Sarushima Island, Yokosuka
Catherine HagarSarushima is the best combination of history and fun. Located off the coast of Yokosuka, visit the sandy beaches and hike through the abandoned fortress.
Literally translating to Monkey Island, Sarushima is accessible via a short 10 minute ferry ride from Mikasa Pier. There are numerous ways to enjoy the island, whether it's taking a guided tour, appreciating nature, relaxing on the beach, or engaging in a spot of fishing – the waters surrounding Sarushima are renowned for being crystal clear.
The island is uninhabited, but there is a restaurant called Ocean's Kitchen where you can grab a bite to eat. The menu offerings include things like Yokosuka navy curry, teriyaki chicken, ramen, and potato wedges. For the sweet-tooths, try the Sarushima pudding which is made with locally-sourced milk and eggs.
Do note that ferry departure times differ from the summer schedule (set from March 1 until October 31) compared to the winter schedule (November 1 until February 28).
A 10 minute ferry ride from Mikasa Pier.
Sarushima is the best combination of history and fun. Located off the coast of Yokosuka, visit the sandy beaches and hike through the abandoned fortress.
Enjoy BBQ with your friends and family but first work up an appetite by hiking, fishing, and swimming on Sarushima!
Pot Luck is located across the street from Mikasa Park and just minutes away from Womble Gate of Yokosuka Naval Base. This cozy café offers a simple lunch menu with items such as Yokosuka Curry & Spaghetti. Just stopping by for a refreshment? Ice cream is served daily and their fresh brewed coffee just might be the best in town.
The first Creole restaurant in Yokosuka, Japan is now bigger and better than ever! Nawlins BBQ House, formerly Nawlins, is now serving real, slow-smoked American BBQ and is the first in Yokosuka to offer 21 Craft Beer options on tap. Just minutes from Naval Base Yokosuka’s Womble Gate and conveniently located off of Blue Street, the new building welcomes patrons to a sit down menu service accommodating approximately 100 customers between two floors.
Tetsugama in Yokosuka offers a flavorful selection of ramen in an interior rustic setting. With plenty of wide-open seating, Tetsugama is conveniently located at More's City shopping center, adjacent to Yokosuka-Chuo Station.
If you're looking for a destination to stock up on ultra-fresh seafood, produce, and more, the Yokosuka Port Market has you covered. The venue has numerous vendors selling local goodies from the Miura Peninsula area, making it a convenient spot for your grocery needs. There's even a souvenir store if you're looking for something to remind you of your visit. Ready-to-eat items are also available at the market, with the on-site food court home to restaurants and cafes offering tasty dishes like ramen, seafood bowls, pudding, and gelato. If you like beer, be sure to check out the Yokosuka Beer Taproom – they specialize in craft beer using high-quality malt, hops, and local water.
Located at Mikasa Park, the Memorial Ship Mikasa is a warship that holds a significant place in Japan’s maritime history. Built in the late 1890s and officially commissioned from 1902 to 1923, the Mikasa served as the flagship of the Japanese fleet during the Russo-Japanese War of 1904 to 1905. After the Mikasa was decommissioned, it was preserved as a memorial ship from 1926 onwards. Significant restorations were undertaken in the early 1960s, and the open to the public ship is seen as a point of national pride.
Mikasa Park is a destination that appeals to both nature lovers and history buffs, and it has been selected on both the 100 Best City Parks in Japan and 100 Best Historical Parks in Japan lists. One of the major drawcards to the park is the impressive display of the Mikasa battleship, which was built in the late 1890s and played an instrumental role in the Russo-Japanese War from 1904 to 1905. Sarushima (Monkey Island) is a popular local day trip destination that can also be seen from the park.