猿島
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Sarushima

4.7
·38 reviews·Yokosuka, Japan

Sarushima: Tokyo Bay's uninhabited island fortress, offering a unique blend of historical ruins and lush nature.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring and Autumn mornings

Pleasant weather for exploring

CrowdLow
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猿島

Sarushima

Best Time

Spring and Autumn mornings

Pleasant weather for exploring

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Sarushima: Tokyo Bay's uninhabited island fortress, offering a unique blend of historical ruins and lush nature.

4.7
(38 reviews)

"A must if you want to enjoy a couple hours of serenity and calm away from the hustle and bustle of the city."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚢 Ferry Essentials

Ferries depart from Mikasa Pier. Round-trip tickets include island entry. Check schedules beforehand!

👟 Comfortable Footwear

You'll be walking on uneven paths and through ruins. Sturdy shoes are a must for exploring!

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Rating

4.7 · 38 reviews

Type

Natural Feature

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Wartime Fortress Ruins

Wartime Fortress Ruins

Throughout the island

Explore moss-covered brick tunnels and stone walls, remnants of its past as a military fortress.

Lush Natural Scenery

Lush Natural Scenery

Island interior

Immerse yourself in the island's dense greenery, often compared to a 'real-life Ghibli' setting.

Sarushima Beach

Sarushima Beach

Southern coast

A popular spot for BBQs in summer, offering a relaxing break with sea views.

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Planning Your Visit

Ferry to Sarushima: Your Gateway to Adventure

The only way to reach Sarushima is by ferry from Mikasa Pier in Yokosuka. Ferries run frequently, but check schedules, especially during off-season or bad weather. The ride is short, about 10 minutes, making it an easy day trip from Tokyo.

Explore History and Nature

Sarushima is an uninhabited island with a rich military history, featuring ruins of fortresses and tunnels. It's also a nature lover's paradise, with lush vegetation and a small beach. Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the uneven terrain.

Best Times

When
Spring and Autumn mornings
Why
Pleasant weather for exploring
Crowd
Low
When
Summer afternoons
Why
Beach activities and BBQ
Crowd
High
When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer crowds, more serene
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

横須賀からフェリーで10分🚢 東京湾に浮かぶ無人島、猿島。 木々の緑とレンガ造りのトンネルが美しかったです🌿🌿🌿 10-minute ferry ride from Yokosuka🚢 An uninhabited island Sarushima is floating in Tokyo Bay. The green of the trees and the brick tunnel were so beautiful🌿🌿🌿 #猿島 #猿島公園 #要塞跡 #横須賀観光 #遠足 #sarushima #sarushimaisland #ruin #fortress #yokosuka #onedaytrip
mirei_asaoka
325 likes • 4.2K views

🚢 Ferry Essentials

Ferries depart from Mikasa Pier. Round-trip tickets include island entry. Check schedules beforehand! Instagram

👟 Comfortable Footwear

You'll be walking on uneven paths and through ruins. Sturdy shoes are a must for exploring! Instagram

Real-life Ghibli’s Laputa, Castle in the Sky ✨ At Sarushima, also known as Monkey Island 🐒 you can enter the world of Ghibli’s Laputa located right inside Tokyo Bay! 🗾 With red brick ruins from WWII, towering walls & tunnels that have been taken over by nature & a deserted presence as it’s now uninhabited, it’s easy to see the island’s striking resemblance to the mysterious world of Laputa 🍃 & ...
bassetts.bouken
841.9K likes • 7.4M views
Sarushima Island in Kanagawa, Japan just off the coast of Yokosuka #sarushima #island #monkeyisland #kanagawa #tokyo #japan #猿島 #島 #神奈川 #東京 #旅行 #遠足 #japantrip #japantravel #nippon #japonia #travel #explore #discover #digitalnomad #travelreels #radwimps #podróże #wakacje #summer
halidar
0 likes • 615 views

🗺️ History Info

Most info boards are in Japanese. Use translation apps like DeepL for historical context. Reddit

🧺 BBQ & Picnic Spot

The beach is great for summer BBQs. Bring your own supplies or check for rental options. Reddit

sarushima 🏝 東京から1番近い無人島! まるでラピュタの世界にいるみたい𓂃 とても癒されました🫧 📍横須賀中央駅からフェリーで10分 𓊝 #猿島 #猿はいませんでした #横須賀 #無人島 #自然に癒される #神奈川観光
yu.ki1227
54 likes • 2K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚢 Ferry Essentials

Ferries depart from Mikasa Pier. Round-trip tickets include island entry. Check schedules beforehand! Instagram

👟 Comfortable Footwear

You'll be walking on uneven paths and through ruins. Sturdy shoes are a must for exploring! Instagram

🗺️ History Info

Most info boards are in Japanese. Use translation apps like DeepL for historical context. Reddit

🧺 BBQ & Picnic Spot

The beach is great for summer BBQs. Bring your own supplies or check for rental options. Reddit

🐒 No Monkeys Here!

Despite the name 'Monkey Island,' there are no monkeys. Enjoy the historical ruins and nature instead. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(38 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about Sarushima's unique blend of historical ruins and natural beauty, calling it a 'wonderful experience' and a 'must-see' for its serene atmosphere. The short ferry ride and the island's Ghibli-esque charm are frequently highlighted positives. Some note that information boards are primarily in Japanese, requiring translation for deeper historical understanding.

