At a glance
Sarushima Island is Yokosuka's only uninhabited island in Tokyo Bay, accessible by a 10-minute ferry ride from Mikasa Pier. This small natural island features historic military fortifications from the Edo and Meiji periods, including well-preserved French-style brick tunnels, ammunition depots, and gun battery ruins. The island combines historical exploration with outdoor recreation, offering beach access, BBQ facilities, fishing spots, and guided tours through atmospheric ruins overgrown with lush vegetation, creating a mysterious atmosphere reminiscent of adventure films.
Photographs
Sarushima Island
Sarushima Island stands as Tokyo Bay's only natural island and its largest uninhabited island, accessible by a quick 10-minute ferry ride from Mikasa Pier in Yokosuka. This historic fortress island showcases remarkably preserved French-style brick tunnels and gun battery ruins from the Meiji era, creating an atmospheric blend of military heritage and lush vegetation. The island's distinctive red brick structures, many built between 1881-1884, feature rare French bond bricklaying techniques that have survived intact due to the island's long isolation as a military restricted area.
Visitors can explore moss-covered ammunition depots, underground barracks, and earthen fortification walls that wind through dense greenery, creating a mysterious landscape often compared to the world of Castle in the Sky. The island offers guided tours that provide access to restricted areas and detailed historical context about its role in defending Tokyo Bay from the late Edo period through World War II. Beyond historical exploration, Sarushima features sandy beaches for relaxation, BBQ facilities, fishing spots, and cafes, making it an ideal destination for combining cultural education with outdoor leisure activities. Swimming is currently not permitted due to safety concerns and strong currents around the island.
Seasonal and Event Highlights
- Spring: Comfortable temperatures and fresh greenery make this one of the best periods for exploring the fortress ruins and walking trails.
- Summer: Dense greenery creates the island's most atmospheric scenery, while BBQs and seaside activities are popular. Swimming is not permitted as of 2026.
- Autumn: Cooler weather makes walking and historical exploration particularly comfortable, with greenery gradually taking on seasonal tones.
- Winter: The island remains accessible, but ferry hours are shorter from November through February and rough weather can cause cancellations.
- Seasonal Events: Special programs such as extended evening ferry services, sunset exploration tours, and other limited-time activities are occasionally held, particularly in summer. Dates and programs vary by year.
Before you go
Sarushima has a separate park entry fee and round-trip ferry fare. For visitors from outside Yokosuka, the park fee is ¥500 for adults and ¥250 for elementary and junior high school students; ferry fares vary by travel date, with 2026 adult round trips ranging from ¥1,600 to ¥2,000. Wear comfortable walking shoes as the historic areas include slopes, steps, tunnels, and uneven paths. Toilets, food, drinks, BBQ facilities, and rest areas are available, but facilities become more limited away from the main beach area. Swimming is not permitted in 2026 due to changing beach conditions and strong currents. Ferry services can be cancelled in poor weather or rough seas, so check operating conditions before visiting.
Sarushima ferries generally operate daily, including weekends and public holidays, except when services are suspended due to weather or sea conditions. From March through October, ferries depart Mikasa Pier from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM, with the final return from Sarushima at 5:00 PM. From November through February, the last outbound ferry is at 3:30 PM and the final return is at 4:00 PM. Busy holidays may have additional services.
When to go
Summer months from June to August are ideal for visiting Sarushima Island, when you can enjoy beach activities, swimming, and barbecues alongside exploring the historic fortress ruins. Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather with fewer crowds, perfect for leisurely walks through the brick tunnels and nature trails without the intense summer heat. Arriving on the first ferry at 9:30 AM ensures a more peaceful exploration before day-trippers arrive in larger numbers. Weekday mornings provide the best opportunity to photograph the atmospheric brick structures and tunnels without crowds, though be mindful that ferries depart only once per hour, requiring careful planning of your return time.
Public review summary
Visitors praise the mysterious atmosphere created by French-style brick tunnels and fortress ruins blending with lush nature, describing it as stepping into Laputa. The guided tours receive strong recommendations for accessing restricted areas and historical context. Popular activities include BBQ, fishing, and beach exploration, though some note limited food options and crowded conditions during peak seasons. The short boat ride and compact size make it ideal for half-day visits.
What you'll find here
Location & access
- DirectionsAddress
Sarushima, Yokosuka, Kanagawa 238-0019, Japan
- How to get there
By Public Transportation:
From Keikyu Yokosuka-Chuo Station, walk about 15 minutes to Mikasa Terminal and Pier. Alternatively, take the Mikasa Loop Bus to Mikasa Park, about a one-minute walk from the terminal. From Mikasa Pier, the ferry takes approximately 10 minutes to Sarushima.
By Car:
Drive to the Mikasa Park area in central Yokosuka and use a nearby paid parking facility such as Pipo 320 or the City Hall North Entrance Parking Lot. There are no roads or visitor parking on Sarushima itself, so all visitors complete the journey by ferry from Mikasa Pier.
Common questions
How do I get to Sarushima Island?
Sarushima Island is accessible by ferry from Mikasa Pier in Yokosuka, located near Yokosuka-Chuo Station on the Keikyu Line. The ferry ride takes approximately 10 minutes. Boats typically depart every hour, with more frequent departures during peak season. Advance ticket purchase is recommended as boats can fill up quickly.
What historical sites can I see on Sarushima?
Sarushima features well-preserved Meiji-era military fortifications including French-style brick tunnels, gun battery ruins, underground ammunition depots, and barracks. These structures, built between 1881-1884, are part of the Tokyo Bay Fortress Site, designated as a national historic site. Guided tours offer access to restricted areas.
Can I have a barbecue on Sarushima Island?
Yes, barbecue facilities are available on Sarushima Island with equipment rental services. Bringing your own food is prohibited, so you must use the rental services provided. BBQ is particularly popular during summer months and reservations are required in advance. The island also has cafes and food stalls near the pier.
Is Sarushima suitable for visitors with mobility limitations?
Sarushima has limited accessibility with many slopes and stairs throughout the island. The path to the main tunnel is a slope, but beyond that, most areas require climbing stairs. Wheelchair access is restricted to approximately half the island. Comfortable walking shoes are strongly recommended for all visitors.
What activities are available besides sightseeing?
Besides exploring historical ruins, Sarushima offers fishing equipment rentals, tide pool exploration, and beach access. In summer, swimming and water sports are available. The island has a 1.6km circumference walking trail that takes 1-1.5 hours to complete. Guided nature tours provide detailed explanations of the island's history and ecology.
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