What Is Kabushima? Hachinohe's Black-Tailed Gull Sanctuary and Shrine
Kabushima is a coastal landmark in Same-machi, Hachinohe City, Aomori Prefecture, and one of Hachinohe's best-known sightseeing sites, where you can enjoy a black-tailed gull (umineko) breeding colony and Kabushima Shrine (Kabushima-jinja) in one visit.
Located at the northernmost tip of Tanesashi Coast in Sanriku Fukko National Park, it is renowned as the nationally designated Natural Monument "Kabushima Black-Tailed Gull Breeding Ground" (designated on March 8, 1922).
Originally, Kabushima was a small offshore island, but in 1919 (Taisho 8), a bridge was built connecting it to the mainland.
Later, wartime land reclamation work in 1943 (Showa 18) permanently joined the island to the shore.
Today, you can walk directly onto the island and observe the gulls' breeding behavior at surprisingly close range.
According to Hachinohe City, this is the only place in Japan where you can watch black-tailed gulls nesting up close.
At the top of the island stands Kabushima Shrine, making it one of the highlights of Kabushima: you can enjoy wildlife observation and a shrine visit as part of the same experience.
The sweeping sea views, the cries of the gulls echoing in every direction, and the serene atmosphere of the shrine all blend together, creating one of the most memorable spots in Hachinohe sightseeing.
When Is the Best Time to See Black-Tailed Gulls? Seasonal Highlights at Kabushima
Black-tailed gulls arrive at Kabushima from late February through March, lay eggs around April, hatch chicks from May to June, and depart once their chicks are raised around mid-August.
Each year, roughly 30,000 to 40,000 black-tailed gulls gather on Kabushima to nest, and during the breeding season the island becomes a true "bird paradise."
Because the scenery changes so dramatically throughout the year, you can enjoy the same location as a completely different experience in each season.
Spring to Early Summer Is the Best Time to Watch the Gulls
From April to June, during breeding season, you can see parent birds across the island incubating eggs and newly hatched chicks wobbling about just steps away.
While eggs are present, watch your step carefully, and be aware that parent birds may act defensively toward visitors who come too close.
Quietly keeping your distance while observing is the basic etiquette.
Mid-May: Pay Attention to the Colors of the Scenery
In mid-May, rapeseed flowers bloom across the entire island, creating a breathtaking mix of yellow flowers, the red torii gate, and the white bodies of the gulls.
For photographers, this is an especially rewarding time to capture the vivid, signature Kabushima scenery.
Top Things to Know About Kabushima Shrine: Highlights and Blessings
Kabushima Shrine, perched at the top of Kabushima, enshrines Ichikishimahime-no-Mikoto, a deity also known as Benzaiten (the goddess of water, music, and good fortune).
According to shrine tradition, it was founded in 1296 during the Kamakura period, making it an ancient shrine with more than 700 years of history.
Shrine tradition tells that the founding was inspired by Kabushima's resemblance to Enoshima near Kamakura, leading to the enshrinement of Benzaiten there.
Since ancient times, the shrine has been revered as a guardian of business prosperity and safety at sea.
Because "kabu" means both "turnip" and "stock" in Japanese, charms such as the "kabu-agari hyōtan omamori" (a gourd-shaped lucky charm for rising fortunes and stock gains) tied to stock market gains and rising fortunes are also popular.
The tradition of cherishing the gulls reflects a local history in which birds and faith are deeply intertwined.
Note that the main shrine building was completely destroyed by fire in November 2015, but thanks to donations from across Japan, it was rebuilt, and public worship resumed in time for the grand festival on March 26, 2020.
The gleaming new shrine building you see today is the one that was rebuilt after the fire.
For sightseeing, rather than focusing only on the shrine, it is best to experience it together with the atmosphere of the whole island.
As you walk up the approach, the sea gradually opens up around you, and at the top you can feel the presence of the gulls just overhead.
Shrine-specific services such as goshuin (shrine stamps) and amulets may change over time, so check ahead if you have something particular in mind.
How to Get to Kabushima: Easy Access Even for First-Time Visitors
Kabushima is about a 15-minute walk from JR Same Station on the JR Hachinohe Line.
If you prefer to travel by train, plan to transfer to the JR Hachinohe Line from downtown Hachinohe or from Hachinohe Station (a Tohoku Shinkansen stop) and head to Same Station.
By car, it is about a 30-minute drive from the Hachinohe Interchange on the Hachinohe Expressway, and you can use the parking lot at Kabushima Seaside Park.
Combine Kabushima and Tanesashi Coast by Bus
The Hachinohe city-operated Tanesashi Coast sightseeing bus "Umineko-go" is a convenient option for visiting Kabushima, running along a tourist route between JR Same Station and Tanesashi Kaigan Station.
Flat-rate fares range from 150 to 200 yen for adults and 80 to 100 yen for children.
It operates daily from April through early November, and on weekends and holidays from mid-November through late March.
Near Kabushima, there is a "Kabushima Kaihin Kōen" (Kabushima Seaside Park) bus stop, making it an especially handy choice for days when you want to combine Kabushima with spots like Ashigezaki Observatory, Shirahama Beach, and the Tanesashi Natural Lawn.
Worried About Bird Droppings? Use the Kabushima Rest House
During breeding season, many gulls fly overhead at Kabushima, so bringing a hat or umbrella is a smart precaution against droppings.
In addition, the Kabushima Rest House, which opened in 2015, lets you comfortably observe Kabushima and its gulls through large windows.
Inside, panel exhibits explain the seasons of the black-tailed gulls and the history of Kabushima, so combining indoor and outdoor viewing makes the visit easier even for families with children.
Kabushima Sightseeing Etiquette and Key Tips
The most important thing to keep in mind when visiting Kabushima is to treat the black-tailed gulls not just as a sightseeing attraction, but as wild birds in the middle of their breeding season.
Hachinohe City prohibits feeding the gulls.
Feeding causes parents to leave their nests, putting chicks at risk, and encourages birds to approach people and cars, leading to accidents.
5 Things to Keep in Mind On-Site
- Do not feed the black-tailed gulls
- From April to June, when eggs and chicks are present, watch your step carefully
- Do not approach areas where parent birds are nearby; quietly keep your distance
- Do not get so absorbed in photography that you lose track of the movements of both people and birds
- Bring a hat or umbrella as a precaution against bird droppings, and wear clothes you do not mind getting dirty
Keeping these points in mind lets you take in the scenery unique to a national Natural Monument like Kabushima with greater peace of mind.
Summary: Kabushima, a Hachinohe Landmark Blending Nature and Worship
Kabushima offers the chance to experience both the natural wonders of the nationally designated "Kabushima Black-Tailed Gull Breeding Ground" and the spiritual scenery of Kabushima Shrine, which has more than 700 years of history, all in one visit, an experience found only in Hachinohe.
From spring to early summer in particular, the breeding gulls and the mid-May rapeseed flowers make seasonal changes easy to see and capture the seaside atmosphere that defines Hachinohe.
For a first visit, follow proper breeding-season etiquette, and whether you walk from Same Station or combine your trip with Tanesashi Coast using the "Umineko-go" bus, it is easy to put together a comfortable itinerary.
Viewing the island with an eye toward protecting its nature will deepen your appreciation of what makes Kabushima so special.