"We took the ferry ride over from Mikasa Pier to the island. It was a WONDERFUL experience!! We only stayed for a couple of hours, but totally could’ve spent all day there. My small children had a blast playing and exploring as well as their grandparents!! Highly recommend!!"

Kaitlin King

"Beautiful little (emphasis on little) Island off the coast of Yokosuka, just south of yokohama.
Can walk the path too and from the ferry dock in just under or over an hour, depending on how fast you walk.

99% of the info boards are in japanese, so if you want to learn about the actual reasons why or how the walls and paths were structured, you better bring a japanese translator or download the translator app Deep L, because Google translator is horrid.

A must if you want to enjoy a couple hours of serenity and calm away from the heat of the sun and the hustle and bustle of the city.
OH, and not to mention, on a clear day, you can get a great view of fuji san."

Alex Cooper

"Small Island with very old Military history.
Foreign military made a base here and trained many soldiers here.
Many weapons were tested here and still the old buildings were remaining.
Could see sea and many ships around the Island.
The Island name as monkey in it but actually there is no Monkey.
We can have barbecue and limited number of shops are available."

Beyond Bōken

What People Like

Unique historical ruins
Lush natural scenery
Serene atmosphere

What People Dislike

Japanese-only info boards

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

From central Tokyo, take a train to Yokosuka-Chuo Station (approx. 1 hour). From there, it's a 15-minute walk to Mikasa Pier, where you can catch the ferry to Sarushima. The ferry ride itself is only about 10 minutes. Instagram+2

Ferry schedules can vary by season and weather. It's best to check the official website or local information boards at Mikasa Pier for the most up-to-date times. Ferries typically run frequently during peak hours. Instagram

Yes, Sarushima is accessible by public transport. You can reach Mikasa Pier via train to Yokosuka-Chuo Station, and then take a short ferry ride to the island. Instagram

The ferry ride from Mikasa Pier to Sarushima is very short, only about 10 minutes. The total travel time from Tokyo will depend on your train journey to Yokosuka. Instagram+1

You cannot drive directly to Sarushima as it is an uninhabited island. You will need to park your car in Yokosuka and take the ferry from Mikasa Pier. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The cost typically includes the round-trip ferry ticket and an island entrance fee. As of recent information, this is around 2,000 yen. Guided tours are available for an additional fee. Instagram

It is generally not necessary to buy ferry and entrance tickets in advance, as they can be purchased at Mikasa Pier. However, during peak seasons or holidays, it might be advisable to check for any special booking requirements. Instagram

Sarushima is an uninhabited island, so there are no strict opening hours in the traditional sense. However, ferry services operate on a schedule, and it's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and enjoyment. Instagram

Yes, guided tours are available on Sarushima, offering insights into the island's history and natural features. There are typically a basic 30-minute tour and a more extensive 60-minute tour. Instagram

Yes, there is an entrance fee for Sarushima, which is usually bundled with the round-trip ferry ticket. The combined cost is approximately 2,000 yen. Instagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can explore the historical ruins of fortresses and tunnels, enjoy the natural scenery, relax on the beach, and even have a BBQ in designated areas. It's a great spot for a day trip with a mix of history and nature. InstagramReddit

Yes, Sarushima is very family-friendly. Children can enjoy exploring the ruins, playing on the beach, and the short ferry ride is an adventure in itself. The basic guided tour is also suitable for families. InstagramReddit

Sarushima is ideal for light hiking and exploration. The island has paths that lead through its natural landscapes and historical sites, offering a pleasant walking experience. Instagram

The island features remnants of military fortresses and batteries from the Edo period to World War II, including brick tunnels and stone walls. These ruins are often overgrown with nature, creating a unique atmosphere. Instagram+1

Wi-Fi availability on Sarushima is limited, as it is an uninhabited island. It's recommended to download any necessary maps or information offline before your visit. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there is a restaurant on Sarushima where you can enjoy meals. It's a convenient option if you don't plan to bring your own food. Instagram

Sarushima is a popular spot for BBQs, especially during the summer months. There is a beach area designated for this activity. You'll need to bring your own BBQ equipment and food, or check for rental services. Reddit

Near Mikasa Pier in Yokosuka, you can find various restaurants and eateries offering local Japanese cuisine. It's a good place to grab a meal before or after your trip to Sarushima. Instagram

While there is a restaurant, snack availability might be limited. It's always a good idea to bring some snacks and drinks with you, especially if you plan to spend several hours exploring. Reddit

Absolutely! Bringing your own food is a great option, especially for picnics or BBQs on the beach. Just be sure to dispose of your trash properly. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The moss-covered brick tunnels and fortress ruins offer incredibly atmospheric shots. The lush greenery and coastal views also provide beautiful photographic opportunities. Instagram+1

Yes, Sarushima's dense vegetation and coastal scenery make it a great location for nature photography. The contrast between the ruins and the natural overgrowth is particularly striking. Instagram+1

Early morning or late afternoon light can create dramatic shadows and a softer glow on the ruins and landscape. Midday sun can be harsh, but still offers good visibility. Instagram

Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check with local authorities or the ferry operator regarding any restrictions on drone flights before your visit. Instagram

A versatile camera with a good lens for both wide-angle shots (ruins, landscapes) and some telephoto for details would be ideal. A tripod can be useful for low-light conditions in the tunnels. Instagram

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