Kanagawa: Sarushima Guide – An Uninhabited Island with a Laputa-Like Atmosphere (Photo Report)

Sarushima offers a fantastical, otherworldly atmosphere straight out of Laputa. Here’s a full-day Kanagawa sightseeing course covering the charms of this remote island—just a 10-minute boat ride from Yokosuka—plus the Battleship Mikasa and a super public bath overlooking the sea.

Highlights of Sarushima—A Laputa-Like World

Feel the Laputa Atmosphere

Brick tunnels throughout the island coexist with pristine nature, creating scenery that evokes Laputa’s atmosphere. The feel pulls you in as you walk. It’s an island tour that’s also just right for a stroll.

The power plant that still supplies the island’s electricity recalls Laputa’s hut. Because Sarushima was a wartime fortress, its chimney is kept low so enemies couldn’t spot it. It looks like a little hut—and it’s cute!

Every time you pass through a tunnel, it feels like a new world opens up ahead—thrilling. You can enjoy a fantastical world woven from the tunnels’ darkness and the light outside.

The Joy of Overlooking the Sea on Sarushima

From the plaza on the small hill, you can overlook the Kanagawa sea. Bringing sandwiches or a bento and eating while gazing at the water in the spring breeze is also nice.

At the tip of the island there is a rocky area. You can fish here too, and several anglers enjoy casting from the rocks.

Navy Curry on Sarushima Is Delicious

Right after you arrive on Sarushima, you’ll find its only terrace seating area. Feel free to buy beer, curry rice, or other food at the shop below and eat here. On a fine day, you can enjoy a pleasant stretch in the sea breeze.

Beer and the sea make a picturesque combination! Sarushima itself is small, but it’s mountainous and works well as a short hiking course. If you drink and eat before exploring, you won’t manage the hike—so it’s best to loop the island first, then come back and take it easy.

When you order the Navy Curry (1,200 JPY), milk comes with it. The curry is rich and delicious, and the milk is rich and delicious too. Soaking up the Laputa atmosphere, hiking the island on a bright day, then finishing with Navy Curry plus beer or milk—it’s a recommended Kanagawa spot.

Tips for Strolling Sarushima

Sarushima has a mountain at its center. The path is just right as a hiking course, but in spring or summer it gets quite hot—without water you might collapse. Bring drinks in a water bottle, or buy plastic bottles at the only vending-machine area by the island entrance.

It gets so hot that heatstroke is a real concern. Collapsing mid-stroll would be serious, so bring easily absorbed sports drinks such as Aquarius. Vending machines are only at the island entrance—there’s nowhere to buy drinks while you walk—so if you haven’t brought any, be sure to pick up one or two bottles here and take them with you.

Access and Location of Sarushima

From Yokosuka-Chuo Station to Mikasa Pier—Then by Boat to Sarushima

The nearest station is Yokosuka-Chuo on the Keikyu Line (about 50 minutes from Shinagawa). From the East Exit—marked in huge letters so you won’t get lost—it’s a 20-minute walk to Mikasa Pier, where boats to Sarushima depart. (It’s fairly far, so a taxi is recommended.)

Head straight through Shopping Plaza Mikasa. This shopping street is also the start of a small adventure! (Lined with many attractive shops.)

Pass through the arch toward Mikasa Park (Mikasa Pier) and keep going straight—you’ll reach the Yokosuka U.S. Military Base. That’s U.S. territory; the land is Japan, but inside the premises it’s America, so please don’t casually take photos or wander in.

Follow the road around and you arrive at Mikasa Park, home to the Battleship Mikasa. Yay—it’s a battleship! Please be careful: barging in carelessly will only get you bumping into the ship! (Nobody does that!)

You can board a boat from Mikasa Pier beside the park—setting sail for Sarushima.

On board you also feel a pleasant sea breeze. The boat is relatively large and stays in coastal waters, so it doesn’t rock much. You arrive in 10 minutes—it’s quick.

When you arrive at Sarushima, a large SARUSHIMA sign welcomes you.

Tourist Attractions Near Sarushima

Enjoy the Battleship Mikasa

Back at Mikasa Pier from Sarushima, the Battleship Mikasa looms large right in front of you. Facing this ship that tickles the inner eighth-grader in you, guys will surely get sparkling eyes—and girls will surely narrow theirs, staring intently at your face! If you came on a date, use all your powers of persuasion to get your girlfriend aboard for a look at the Mikasa.

You’ll surely be surprised by how huge the main battery is. It’s worth a look! The Battleship Mikasa and its main guns, which likely saw action in the Russo-Japanese War, now help convey history and remind us of the importance of peace.

Climb up to the topmost bridge and you feel as if you’re steering the Battleship Mikasa. It’s quite high, so those who dislike heights should take care.

An Open-Air Bath Overlooking the Sea—A Short Train Ride Away (Maborikaigan Station)

If you still have energy left, hop a train or drive a few stations ahead to Maborikaigan Station and head to a super public bath with an open-air bath overlooking the sea—perfect for washing away the day’s sweat and refreshing yourself.

It’s far from the station, so calling a taxi is recommended. The super public bath “Yura no Sato,” about 1 kilometer ahead, is the spot. Wash away the day’s sweat in an open-air bath overlooking the sea, a sauna, or bedrock baths—then, after a relaxed soak, a quick beer at the seaside eatery is absolute bliss.

Taking it easy with a beer while gazing at the sea is the best. It’ll be a great day.

Tokyo Recommended Date Course: Asakusa, Sumida River Boat, Tokyo Tower to Morioka Reimen
Recommended Night View Tour