete structures amid vegetation creates atmospheric setting. The site represents military history, communications technology, and industrial heritage.

Visitors view towers from designated observation areas, as structures are closed to public entry due to safety and preservation concerns. The site allows appreciation of scale and construction from ground level. Hario Island provides views of towers within natural setting. Informational signage explains station history, function, and significance. Photography captures monumental structures. The isolated location and abandoned state create distinctive ambiance. Access to immediate tower vicinity may be restricted, with viewing from safe distances.

Hario Transmission Station is on Hario Island, connected to mainland by road. From central Sasebo, accessible by car in approximately 20 to 30 minutes. Limited public transportation makes rental cars or taxis most practical. From Nagasaki City, Sasebo is reachable via train or highway bus in approximately 90 to 120 minutes, then local transportation to Hario Island. The island location requires careful route planning.

Traveler reviews

A place with history to learn about. I went with my family just to walk around. The entire place is defunct. To walk through the telegraph, you are advised to put on a helmet. Many places to take photographs.

Isabella Tan

Jun 14, 2023

Traditional naval base from WWII, Communication from battle of Pearl Harbor was used here. Knowledgeable tour guide; Japanese language only, demo (but) I had translator. Information billboards had enlish translation and English flyer. Beautiful water view of Saikai bridges...5min drive, you can get better pictures of the bridge. I just did not FEEL 5 stars but I enjoyed the tour😊

Wireless Communication Towers built in 1918 at about the time of Japanese-Russian War. 136m tall, 12m base diameter. May be the site where the command was sent to begin the Pacific war in WWII.

Very cool historic place. Be sure to wear close-toed shoes and bug protection. There were murder hornets and lots of crabs on the grounds. If you have a mold allergy or are afraid of bugs/dark places, might not be the best place for you. The entrance is free but donations are encouraged at the entrance.

When you visit this place you get a glimpse of Japan at the height of its industrial revolution. Just the ability to build such tall cement spires using the technology of that time it's pretty incredible. The place offers a view into the past which is meaningful if you've read up on the history of the area. It's also a really nice place to walk around and get a view of some of the Nagasaki Inland Sea.

Hario Transmission Station

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