- Sarushima: The Ultimate Guide | A Ghibli-Inspired Uninhabited Island 10 Minutes from Yokosuka
- Sarushima: Tokyo Bay's uninhabited fortress island. This guide details access, fees, and Ghibli-esque scenery, just a 10-minute ferry ride from Yokosuka.
Experience a Ghibli-like World! How to Enjoy the Uninhabited Sarushima Island on a Budget
Sarushima is an uninhabited island located just 10 minutes from Yokosuka Port, making it an easy getaway to explore a deserted island. It features remnants of an old naval fortress, now reclaimed by nature, giving it a Ghibli-like charm that attracts many visitors.
Sarushima is a popular destination for its exploration tours guided by experienced tour guides who are always on-site.
While the exploration tour is a must-do when visiting Sarushima, there’s a way to book it at a discounted rate.
What is the “Exploration Tour” on the Uninhabited Sarushima Island?
The “Exploration Tour” is a guided tour around Sarushima, led by a professional guide who knows the island inside out.
Uninhabited Sarushima Island 'Exploration' Tour
Access Restricted “Barracks” and “Ammunition Depot” Only on the Tour!
There are two tour options: a 30-minute course and a 60-minute course.
- 30-minute Basic Course
- A quick tour covering the main sights
- Convenient for catching the return ferry scheduled an hour after arrival
- 60-minute Advanced Course
- An in-depth tour covering the entire island
- Grants access to restricted areas like the “Barracks” and “Ammunition Depot”
Both courses are priced at 600 yen, but the 60-minute option is highly recommended as it allows entry to exclusive areas. However, if time is limited, the 30-minute course is still enjoyable and fits within the schedule of the return ferry.
Three Ways to Book the Tour
There are three ways to book the Exploration Tour:
- Online reservation in advance
- Booking at Mikasa Terminal
- Booking at the Sarushima Welcome Center on the island
1. Book Online in Advance
You can book the Exploration Tour online in advance.
is one of the websites where you can make reservations.2. Booking at Mikasa Terminal
Mikasa Terminal is where the ferry to Sarushima departs, located at Mikasa Port on the Yokosuka side.
You can book the Exploration Tour when checking in for the ferry.
3. Booking at the Sarushima Welcome Center
If you’ve already landed on Sarushima but still want to join the tour, no problem! You can book it at the Sarushima Welcome Center.
Even if you forget to book or decide to join the tour on the spot, you can still sign up on-site.
Discounts Available! Booking Location Affects the Price
The standard tour fee is 600 yen, but booking online or at Mikasa Terminal grants a 100 yen discount, making it 500 yen.
Get Even More Value at Mikasa Terminal: Priority Boarding
Booking at Mikasa Terminal comes with the added perk of priority boarding on the ferry to Sarushima. Seats are first-come, first-served, but with priority boarding, you can secure a good spot even if you arrive just before departure.
Popular seats fill up quickly, and the priority boarding perk ensures a better view from the ferry.
Priority boarding is not available for purchase separately. It’s a benefit exclusive to those who book the Exploration Tour at Mikasa Terminal.
To enjoy both the discount and priority boarding, booking at Mikasa Terminal is the best choice!
Purchase a Combo Ticket for the Tour!
At Mikasa Terminal, you can buy a “Combo Ticket” that includes round-trip ferry fare and the Exploration Tour.
(Ferry round trip) 2,000 yen + (Exploration Tour) 500 yen = 2,500 yen
The 100 yen discount on the tour is applied when purchasing the Combo Ticket, so don’t forget to buy it at Mikasa Terminal.
Secure the Best Seat with Priority Boarding!
Priority boarding is only available for the outgoing trip right before the tour. Limited quantities are sold, so purchase early at Mikasa Terminal.
When booking the Exploration Tour at Mikasa Terminal, you’ll receive a wristband that grants priority boarding.
Get first in line for boarding with priority access!
Is the Exploration Tour Worth It?
So, the Combo Ticket is great, but is the Exploration Tour itself worth it? The short answer is, yes!
Whether you’re visiting for the first time or don’t know much about Sarushima, the Exploration Tour is a must for maximizing your enjoyment, suitable for solo travelers, couples, and families alike.
Here are three reasons why:
1. Plenty of Free Time
In the 30-minute course, you won’t be spending all your time with the guide. The tour covers key spots in about 30 minutes, and then you’re free to explore on your own.
2. Access to Exclusive Areas with a Guide
The 60-minute course includes access to the “Barracks” and “Ammunition Depot”—a privilege only available on the Exploration Tour!
These places are usually off-limits, adding to the unique experience.
3. Guided Tours Are 10 Times More Fun!
Without a guide, you might just wander around looking at the scenery, but with a guide’s commentary, it becomes a much more engaging experience.
The tour covers interesting stories and history about Sarushima in an entertaining manner. Plus, each participant receives an earphone guide, ensuring you can hear the guide clearly even in a larger group.
For an extra 500 yen, the Exploration Tour adds significant value to your Sarushima visit.
4. Flexible Guide Accommodations
The tour isn’t just a scripted experience; the guides adapt to the group’s needs. During my visit, a guide skillfully managed an energetic child, making it enjoyable for everyone.
Estimated Time on Sarushima with the Exploration Tour
Here are approximate times based on the course you choose:
| Course | Earliest Return Ferry | Minimum Stay Time |
|---|---|---|
| 30 - minute Course | 1 hour after landing | 1 hour |
| 60 - minute Course | 2 hours after landing | 2 hours |
Return ferries run approximately every hour, so if you’re in a rush, the 30-minute course can be completed in about an hour.
For a more relaxed experience, aim for a 2-hour stay to enjoy lunch, a café, or a beach break.
Don’t Miss Out on the Exploration Tour When Visiting Sarushima!
Just a 10-minute ferry ride from Yokosuka Port, Sarushima is a popular destination known for its Ghibli-like charm. To fully appreciate the island’s allure, joining the Exploration Tour is a must.
With knowledgeable guides, you’ll discover the island’s secrets and access areas usually closed to the public, enhancing your experience tenfold.
Maximize your visit by purchasing a Combo Ticket at Mikasa Terminal to enjoy both a discount and priority boarding for the ferry. Secure the best seats and explore Sarushima like a pro!
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