No monkeys, but Monkey Island off Yokosuka coast great fun

A mile off Yokosuka Naval Base’s shore you’ll find Sarushima, or Monkey Island. Unfortunately, the name is where the relation to monkeys ends.

On this island you won’t find furry new friends but instead you’ll find Tokyo Bay’s largest uninhabited natural island fortified in 1847 by the Japanese military. Sarushima also played a role in World War II, as it held powder magazines and barracks. Some of these structures remain today.

This is a popular spot for swimming and moderate hiking for military history buffs, yet still no monkey sightings to report. Others also associated the island with Studio Ghibli’s popular animated film “Howl’s Castle in the Sky.” Visitors can access this island via a ferry from Mikasa Park.