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Mujin-to Sarushima Island

Tokyo Bay’s only deserted nature island where visitors can have an adventure.

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Sarushima Island, on the coast of Yokosuka Port is Tokyo Bay’s biggest, only deserted nature island, with an area of 1.6km. Since it is located at the entrance of Tokyo Bay, it became a defense point to protect the capital of Japan. Nowadays, it is a popular leisure spot, only a 10 minute boat ride from Yokosuka.

Though covered in rocks, there is sand near the boat docking point. Visitors can enjoy swimming, and barbeque. They can also rent items and equipment at a nearby shop, they may visit without anything but food to grill. There is also an administrative building with a multi-purpose hall and welcome center that exhibits various artifacts found on the island.

On the island, there is a giant brick ruin. With cut walls, tunnels, and munitions depots. Going deeper, it is like a hidden secret base. These ruins were once forts designed to defend Tokyo; Japan’s capital city. It is reminiscent of Studio Ghibli’s “Castle in the Sky”. There is also an important brick ruin made using French techniques. It is designated as a national historic site. It takes about an hour to walk around the island. Guide tours available.

Highlights

  • Walk around a photogenic fort ruins that is simply, mysterious.
  • Reservations available for barbeque food provided at the Ocean’s Kitchen near the Mikasa Bridge.
  • Legends of Nichiren exist on this island. When an islander cut his foot on some shells on the beach, Nichiren removed the spikes from the shells by incantation. Thus, the island shells have no spikes.
  • A diverse flora and fauna. See various plants and insects.

Photos

  • Tokyo Bay’s only island.
*Photo provider: iStock

    Tokyo Bay’s only island. *Photo provider: iStock

  • A small sandy beach near the boat docking point.
*Photo provider: iStock

    A small sandy beach near the boat docking point. *Photo provider: iStock

  • The island is just like a secret base.
*Photo provider: Yokosuka City Tourism Division

    The island is just like a secret base. *Photo provider: Yokosuka City Tourism Division

  • A mysterious tunnel.
*Photo provider: Yokosuka City Tourism Division

    A mysterious tunnel. *Photo provider: Yokosuka City Tourism Division

  • Reminiscent of Studio Ghibli’s “Castle in the Sky”.
*Photo provider: iStock

    Reminiscent of Studio Ghibli’s “Castle in the Sky”. *Photo provider: iStock

Reviews

Details

Name in Japanese
猿島公園
Postal Code
238-0019
Address
1 Sarushima, Yokosuka City, Kanagawa
Telephone
046-825-7144 (Tryangle Inc., Sarushima Island Boat operating company)
Holiday
Open every day
Hours
Sarushima Island Boat Hours
March 1st - End of October 9:30am - 5:00pm
November 1st - End of February 9:30am - 4:00pm
Admission
Sarushima Park: Adults 500 yen, Elementary / Middle School Students - 250 yen (pay when boarding boat)
Sarushima Island Boat - Adults 1500 yen, Elementary School Students 750 yen.
Access
1) Walk 15 minutes from Keihin Kyuko Honsen Line Yokosuka Chuo Station.
2) Walk 30 minutes from JR Yokosuka Line Yokosuka Station
※to Mikasa Terminal / Sarushima Visitors Center
Official Website
Official Website (English)