SARU-SHIMA, which means "Monkey Island" is the only natural island in Tokyo Bay --- and Tokyo Bay is HUGE, so that is saying something.
A recent visitor wrote this description.
SARU-SHIMA is located close off-shore Yokosuka, right in the middle of the approaches to the harbor --- so, from a military point of view, it is a natural/classic defensive position, and the Japanese Imperial Army and Navy built extensive coastal artillery and other facilities on Saru-shima. In 1942, anti-air guns were installed at five different concrete-reinforced spots on the island.
A long time ago Sarushima Island was called "Toshima Island" (Number 10 Island.) At that time there were more islands among Sarushima Island: for example Kasajima Island, Hirashima Island, Takogaijima Island, and more. All together there ware 10 islands. Thats probably the reason that they called one of them "Toshima Island". Toshima means litterly "10 islands". From the days of the Meiji period, all the other islands are lost because of several (land-fill) projects of government and industry, leaving only Sarushima Island still existing today.
Although it is called Monkey Island, none of those critters live on it -- they are nowhere to be found. The name actually comes from Buddhism, and one of its famous monks: NICHIREN SHONIN.
In April 1253 Nichiren, the priest that the branch of Nichiren Buddhism has founded, wanted to sail from the country Kasuza (in Chiba, across the bay from Yokosuka) to Kamakura (located northwaet of Yokosuka), but he fell into a storm. The priest began to pray and sing to the Holy Dragon god of the sea. Miraculously the huge dragon appeared and the water was calm again. However, the captain had no idea where he was and got off course. The legend goes that at that time a White Monkey on the bow of the boat appeared and led them to an island, this island was therefor called Sarushima Island. When Nichiren came to the beach he saw a fisherman whose feet were hurt by the spines of the sea snail. He sang a prayer, and ever since then the sea snails had no longer spines, and even now, as you will find on the beaches, you'll only find shells of the sea snail without spines...
A good short biography of Nichiren Shonin is here.
If you are thinking about going to see Saru-Shima, read this article.
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