Sarushima (Monkey Island) - Image 1
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Sarushima Monkey Island Yokosuka

4.3
·809 reviews·Yokosuka, Japan

Sarushima Island: Tokyo Bay's only uninhabited island, offering historic military ruins, beaches, and BBQ spots.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer mornings

Beat the heat and crowds

CrowdMedium
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Sarushima (Monkey Island) - Image 1

Sarushima Monkey Island Yokosuka

Best Time

Summer mornings

Beat the heat and crowds

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Sarushima Island: Tokyo Bay's only uninhabited island, offering historic military ruins, beaches, and BBQ spots.

4.3
(809 reviews)

"A unique experience on this small historic and natural island."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎒 Pack Essentials

Bring water, snacks, and insect repellent, especially in summer. Vending machines are available, but options are limited.

🚶‍♀️ Guided Tours Recommended

Opt for a guided tour (in Japanese) to fully appreciate the island's history and access restricted areas.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Historic Military Ruins

Historic Military Ruins

Throughout the island

Explore moss-covered brick tunnels and old fortifications from the Meiji era. A glimpse into Japan's past defense strategies.

Sarushima Beach

Sarushima Beach

Island's coast

Enjoy a relaxing day at the beach, perfect for swimming in the summer months. A great spot for picnics and soaking up the sun.

Scenic Island Views

Scenic Island Views

Various viewpoints

Take in panoramic views of Tokyo Bay and the surrounding coastline. Ideal for photography and appreciating the natural beauty.

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Planning Your Visit

Ferry Tickets & Island Access

Round-trip ferry tickets to Sarushima Island cost ¥2,000 for adults. Consider booking in advance during peak season to avoid disappointment. The ferry ride is short, about 10 minutes, but can be affected by weather.

Best Time for Exploration

Visit during warmer months for beach activities and swimming. Be prepared for heat and potential insects, especially in summer. Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends.

Best Times

When
Summer mornings
Why
Beat the heat and crowds
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer visitors, more peaceful
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

フェリーで10分、新緑のマイナスイオンを浴びれる無人島。 #猿島 #横須賀 #無人島 #神奈川 #初夏 #日本の風景 #景色 #kanagawa #yokosuka
@tokyo_city.vlog
43.8K likes • 944.1K views

🎒 Pack Essentials

Bring water, snacks, and insect repellent, especially in summer. Vending machines are available, but options are limited. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Guided Tours Recommended

Opt for a guided tour (in Japanese) to fully appreciate the island's history and access restricted areas. Reddit

📍Sarushima. Una pequeña y linda isla ig. mirivilx
@mirivilx
3.6K likes • 26K views
Taglish naman po tayo for today’s vid! SARUSHIMA ISLAND (Monkey Island) Located at Yokosuka, Kanagawa. It’s a 5-min ferry ride from Shin-Mikasa Terminal. Round trip fare for adults: ¥2,000 You can go on a picnic, beach trip, or simply explore the ruins on the island. Just a short trip, not that far from Tokyo. (1 - 1.5hr train ride) Happy exploring!!! #Japan #Yokosuka #travel #tripnitrishy #ha...
tripnitrishy
12 likes • 710 views

📸 Capture the History

The island's ruins and natural beauty offer fantastic photo opportunities. Don't miss the French brick tunnels. Instagram

🍽️ BBQ & Dining Options

Rent BBQ equipment for a fun outdoor meal or visit the island's restaurant. TikTok

Sarushima Island, or Monkey Island🐒, is a captivating retreat near Yokosuka City. With a history tied to defense strategies, the island has transformed into Sarushima Park, offering a blend of history and natural beauty. Mr. Roboto, 猿島に行ってきた! History & Nature Blend With a history rooted in defense during the Edo period and World War II💣, Sarushima Island now showcases remnants of its strategic ...
japanfeast
35 likes • 378 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎒 Pack Essentials

Bring water, snacks, and insect repellent, especially in summer. Vending machines are available, but options are limited. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Guided Tours Recommended

Opt for a guided tour (in Japanese) to fully appreciate the island's history and access restricted areas. Reddit

📸 Capture the History

The island's ruins and natural beauty offer fantastic photo opportunities. Don't miss the French brick tunnels. Instagram

🍽️ BBQ & Dining Options

Rent BBQ equipment for a fun outdoor meal or visit the island's restaurant. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.3
(809 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Sarushima Island offers a unique blend of history and nature, making it a worthwhile day trip. Visitors appreciate the well-preserved military ruins and the scenic beach, though some note that the island can be covered quickly. Be prepared for potential insects and consider a guided tour for deeper historical insights.

