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Sarushima Island, Sagami Travel Guide

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Explore Sarushima Island: Discover Tokyo Bay's only uninhabited natural island with historic military ruins and scenic beauty. A unique day trip from Tokyo.

Sarushima, or Monkey Island, is the only natural uninhabited island in Tokyo Bay. Accessible by a short ferry ride from Yokosuka, it offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance, with remnants of military fortifications reclaimed by nature. Explore the island's tunnels, brick barracks, and gun battery sites, and enjoy beaches and clear waters.

A brief summary to Sarushima Island

  • Sarushima, Yokosuka, Sarushima, Kanagawa, JP
Eve
From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Sarushima Island.

  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking and exploring the island's varied terrain.
  • Bring your own food and drinks if you plan to barbecue, as options on the island are limited.
  • Check the ferry schedule in advance, especially during winter, as services are less frequent.
  • Consider visiting the Mikasa warship and Mikasa Park near the ferry terminal.
  • Be mindful of the tide schedule if exploring the rocky shoreline.

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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    To reach Sarushima Island, start at Yokosuka Chuo Station on the Keikyu Line. From the station's East Exit, walk approximately 15 minutes to Mikasa Pier, following the Y Deck and main street. Purchase a round-trip ferry ticket and Sarushima Park entrance fee at the Mikasa Terminal. The ferry departs hourly and takes about 10 minutes to reach the island. Cost: * Keikyu Line from Shinagawa Station to Yokosuka Chuo Station: ~¥620 * Round-trip ferry and Sarushima Park entrance fee: ¥2,000 for adults, ¥1,750 for junior high school students, ¥1,000 for elementary school students.

  • Walking

    From Mikasa Park, where the Mikasa warship is located, walk to the adjacent Mikasa Pier. Purchase your ferry and entrance tickets at the Mikasa Terminal. The ferry to Sarushima Island is a 10 minute ride. Cost: * Round-trip ferry and Sarushima Park entrance fee: ¥2,000 for adults, ¥1,750 for junior high school students, ¥1,000 for elementary school students.

  • Car

    Drive to Mikasa Park in Yokosuka. Use the address 27-10 Ogawa-cho, Yokosuka City for car navigation. Park in the Mikasa Park Parking Lot or nearby paid parking. Purchase ferry and entrance tickets at the Mikasa Terminal. Take the 10-minute ferry to Sarushima Island. Cost: * Parking: Varies, discount of ¥400 available at Pipo 320 parking lot with ferry ticket stub * Round-trip ferry and Sarushima Park entrance fee: ¥2,000 for adults, ¥1,750 for junior high school students, ¥1,000 for elementary school students.

Discover more about Sarushima Island

Sarushima Island, a short 10-minute ferry ride from Yokosuka, is a unique destination that blends natural beauty with a rich military history. As the only natural uninhabited island in Tokyo Bay, Sarushima, also known as Monkey Island, offers visitors a chance to explore a landscape where nature has reclaimed the remnants of former fortifications.The island's history dates back to the Kamakura period (1185-1333), with a legend that a white monkey guided the monk Nichiren to safety on the island during a storm. In the Edo period (1603-1867), the island was fortified to protect Tokyo Bay from foreign ships. During the Meiji era (1868-1912), it was further developed as a defensive base, with the construction of brick barracks, ammunition depots, and tunnels. These structures, built using a rare French-style bricklaying technique, remain a popular attraction.Sarushima played a role in World War II, serving as a site for anti-aircraft batteries. After the war, the island was occupied by the U.S. military before being returned to Japan in 1961. In 1995, Yokosuka City developed Sarushima Park, opening the island to the public.Today, visitors can explore the island's historical sites, including the "Tunnel of Love," gun battery sites, and the remains of the electric power plant. The island also offers opportunities for recreation, such as barbecuing, fishing, and strolling along the beach. The island is said to have a similar atmosphere to the Ghibli film, Castle in the Sky, with ruins overtaken by nature.Note that overnight stays are prohibited, and drones, BBQ stoves, fireworks and pets are not allowed.

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