Sarushima Abandoned Ruins - Sarushima is Tokyo Bays only...

SARUSHIMA, YOKOSUKA, KANAGAWA-KEN, JAPAN - 2017/10/01: Sarushima Abandoned Ruins - Sarushima is Tokyo Bays only uninhabited and natural island and is full of history. It was once a barrier fortress that protected Tokyo Bay. It was forbidden for civilians to land on during its military use days. The island still has remnants of that period like barracks and gun batteries on the island. Thick French brick walls of the abandoned fortress buildings make it a popular spot for abandoned site enthusiasts. The abandoned fortress was the inspiration for the ruins in the Studio Ghiblis movie Castle in the Sky. Sarushimas mysterious atmosphere will enchant anime fans because of this. Although the island is now no more than a relaxing spot for fishermen and tourists, its strategic importance had been known since the Tokugawa Shogunate built military fortifications on the island which still remain today. During World War II the strategic importance of the island was used as the Japanese built artillery points around the older structures. Brick-lined tunnels and walls of fortresses still remain from generations past, though they are now overgrown with plants, creating an unusual blend of history and nature. Sarushima translates as Monkey Island. Its nickname comes from a legend that says the priest Nichiren traveling by boat from Kamakura to Chiba when a storm hit. A monkey suddenly appeared on the bow of his boat, leading him to the island for safety. Today there are no monkeys, but lots of humans especially on weekends in summer. (Photo by John S Lander/LightRocket via Getty Images)