Kabushima is a small shrine islet near Hachinohe that transforms each spring into a swirling home for some 30,000 black-tailed gulls — a designated Natural Monument. You can walk right among the nesting birds, a raucous, unforgettable wildlife spectacle rare in Japan.
🗓️ At a Glance
| Location | Hachinohe, Aomori |
| Hours | Grounds always open |
| Admission | Free |
| Time needed | About 1 hour |
| Best time | Spring (Mar–Jul nesting season) |
What to See
- Around 30,000 black-tailed gulls nesting in spring.
- The hilltop Kabushima Shrine amid the colony.
- Close-up birdwatching among nesting gulls.
- Sea views over the Hachinohe coast.
Combine Your Visit
- Walk the grassy Tanesashi Coast nearby.
- Browse the Hachinohe morning market .
- Try Ichigoni sea urchin soup , a Hachinohe specialty.
Getting There
- By train: JR Hachinohe Line to Same Station, ~10 min walk.
- By car: parking near the islet causeway.
Tips
Spring is peak season, but be warned: the gulls can be, ahem, messy overhead — many visitors borrow the free umbrellas at the entrance.
