🗺️ Monkey Island猿島公園

Floating in the waters outside Yokosuka Port, Sarushima is the only natural island in Tokyo Bay and the largest uninhabited island within the bay, with a perimeter of about 1.6 kilometers. Due to its location at the entrance of Tokyo Bay, it has been a strategic point for defending the capital since the late Edo period. Today, it has become an island for tourism and leisure, accessible by a dedicated boat in about 10 minutes. The surroundings of Sarushima are mostly rocky terrain, and there is a beach next to the pier where boats dock, allowing visitors to enjoy swimming and barbecuing. Shops are available for renting barbecue equipment and utensils, so there’s no need to bring any tools other than food; you can even go empty-handed. There is also a multifunctional hall that displays artifacts unearthed from Sarushima, as well as a management building that houses the Sarushima Welcome Center. As you walk into the interior of Sarushima, you are greeted by the remains of a massive brick structure. The carved walls, tunnels, and ammunition depots are buried among the green vegetation, resembling a secret base. These ruins were once fortifications built to defend Tokyo and have sparked popular discussions due to their resemblance to the Ghibli film "Castle in the Sky." These precious ruins have been designated as a "National Historic Site," including remnants built using the French bricklaying method. A complete circuit around the island takes about an hour and guided tours are available.

Strolling through the mysterious fortress ruins at the top of the island, discussions arise due to its resemblance to the Studio Ghibli film "Castle in the Sky." If you make a reservation in advance, you can pick up ingredients at the Mikasa Pier or the island's ocean kitchen. There are legends of Nichiren on the island. It is said that Nichiren heard of a man who was injured by a conch shell while crossing from Sarushima to the opposite shore, and after reciting a sutra, the conch's horn disappeared. Therefore, conchs in the nearby area are now hornless. The island is rich in natural resources, and you can also see rare plants and insects.