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

“Sarushima,” an island where you can feel a fantastical, extraordinary atmosphere just like Laputa—we present a tourist course in Kanagawa where you can enjoy a whole day, covering the charms of Sarushima, a remote island reachable in 10 minutes by boat from Yokosuka, as well as the Battleship Mikasa and a super public bath overlooking the sea.

Charms of “Sarushima,” Just Like the World of Laputa

Feel the Worldview of Laputa

The brick tunnels throughout the island and the existing pristine nature coexist, creating scenery inside the island that makes you feel the worldview of Laputa. It is a worldview that sucks you in just by walking. It is a island-tour course that is also just right for a stroll.

The power plant that supports the island’s electricity and is still actively operating today reminds one of Laputa’s hut. Since Sarushima was a fortress during wartime, its chimney is low so as not to be found by enemies. It looks like a little hut and is cute!

Every time you pass through a tunnel, it feels like a new world expands before you, which is thrilling. You can enjoy a fantastical world woven by the darkness of the tunnels and the light of the outside world.

The Fun of Overlooking the Sea on Sarushima

From the plaza on the small hill, you can overlook the sea of Kanagawa. Taking sandwiches or a bento, looking at the sea while receiving the spring breeze, and eating a bento is also nice.

If you go to the tip of the island, there is a rocky area. It is a place where you can also fish, and several anglers enjoy fishing on top of the rocks.

Navy Curry Eaten on Sarushima is Delicious

Right after arriving on Sarushima, there is Sarushima’s only terrace seating area. It is OK to buy beer, curry rice, or other food items at the shop below and eat them here. If you go on a day with good weather, you can spend a pleasant time receiving the sea breeze.

Beer and the sea make a picturesque combination! While Sarushima itself is small, it is mountainous and serves as a short hiking course. If you end up drinking beer and eating food before exploring the island, you won’t be able to hike, so returning and taking it easy after doing one loop around the island is recommended.

When you order the Navy Curry (1,200 JPY), milk comes with it. The curry is rich and delicious, and the milk is also rich and delicious milk. Feeling the worldview of Laputa, coming to hike the island on a cheerful day, and enjoying Navy Curry along with beer or milk at the end—it is a recommended tourist spot in Kanagawa.

Points to Note when Strolling Sarushima

Sarushima is an island where the center of the island is a mountain. While it is a path that is just right as a hiking course, if you go in spring or summer, it gets quite hot, and without hydration you might collapse. So either bring drinks in a water bottle or purchase PET bottles at the only vending machine area located at the entrance of the island.

It gets so hot that heatstroke is truly a concern. Collapsing during a stroll around the island would be a big deal, so bringing easily absorbed sports drinks such as Aquarius is recommended. Vending machines are only at the entrance of the island and there is nowhere to buy them during a stroll on the island, so those who have not prepared any should make sure to buy 1 to 2 bottles here and take them along.

Access and Location of Sarushima

From Yokosuka-Chuo Station to Mikasa Pier, Going to Sarushima by Boat

The nearest station is “Yokosuka-Chuo Station” on the Keikyu Line (about a 50-minute train ride on the Keikyu Line from Shinagawa Station). From the “East Exit,” which is written huge so you won’t get lost, it is a 20-minute walk from the station to “Mikasa Pier,” where boats to Sarushima depart. (Since it’s fairly far, a taxi is recommended).

Proceed straight and pass through Shopping Plaza mikasa. This shopping street is also the beginning of a small adventure! (Lined with many attractive shops).

Passing through the arch heading toward Mikasa Park (Mikasa Pier) and going straight, there is the Yokosuka U.S. Military Base. However, that is the United States of America; while the land is Japan, inside the premises is America, so please be careful not to casually take photos or barge in.

Turning along the road and advancing, you arrive at “Mikasa Park,” where the Battleship Mikasa is enshrined. Yay! It’s a battleship! Please be careful as barging in carelessly will only result in bumping into the ship! (Nobody does that!)

You can board a boat from Mikasa Pier beside the park. Setting sail from the pier toward Sarushima.

Inside the boat, you also feel a pleasant sea breeze. Because the boat is relatively large and it is in coastal waters, it does not shake much. You arrive in 10 minutes, so it’s right away.

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

Tourist Attractions Near Sarushima

Let’s Enjoy the Battleship Mikasa

Returning to Mikasa Pier from Sarushima, what appears large right in front of your eyes is the Battleship Mikasa. In front of the Battleship Mikasa, which tickles chunibyo hearts, guys will surely have sparkling eyes and girls will surely narrow their eyes, staring at your face intently! If you came on a date, use all your powers of persuasion to invite your girlfriend and go inspect the Mikasa.

You will surely be surprised by the huge size of the main battery. It is worth a look! The Battleship Mikasa and its main battery, which likely played an active role in the Russo-Japanese War, now serve to convey history and further teach us the importance of peace.

Going up to the topmost bridge, you feel as if you are steering the Battleship Mikasa. It is quite high, so those who dislike high places please be careful.

“Open-Air Bath Overlooking the Sea” Located a Little Further by Train (Maborikaigan Station)

If you still have physical strength left, heading by train or car to Maborikaigan Station a few stations ahead and going to a super public bath with an open-air bath overlooking the sea to wash away the day’s sweat and refresh yourself is recommended.

Since it is far from the station, calling a taxi by phone and riding there is recommended, but the super public bath “Yura no Sato,” located about 1 kilometer ahead, is recommended. Washing away the day’s sweat in an open-air bath overlooking the sea, a sauna, or bedrock baths, and after taking a relaxed bath, taking a quick swig of beer at the eatery overlooking the sea is the absolute best.

Taking it easy and relaxing with a beer while gazing at the sea is the best. It will be the best day.

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