Sarushima: The Ultimate Guide | A Ghibli-Inspired Uninhabited Island 10 Minutes from Yokosuka

Easy to Reach? Discover Sarushima: A Mysterious Island in Tokyo Bay!

Just about an hour by train from Tokyo, did you know that a small island floats in Tokyo Bay, visible from the streets of Yokosuka? This is “Sarushima,” the only uninhabited island in Tokyo Bay.

But wait a second— “Can you visit an uninhabited island?” The answer is yes! Sarushima, while uninhabited, is an easy-to-visit, mysterious destination.

Only a 10-minute ferry ride away, you’ll find a magical landscape reminiscent of the world of Studio Ghibli’s Laputa: Castle in the Sky. Ruins engulfed by nature, mysterious tunnels, the blue sea, and lush greenery await, offering stunning scenery that will take your breath away.

Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or someone seeking unique travel spots, this article will make you want to visit Sarushima for sure!

So, let’s embark on an adventure to this hidden gem in Tokyo Bay, where Sarushima will take you into its world of stories!

Sarushima

Sarushima is the only uninhabited island in Tokyo Bay, located in Yokosuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture. Famous for its resemblance to the Ghibli world of Laputa, Sarushima’s fortifications have been overtaken by nature over time. It’s a popular spot for fishing, barbecuing, and even swimming (although the swimming area is currently closed). Despite its name, there are no monkeys (“saru”) on the island.

Sarushima is roughly the size of 1.6 Tokyo Domes. You can walk around the island in about an hour using the well-maintained walking paths.

Sarushima Brochure [PDF]

The Origin of the Name “Sarushima”

The name “Sarushima” is rooted in an intriguing legend. In the 13th century, a famous monk named Nichiren was crossing Tokyo Bay in a small boat when he was engulfed by a thick fog and lost his way. Stranded, he took refuge on a nearby island, which we now know as Sarushima. Upon landing, a white monkey appeared and miraculously guided Nichiren to safety. This strange encounter is said to be the origin of the island’s name, “Sarushima.”

And don’t worry—there are no monkeys on Sarushima today!

The History of Sarushima

Sarushima’s history stretches back over 8,000 years, with ancient pottery having been discovered on the island. Although it has a long past, it remained largely uninhabited, serving mainly as a stop for fishermen.

The island’s significant history as a fortress began during the Edo period, when the isolationist Japanese government faced a historic event—the arrival of Commodore Perry’s “Black Ships” in 1853. Even before that, foreign ships had been spotted around Japan, and the Tokugawa shogunate began building cannons on Sarushima to protect Edo (present-day Tokyo). This marked the start of Sarushima’s role as a military fortress.

A Ghibli-Like World! Nature Reclaims the Fortress Ruins

You can explore the ruins of fortifications from World War II, including a former command post, ammunition depot, and gun battery. Since the entire island served as a fortress, you can walk through brick tunnels and discover hidden relics of the past.

The sight of the fortress slowly being consumed by nature over time creates an atmosphere akin to Ghibli’s Laputa: Castle in the Sky.

While these fortifications date back to wartime, they were rarely used, which gives the island more of a mystical, rather than somber, atmosphere.

(Fun fact: the anti-aircraft guns had a range of about 8,000 meters, while U.S. B-29 bombers flew at an altitude of 10,000 meters, meaning the guns couldn’t reach them!)

Interestingly, these fortress ruins were designated as a “National Historic Site” in 2015, making them the first modern military facilities to receive such recognition in Japan.

Built to blend into the landscape and remain hidden from invaders, these structures have become even more integrated with the natural surroundings over time, creating an incredibly mystical scene.

Fun Exploration Tours!

On Sarushima, you can join an exploration tour led by professional guides who walk with you and explain the island’s history.

The tour is great fun! You can choose between a 30-minute or 60-minute course, and it’s conducted in a group format where a single guide leads several participants.

The standard fee is ¥600 per person. It’s easy to join, and if you sign up at Mikasa Terminal, you’ll also receive a discount and priority boarding for the ferry, making the tour an excellent addition to your Sarushima experience.

Sarushima Island: Insider's Guide to VIP Tours & Secret Discounts in Yokosuka

Maximize your Sarushima visit! Learn insider tips for discounted tour bookings and priority boarding to enjoy Yokosuka's Ghibli-like island paradise.

Just 10 Minutes by Ferry! A Convenient and Safe Adventure Near the Mainland

The only way to reach Sarushima is by ferry, which departs from Mikasa Terminal.

The ferry takes just 10 minutes to reach Sarushima from Mikasa Terminal.

It’s a quick and convenient trip that saves time, and the proximity to the mainland offers peace of mind when venturing to an uninhabited island.

I’ll explain more about how to get to Sarushima later in this guide.

Compact and Easy to Explore in Just One Hour! Well-Maintained Walking Paths

You can walk around the entire island in about an hour, making it ideal for a day trip without the need for extensive planning.

The island is equipped with well-maintained walking paths, ensuring safe exploration throughout. There’s no need for hiking gear, making it accessible for casual visitors.

“Not too time-consuming” and “well-maintained walking paths” are key points for families with young children. The island also offers a sense of adventure that kids will love!