"Overall cool visit, not spectacular but was something to do. There is history to the island for those who are interested in that kind of thing. It's a short 10 minute ride via boat to the island and tickets were 2000 yen for adults, but Yokosuka residents receive a discount. In the summer, it is hot so bring water with you or you can get drinks from the vending machine. Also saw a small concession stand there but didn't stop by to see what was offered. This place realistically can be covered in less than an hour. Offers some nice views of the surrounding area. If you go in the summer, be prepared to see lots of bugs here, especially spiders. Also saw a large hornet, centipedes and a rat."

Vinny F

"First of all, the island itself was so beautiful. I joined 60mins tour with Lucy-san/tour guide. She was funny and very knowledgeable. It was really interesting to hear a history of the island. I strongly recommend the 60 mins tour since you can go inside of the soldier’s break room and ammunition depot. Thank you so much, Lucy-san!"

Ai Cervi

"Definitely recommend this place for a short day-trip if you live in the area!
I feel like it's a not so common travel destination so it wasn't too crowded - I was able to take a nice walk around the island, taking my time taking pictures and enjoying the sights!

If you're not there for grilling or swimming and just plan seeing the island, I feel like one or max two hours are enough time, even if you walk at a slower pace and take some time to rest at the beach."

Alice

What People Like

Historic military ruins
Beautiful beach
BBQ facilities

What People Dislike

Can be covered quickly
Insects in summer

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

From Tokyo, take the Keikyu Line to Yokosuka-Chuo Station (approx. 50-60 mins). From there, it's a 10-15 minute walk to Mikasa Park, where you'll catch the ferry to Sarushima Island. Instagram

Ferry services typically run frequently during daylight hours, especially in peak season. It's best to check the latest schedule with the ferry operator before your visit, as it can vary by season and weather. TikTok

Yes, Sarushima Island is accessible via public transport. You can reach Yokosuka by train and then take a short ferry ride from Mikasa Pier. Instagram

The train journey from Tokyo to Yokosuka takes about 50-60 minutes, followed by a 10-minute ferry ride to the island. Instagram

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

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The round-trip ferry ticket for adults to Sarushima Island is ¥2,000. Yokosuka residents may receive a discount. TikTokReddit

The ¥2,000 ferry ticket includes access to the island. There isn't a separate entrance fee for Sarushima Park itself. TikTok

While not always necessary, purchasing tickets in advance, especially during busy periods like weekends and holidays, is advisable to secure your spot. TikTok

Sarushima Island is generally accessible during daylight hours. The ferry operates on a schedule, and the island itself is open for exploration. Instagram

Yes, Yokosuka residents often receive a discount on the ferry tickets. It's recommended to bring proof of residency. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can explore historic military ruins, swim at the beach, have a barbecue, enjoy seasonal water sports, and take guided tours to learn about the island's history. Instagram+1

Yes, families can enjoy the beach, picnic areas, and exploring the relatively safe ruins. It's a good option for a short day trip. TikTok

Despite its name, Sarushima (Monkey Island) does not have any monkeys. The name is derived from a legend. TikTok

Walking is the primary way to explore. Consider a guided tour to understand the historical significance of the ruins and tunnels. Reddit

There is generally no Wi-Fi or reliable phone signal on Sarushima Island, making it a good place to disconnect. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there is a restaurant on Sarushima Island that offers meals. TikTok

Absolutely! Sarushima Island is a popular spot for barbecues, and you can rent equipment on the island. InstagramReddit

