Sarushima, Desert island in Yokosuka, Japan
Sarushima is an uninhabited island in Tokyo Bay off the coast of Yokosuka. The islet rises from rocky shores through forests and old defense structures to a wooded summit.
In the 19th century, the Tokugawa shogunate built coastal batteries on this site to guard the bay against Western ships. After the Meiji Restoration, the navy expanded the fortifications and carved underground tunnels through the rock.
Wooden piers and walking paths wind through dense greenery to hidden beaches where locals gather on weekends for grilling and swimming. On quiet days, only the sound of waves and bird calls echoes among the ruins.
Ferries from Yokosuka Chuo run several times daily to the island, carrying visitors across the water in about 10 minutes. Paths are narrow and include stairways, so sturdy shoes work best for exploring.
The brick tunnels were carved directly into the cliffs, linking multiple levels of the military installations together. Wild cats roam through the undergrowth, though their origin on the island remains a mystery to this day.
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