Sarushima Day Trip Guide: How to Visit Tokyo Bay’s Ruin-Filled Island
Sarushima is one of those places that feels surprisingly far from the city even though it is easy to reach as a day trip from Tokyo or Yokohama. Off the coast of Yokosuka City in Kanagawa Prefecture, this small uninhabited island combines mossy ruins, dense greenery, and a short ferry ride that makes it a practical escape for travelers who want something different from the usual Tokyo itinerary.
What makes Sarushima stand out is the contrast. You do not come here for a long list of attractions or a packed sightseeing route. You come for a walk through old wartime structures wrapped in nature, for quiet coastal views, and for the atmosphere of a place that feels removed from the modern city while still being very accessible.
Why Sarushima is worth a day trip
For international travelers looking for a Tokyo Bay day trip with a strong sense of place, Sarushima offers a rare mix of history and scenery. The island is best known for its brick walls, a long wooden path, a dark tunnel, and battery relics surrounded by thick vegetation. Those details give the island its distinct character: part ruin site, part forest walk, part coastal photo stop.
Sarushima also works well for people who want a slower outing. The island is small, and that makes it easy to focus on a few key spots without feeling rushed. It is the kind of place where time is spent walking, looking, photographing, and taking in the atmosphere.
Where Sarushima is and what makes it different
Sarushima is a natural island in Tokyo Bay, located off Yokosuka City. It is the only uninhabited island in Tokyo Bay, which already gives it a different feel from the better-known city attractions around Tokyo and Yokohama.
The island has a long history that reaches back to the Jomon period, but the most visible features today are preserved buildings from the Meiji and Showa eras. It was used as a defensive fortification during the Second World War, and war-related facilities were built here as part of that role. Today, those remains are the main reason many travelers visit.
The island is also small enough that the experience feels concentrated. Rather than a large park or complex museum area, Sarushima is a compact landscape where nature and ruins sit side by side.
How to get to Sarushima from Tokyo or Yokohama
The usual route is simple. First, head to Yokosuka Chuo Station on the Keikyu Line. From there, it is about a 15-minute walk to Mikasa Terminal, also referred to as the Sarushima Visitor Center area.
Once at the terminal, you buy a ferry ticket there. No reservation is required for the ferry itself.
From the station, the trip is very manageable for a day outing from the city. The ferry ride to Sarushima takes about 10 minutes each way, so most of the journey is spent on land rather than at sea.
A practical note for planners: the island is close enough to fit into a half-day or full-day plan, especially if you add time for the terminal area or a nearby stop afterward.
Ferry schedule, trip timing, and ticket basics
The ferry runs on an hourly schedule from 9:30 a.m. onward, with the return service running hourly from 9:45 a.m. There is an additional ferry in summer compared with winter.
Tickets are priced by date category, with A, B, and C rates. Entry and ferry costs vary by fare category, so it is worth checking which rate applies to the day you want to visit before you go.
Because the crossing is short, even the ferry ride itself feels like part of the experience. The boat has a first floor with a hold and front deck, plus a second-floor deck. If you do not get a seat, standing on the deck for the crossing can still be a fun way to enjoy the view and take photos.
What to see on Sarushima
Brick wall path
One of the most memorable parts of Sarushima is the narrow wooden pathway bordered by old brick walls covered with moss and greenery. It is a scene that immediately shows why the island draws photographers as well as history-minded visitors.
The path feels especially atmospheric because of how closely nature has grown around the remains. The combination of wood, brick, foliage, and shadow is the visual signature of the island.
The tunnel
At the end of the wooden path is a dark tunnel that is often nicknamed the Tunnel of Love. That name comes from the way some couples react to the dim passage, but the structure itself has a more serious wartime history. Side rooms along the tunnel were used to store ammunition.
This is one of the strongest reminders that Sarushima is not just a scenic ruin site. It is also a former military fortification, and that history is still visible in the layout of the island.
Battery relics
Another notable feature is the set of round platforms that once served as artillery bases. These battery relics are now surrounded by greenery, which makes them feel like half-remembered remnants of another era.
The artillery itself has already been removed, but the platforms remain as part of the island’s landscape. For travelers interested in wartime relics in Kanagawa, this is one of the key places to stop and look carefully.
