YamaguchiTravel

Learn About Life in Kayoi, the Whaling Heritage District, Lived Alongside Whales

About this spot

Located in Kayoi (かよい), a district on the eastern part of Aōumi Island that once thrived as a base for traditional whaling, this museum displays harpoons and nets used in whaling, magnificent whaling boats, and materials that tell the story of village life lived alongside whales. The people of Kayoi built whale graves at the nearby Kōganji Temple to honor their catch, and it is said they reverently buried even the calves found in the wombs of mother whales—a culture of gratitude and prayer toward whales lives on in this land. This story, which also inspired Kaneko Misuzu's poem "Kujira Hōe" (Whale Memorial Service), quietly connects with the poetic world you encountered this morning, leaving a fitting poignant resonance at the journey's end.

Tips

Located about 15 minutes by car from Shizukaura. The museum is not large, so it's recommended to slowly read through the display explanations. Having small change ready is helpful for cash payment of admission. If you have extra time, it's worthwhile to walk to the nearby whale graves.