In general, you can navigate the island with a stroller. There are some stairs toward the end of the walking trail, so as long as you can manage those, you should be fine. The island is well-maintained, so aside from the stairs, you can push a stroller around the rest of the island.

The biggest challenge is the staircase just before the observation deck, which is a bit lengthy.

Cafés and Rest Areas! Plenty of Leisure Activities

Although Sarushima is uninhabited, staff members manage the island during the day. There is a café called “SARUSHIMA OCEANS KITCHEN” and a visitor center, so you’ll have places to eat and rest.

The menu offers conveniently portioned meals and a wide variety of drinks.

The boardwalk café offers a stunning ocean view.

You can even try the Yokosuka Navy Curry for ¥1,200 (served with milk).

While the idea of an uninhabited island might conjure images of a jungle adventure, Sarushima offers a relaxed sightseeing experience where you can explore in casual clothing and sneakers.

The island also has a beach where you can enjoy barbecues and fishing.

Swimming Area Temporarily Closed

While Sarushima Beach usually allows for swimming in addition to barbecues and fishing, swimming has been suspended from 2022 to 2024.

This is due to safety concerns, as the beach’s erosion has led to areas that drop off steeply. (For more information, visit the official Sarushima Park - Yokosuka City Official Website)

Swimming will not resume until these issues are resolved, and currently, there is no further information about future plans for the beach.

(The suspension only affects swimming; barbecuing and fishing are still available at Sarushima Beach.)

How to Get to Sarushima

To get to Sarushima, take the ferry that departs from Mikasa Terminal.

The ferry is a two-story cruiser with open seating.

As you can see, seating is somewhat limited, so if you want a great view, consider opting for priority boarding or arriving early to secure your spot.

Ferry Schedule

The ferry ride takes just 10 minutes. It operates daily unless canceled due to weather. The timetable changes seasonally, with a summer schedule (March 1st to October 31st) and a winter schedule (November 1st to February 28th).

Boarding begins 10 minutes before departure, so be sure to gather at the boarding point ahead of time.

Fees for Visiting Sarushima

To visit Sarushima, you’ll need to pay two fees: the round-trip ferry fare and the park entrance fee.

For a single adult, the total cost is:

Round-trip ferry fare ¥1,500 + Park entrance fee ¥500 = ¥2,000

You can pay both the ferry fare and entrance fee at Mikasa Terminal.

Mikasa Terminal

Mikasa Terminal is where you’ll board the ferry to Sarushima. Here, you can purchase ferry tickets, and the terminal also has a waiting area, souvenir shop, and visitor center to pass the time before departure.

Location: 27-10 Ogawa-cho, Yokosuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture

How to Purchase Ferry Tickets and Sarushima Entrance Tickets

When you enter Mikasa Terminal, you’ll find the ticket counter straight ahead. Here, you can purchase tickets for the ferry to Sarushima.

Tickets are labeled as “entrance fee,” but they include the ferry fare as well.

If you want to join the Sarushima exploration tour, you can also register here. In that case, you’ll purchase a combined ticket.

Sarushima is a popular destination, so the ferries can get crowded. If you want to secure a good seat, joining the exploration tour and receiving priority boarding is a surefire way to go.

Sarushima Island: Insider's Guide to VIP Tours & Secret Discounts in Yokosuka

Maximize your Sarushima visit! Learn insider tips for discounted tour bookings and priority boarding to enjoy Yokosuka's Ghibli-like island paradise.

Enjoy the Wait: Waiting Area, Souvenir Shop, and Visitor Center

On the first floor, you’ll find a waiting area and a souvenir shop, where you can spend time until your ferry departs.

There are also seats on the second floor. Restrooms are located on the second floor as well.

The second floor also has counter seats with a beautiful ocean view, so be sure to check it out.

Additionally, the second floor serves as a visitor center where you can learn about the history of Sarushima. This is a great way to enhance your experience by learning about the island before you visit.

How to Get to Mikasa Terminal

By Train

If you’re coming by train, the nearest station is Yokosuka-Chuo Station on the Keikyu Main Line. From the station, it’s about a 15-minute walk to Mikasa Terminal. Exit the station via the East Exit and head toward Mikasa Terminal.

By Car

If you’re driving, there is a coin-operated parking lot called “Mikasa Park Parking Lot” right next to Mikasa Terminal. It has about 40 spaces. (¥420 for the first hour, ¥210 per 30 minutes after that, with a reduced rate of ¥100 per hour after the second hour.)

Location: 27-10 Ogawa-cho, Yokosuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture

Just 10 Minutes by Ferry! Experience the Mystique of Sarushima, the Uninhabited Island

Although Sarushima is just a 10-minute ferry ride from Yokosuka’s Mikasa Terminal, the stunning, mystical scenery on the island feels worlds away.

On top of that, you can enjoy leisure activities like barbecues and fishing, and there’s even a stylish ocean-view café. So, despite being an uninhabited island, Sarushima offers a fulfilling experience as a tourist destination in Yokosuka.

I participated in a guided island tour, explored the island on my own, and enjoyed a leisurely lunch—all within about two hours. Sarushima offers a compact and enjoyable adventure that’s easily accessible, yet full of charm. Whether you’re going solo, as a couple, or with family, Sarushima has something for everyone.

Be sure to visit Sarushima and experience its wonder for yourself.