The guided adventure tour
If you understand Japanese, the guided adventure tour is worth considering. It is designed to explain the island’s history and the stories behind the wartime relics.
The tour is Japanese-language only, so travelers who do not understand Japanese may prefer to explore independently and focus on the main walking route and viewpoints.
Food, BBQ, and other local experiences
Sarushima is not only about ruins. After walking the island, visitors can also stop at the eateries or use a BBQ pit.
If you plan to use a BBQ pit and do not want to carry your own equipment, rental equipment requires a reservation. That makes it worth planning ahead if your visit is built around eating on the island rather than simply sightseeing.
The island’s size and pace make this a trip where the practical details matter. If you want a more relaxed visit, the food options and BBQ facilities can help turn the outing into a longer half-day experience.
Best photo spots and when to go
Sarushima is very photogenic, especially if you like the contrast between ruins and nature. The brick wall path is one of the best-known photo locations, and the tunnel also offers strong light-and-shadow compositions.
For the brick wall path, noontime on a clear day is a particularly good time for photos because the light creates strong shadows from the surrounding trees. That said, the island can look appealing in different weather too. On cloudy or rainy days, the reflections and mood change, which can suit a more dramatic style of photography.
If you want fewer people in your shots, it helps to go early. The island can feel quieter in the morning, and that makes it easier to take photos without waiting too long for a clear frame.
A few photography tips are especially useful here:
- Photograph the brick wall path slowly, since the details in the walls and scattered bricks reward close attention.
- Use the tunnel for silhouette shots and strong contrast.
- Look for foliage and sea views together, since the island’s greenery and blue water create a striking background.
- Be considerate when taking pictures, because others will also want time at the most popular spots.
Travel tips and cautions
Sarushima is an outdoor destination, so it is worth preparing for the conditions rather than treating it like a normal city attraction. The island has thick greenery, and bugs can be present.
If you plan to spend time walking the island, especially in warmer weather, it is sensible to be ready for an active outdoor visit. The island also feels more enjoyable when you do not rush, because much of the appeal comes from the atmosphere between the major sights.
If you are deciding whether to go, a simple rule helps: Sarushima is best when you want a short journey, a compact route, and a combination of history, scenery, and unusual photo opportunities.
Nearby add-on: MIKASA Historic Memorial Warship
If you still have energy after Sarushima, the nearby MIKASA Historic Memorial Warship is a logical add-on. It is a preserved battleship museum ship and an interesting wartime artifact in its own right.
This can be a good pairing if you want to extend the day into a broader Yokosuka island trip and military-history outing. From the ship’s upper deck, you can also see Sarushima, which gives you another angle on the island you just visited.
Who this destination is best for
Sarushima is a strong fit for travelers who want:
- a practical day trip from Tokyo or Yokohama
- a quieter alternative to standard sightseeing areas
- historic ruins near Tokyo with a natural setting
- a short itinerary that still feels distinctive
- photo spots with a mix of greenery, brickwork, and coastline
It is especially appealing if you like places where the walk itself is part of the experience.
FAQ
How long does it take to get to Sarushima from Tokyo?
The journey is manageable as a day trip. From Shinagawa Station, Yokosuka Chuo Station is about 56 minutes by train on the Keikyu Line, and then it is about a 15-minute walk to Mikasa Terminal followed by a ferry ride of about 10 minutes.
What is Sarushima known for?
Sarushima is known for being the only uninhabited island in Tokyo Bay, along with its moss-covered brick ruins, wooden path, tunnel, and battery relics.
Do I need a reservation for the ferry to Sarushima?
No reservation is required for the ferry itself. Tickets are purchased at the terminal.
How much does it cost to visit Sarushima?
The price varies by fare category, with entry and ferry costs changing depending on whether your visit falls under A, B, or C rates.
What are the main things to see on Sarushima?
The main sights are the brick wall path, the tunnel, and the battery relics, along with the island’s overall mix of wartime structures and dense greenery.
Can I join a guided tour on Sarushima?
Yes. There is a guided adventure tour, but it is Japanese-language only.
Is Sarushima good for photos?
Yes. The island is especially photogenic because of the contrast between brick ruins, foliage, sea views, and tunnel light.
What should I bring for a visit to Sarushima?
It is wise to be ready for an outdoor walk and for possible bugs. If you plan to use BBQ facilities, check the reservation and rental setup in advance.
