AomoriTravel

Pay respects at an island shrine where tens of thousands of black-tailed gulls gather, up close with a designated natural monument breeding site

About this spot

Kabutashima Island, sitting like an island jewel in the waters off Samé, the gateway to Hachinohe's sea, is designated as a national natural monument as a breeding ground for black-tailed gulls—one of Japan's finest birdwatching spots. During the breeding season from spring to summer, tens of thousands of black-tailed gulls gather, and since they are relatively unafraid of humans, observing their child-rearing up close is genuinely rare nationwide. Kabutashima Shrine (蕪島神社), perched at the island's summit, enshrines Benzaiten, the guardian deity of the sea, and is known for blessings of fishing safety and business prosperity. The shrine's unique lucky charms include the "kabu-agari hyotan omamori" (かぶあがりひょうたん御守), a gourd charm playing on the words for turnip (かぶ) and stock/fortune (株). Bird droppings from the gulls overhead are considered "bringing good luck," and the shrine even provides complimentary umbrellas at the sanctuary entrance—a sight unique to this island. As the starting point of the Michinoku Seaside Trail, this shrine is a most fitting beginning to a Tanedasshi Coast walk.

Tips

Approximately 15 minutes on foot from JR Hachinohe Line Samé Station, with free parking available. During the breeding season in spring and summer, make use of the rental umbrellas and hats at the sanctuary entrance to protect against gull droppings. The calls and odor are quite strong, so it's wise to prepare young children by mentioning this beforehand.

Best time to visit

Allow approximately 45 minutes. Early morning when fewer people are around and the light is soft is recommended. Black-tailed gulls are most spectacular during the spring-to-summer breeding season.