Sarushima Island 2026: Yokosuka Ferry, Fees & Fort Ruins
Sarushima, nicknamed Monkey Island, is a small uninhabited island in Tokyo Bay reached by a short passenger boat from Yokosuka, Kanagawa Prefecture. Its wooded paths, former coastal military fortifications and sandstone tunnels make it a distinctive day trip from Tokyo or Yokohama. Despite its English nickname, it is not an island populated by wild monkeys: the appeal lies in the historic ruins, sea views and outdoor atmosphere.
Visitors should book around the ferry timetable, not just the island’s apparent proximity to the city. Ticket costs, summer and winter departures and storm cancellations all affect the practical visit.
2026 Sarushima ferry fares and entry
- Departure: Mikasa Pier, Yokosuka, for a boat taking roughly ten minutes each way.
- Round-trip adult ferry: ¥1,600–¥2,000 for non-Yokosuka residents, with date-dependent pricing.
- Sarushima park fee: ¥500 per nonresident adult, charged separately from the ferry.
- Winter season: 1 November–28 February, with departures typically between 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., subject to cancellation.
- Travel safety: crossings can be suspended in high wind or dangerous sea conditions.
- Visit time: two or three hours for the paths, ruins and viewpoints.
Check Sarushima’s official ferry, park fee and timetable page for your exact travel date. If visiting Kanagawa for several days, combine this with Yokosuka’s city guide as a separate urban exploration.
What to see on Sarushima Island
Historic fortifications and tunnels
Old brick tunnels, gun battery positions and defensive structures document the island’s role in the protection of Tokyo Bay. Some spaces look overgrown, but they are protected historic remains rather than an abandoned playground. Stay on official walking routes, avoid entering barricaded military structures and follow instructions for photography in narrow tunnels.
Forest trails and sea viewpoints
Short walking paths connect the fort areas with views across the bay. The island has stairs and uneven surfaces, making it less suitable for a traveler needing completely step-free access. Wear shoes that cope with damp ground and consider a guided historical tour to understand what remains from the military period.
Beach, picnics and seasonal activities
Facilities and swimming permissions depend on the season. Avoid treating the shore as a guaranteed lifeguarded beach at any time of year. Follow designated picnic areas, carry rubbish away and do not remove shells, bricks or historical artifacts.
How to reach Sarushima from Tokyo and Yokohama
Take rail transport to Yokosuka and continue to the Mikasa Park/Mikasa Pier area, where ferries depart. Verify which station and exit are convenient for your chosen rail company; Yokosuka has multiple stations and operators. If you are visiting Yokohama before continuing, Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse and Yokohama Chinatown are worthwhile separate urban stops.
Do not confuse Sarushima with Enoshima, a different island off the Shonan Coast, or the Hakkeijima Sea Paradise aquarium complex. These places share a prefecture but have different rail routes and admission policies.
Best time to visit and ferry safety
Warm months may offer longer daylight and seasonal beach activities, while winter can be quieter but runs on the shorter boat schedule. Ferries may be canceled in stormy weather; always leave buffer time before another booking. Dense wind and wet stonework can make fort corridors slippery. The operator may restrict certain areas or activities for conservation and safety.
For a longer Kanagawa itinerary, Kamakura beaches, the Kamakura Great Buddha, Komachi-dori shopping street and Enoshima Shrine offer other cultural and coastal experiences that need separate transport.
A practical Sarushima day trip
Leave central Tokyo in the morning and arrive at Mikasa Pier well before the ferry departure. Take a short self-guided walk around the island, allowing time to explore the brick structures and enjoy a packed lunch where permitted. Catch a return boat comfortably before the final departure, then spend the afternoon in Yokosuka. With another day, add Cup Noodles Museum Yokohama, Yokohama Museum of Art or Motomachi’s shopping streets in Yokohama.
Travelers interested in coastal ferry transport can also compare Tokyo Bay Ferry and Tokyo water bus services—different routes that should not be mistaken for a Sarushima boat.
Frequently asked questions
How much is Sarushima Island in 2026?
For a nonresident adult, the listed ferry costs ¥1,600–¥2,000 return, plus ¥500 island park entry. Verify the date-dependent total.
Are there wild monkeys?
No. The ‘Monkey Island’ name does not describe a present population of wild monkeys.
Can I stay overnight?
The usual ferry experience is a daytime visit; check the operator rather than assuming public overnight accommodation is available on the uninhabited island.
Is the ferry safe in bad weather?
Operators can cancel crossings due to wind and sea conditions. Follow announcements and do not plan a tight onward connection.
Address and Google Maps
Sarushima Island, offshore Yokosuka, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. Find Direction On Google Maps.