The restaurant typically serves Japanese cuisine. For barbecues, you can bring your own food or purchase supplies. TikTok

Vending machines are available on the island for drinks, and there's a concession stand. Reddit

Bringing your own food for a picnic or barbecue can be more cost-effective and offers more variety. However, the on-site restaurant and concession stand provide convenient options. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The French brick tunnels, old fortifications, scenic viewpoints overlooking Tokyo Bay, and the beach offer excellent photographic opportunities. Instagram+1

Yes, the island's blend of historical ruins reclaimed by nature, lush greenery, and coastal views makes it very photogenic. Instagram

Morning light can be beautiful for capturing the ruins and landscapes. Late afternoon light can also create dramatic shots. Instagram

Generally, photography is allowed throughout the island. However, always be respectful of any posted signs or restricted areas. Instagram

Yes, the moss-covered tunnels and abandoned fortress feel are often compared to Studio Ghibli anime settings, particularly Laputa: Castle in the Sky. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Sarushima Island is a great option for a family day trip. The beach is perfect for kids to play in the sand and shallow waters during summer. The island's relatively small size and clear paths make it manageable for families to explore without getting too tired. TikTok

Consider packing a picnic or enjoying a barbecue for a fun family meal. While the historical ruins are fascinating, keep a close eye on younger children in these areas. The ferry ride itself can also be an exciting part of the adventure for kids. Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Budget Travelers

Sarushima Island can be an affordable day trip. While the ferry ticket is ¥2,000, you can save money by bringing your own food and drinks for a picnic or barbecue. Reddit

Focus on exploring the free historical sites and enjoying the natural scenery. If you're looking for a budget-friendly escape from the city, Sarushima offers a good balance of activities and natural beauty without excessive costs. TikTok

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

Sarushima Island is a photographer's dream, offering a unique blend of historical architecture and natural landscapes. The moss-covered brick tunnels and old fortifications provide dramatic and atmospheric shots, especially when bathed in soft light. Instagram+1

Don't miss the panoramic views of Tokyo Bay from various points on the island. The contrast between the man-made structures and the encroaching greenery creates compelling visual narratives. The island's comparison to anime settings also offers a whimsical angle for photographers. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Journey Through History: Sarushima's Fortifications

Sarushima Island, once a crucial defense point, is dotted with remnants of its military past. During the Edo period, it served as a battery for the Tokugawa shogunate, and later, after the Meiji Restoration, it was developed as part of the Yokosuka Navy Yard. Visitors can explore well-preserved Meiji-era brick ammunition depots, tunnels, and batteries that whisper tales of a bygone era. These structures, often draped in moss and reclaimed by nature, create a unique and atmospheric experience. Instagram+2

While many of these historical sites are fascinating, it's worth noting that some batteries may not be fully accessible to the public. However, guided tours, often conducted in Japanese, can provide deeper insights and access to areas like soldier's break rooms and ammunition depots. The distinctive French brick tunnels are a particular highlight, offering a glimpse into the architectural and engineering prowess of the time. InstagramReddit

For those interested in history, Sarushima offers a tangible connection to Japan's coastal defense strategies. The island's transformation from a military stronghold to a recreational park adds another layer to its compelling narrative. It's a place where nature and history intertwine, offering a unique exploration for visitors. Instagram

Island Life: Activities and Relaxation

Beyond its historical significance, Sarushima Island is a popular destination for leisure and recreation, especially during the warmer months. The island boasts a sandy beach that is ideal for swimming and sunbathing. It's a perfect spot for a family outing or a relaxing day trip from the city. TikTokInstagram

One of the most beloved activities on Sarushima is barbecuing. Visitors can rent BBQ equipment on-site, making it a convenient and enjoyable experience to cook and dine outdoors amidst the island's natural beauty. This makes Sarushima a fantastic destination for groups and families looking for a fun, interactive day out. InstagramReddit

For those seeking a more active experience, water sports are also available seasonally. Additionally, the island offers walking trails that allow visitors to explore its diverse flora and fauna. The combination of historical exploration and recreational activities makes Sarushima a versatile destination catering to various interests. Instagram

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