Kabushima Shrine Hachinohe
A picturesque shrine on a small island, famous for its large colony of black-tailed gulls and stunning sea views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best for baby seagulls
Kabushima Shrine Hachinohe
Best Time
Best for baby seagulls
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A picturesque shrine on a small island, famous for its large colony of black-tailed gulls and stunning sea views.
"The unique spectacle of thousands of black-tailed gulls makes this shrine a memorable, albeit messy, experience."
☔ Bring an Umbrella!
Essential for avoiding bird droppings from the resident seagulls. Umbrellas are also provided.
🚗 Rent a Car for Access
Recommended for exploring Hachinohe and reaching key sites like Kabushima Shrine conveniently.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Black-Tailed Gulls
Kabushima Island
Witness thousands of black-tailed gulls nesting and raising their young. A unique wildlife spectacle!
Kabushima Shrine Itself
On Kabu Island
A picturesque shrine dedicated to Benzaiten, offering panoramic sea views and a spiritual atmosphere.
Michinoku Coastal Trail Access
Base of Kabu Island
The starting and ending point for the scenic Michinoku Coastal Trail, perfect for hikers.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Gulls (and Umbrellas!)
Timing is Key for Views & Birds
The shrine itself is beautiful year-round, offering stunning sunrise and sunset views. Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
☔ Bring an Umbrella!
Essential for avoiding bird droppings from the resident seagulls. Umbrellas are also provided.
🚗 Rent a Car for Access
Recommended for exploring Hachinohe and reaching key sites like Kabushima Shrine conveniently.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Needed
You'll be walking around the island and potentially along the coast.
📸 Capture the Views
Great photo opportunities of the shrine, sea, and abundant birdlife.
Tips
from all over the internet
☔ Bring an Umbrella!
Essential for avoiding bird droppings from the resident seagulls. Umbrellas are also provided.
🚗 Rent a Car for Access
Recommended for exploring Hachinohe and reaching key sites like Kabushima Shrine conveniently.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Needed
You'll be walking around the island and potentially along the coast.
📸 Capture the Views
Great photo opportunities of the shrine, sea, and abundant birdlife.
☕ Cafe with a View
A cafe near the bus stop offers great views of the shrine and sea, perfect for a break.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Kabushima Shrine for its picturesque setting and the unique spectacle of thousands of black-tailed gulls, especially during breeding season. The shrine's location on a small island and its connection to the Michinoku Coastal Trail are also highlights. However, the abundance of gulls means bird droppings are a common issue, though umbrellas are provided. Some find the shrine itself less remarkable than its natural surroundings.
"Really pretty area but holy cow, the birds! They were out in full force when I visited and their droppings were equally evident. They scared off easily enough but be sure to watch your step as you peruse the grounds. Still, I very much enjoyed my walk through the area and the nearby beach. It’s worth a visit if you’re in the area and looking back two years later, I still have fond memories of this place and day 🤗"
Ben Scarboro
"Peaceful shrine with breathtaking scenery
We didn’t get to see the famous gulls this time, but we were lucky enough to witness an absolutely dramatic sky over Kabushima Shrine. The sunlight breaking through the clouds over the sea made the whole place feel sacred and alive.
The red torii gate, the wide stairs, and the ocean view together create such a powerful atmosphere . it’s one of those moments that make you stop and breathe. Even without the birds, the scenery itself was unforgettable.
Highly recommend coming here if you’re in Hachinohe , it’s quiet, beautiful, and full of energy from the sea and sky."
Kim
"Even though the shrine was closed, it was still quite a sight! If you're planning a visit and are wary of the seagulls flying around, there are umbrellas at the base of the stairs you can use to avoid an aerial "bombing run." However, it's actually considered good luck to receive a "special surprise" from a black-tailed gull, so choose your adventure wisely!"
ぎんぺん
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most convenient way to explore Hachinohe and its attractions, including Kabushima Shrine, is by renting a car. From JR Hachinohe Station, it's about a 15-minute walk to the shrine.
Yes, while a rental car is recommended for flexibility, there are bus services that can take you near Kabushima Shrine. There's a cafe located conveniently near a bus stop that provides excellent views of the shrine and surrounding bay.
Many travelers recommend renting a car for the best experience in Hachinohe, allowing you to visit various sites at your own pace. Ensure you check international driving license requirements for your home country.
Yes, Kabushima Shrine is a significant point on the Michinoku Coastal Trail, serving as both a starting and ending point for trekkers. +1
Kabushima Shrine is approximately a 15-minute walk from JR Hachinohe Station.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Kabushima Shrine is generally free to enter and explore. There are no admission fees for the shrine grounds.
The shrine grounds are typically accessible throughout the day. However, specific building access might vary. It's advisable to check local listings for any specific hours or closures, especially if you wish to enter any structures.
No, there is no entrance fee to visit Kabushima Shrine. The grounds are open to the public.
Even if the shrine buildings are closed, the island and its surroundings are still accessible and offer beautiful views, especially of the seagulls.
The main consideration is the presence of black-tailed gulls, especially during their breeding season. Visitors are advised to be mindful of their surroundings and potentially use umbrellas.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire island offers great photo opportunities, from the shrine itself to the surrounding sea and the abundant black-tailed gulls.
The seagulls are generally accustomed to people, but it's wise to maintain a respectful distance. Be prepared for them to fly overhead, and consider using an umbrella for protection while photographing.
Sunrise and sunset offer particularly beautiful lighting for photography at Kabushima Shrine.
Yes, June is the best time to see baby seagulls, and they are often visible and approachable for photography.
Focus on capturing the unique interaction between the shrine, the sea, and the gulls. Wide-angle lenses can be great for the landscape, while telephoto lenses are useful for bird photography.
🎫 🐦 Wildlife Encounters
The black-tailed gulls are present for their breeding season from March to August. For the best chance to see baby seagulls, June is ideal.
While they are numerous and can be messy, the seagulls are generally not aggressive towards visitors. They tend to fly overhead.
It's highly recommended to bring an umbrella or use the ones provided at the base of the stairs to shield yourself from bird droppings. Some visitors even consider it good luck!
Feeding wildlife is generally discouraged at natural sites to maintain ecological balance. It's best to observe them without direct interaction.
The primary wildlife attraction is the black-tailed gull population. The surrounding coastal area might offer glimpses of marine life, but the gulls are the main focus.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 The provided umbrellas offer a fun, albeit practical, way to navigate the grounds, and the idea of 'good luck' droppings can be a playful concept for kids. While the shrine itself is a place of worship, the surrounding island and coastal path provide space for exploration. Consider renting a car for easier access to the site and other family-friendly attractions in the Hachinohe area.
🚶♀️ Hikers & Trekkers
Even if you're not hiking the full trail, the area around Kabushima Shrine offers pleasant coastal walks. The views are stunning, and the unique presence of the black-tailed gulls adds a wildlife element to the experience.
Remember to wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for the elements, especially if visiting during the gull breeding season. 📸 Photographers
The shrine itself, perched on its island, provides a striking subject, especially during sunrise and sunset when the light is most dramatic. The star attraction for photographers, however, is the massive colony of black-tailed gulls.
Capturing these birds in their natural habitat, from nesting to feeding their young (especially in June), offers unique and dynamic photographic opportunities. +1 While the droppings can be a challenge, they are also part of the authentic experience and can be avoided with preparation. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Significance of Kabushima Shrine
The shrine was reconstructed after a fire in 2015, preserving its cultural importance. Its picturesque location on a small island connected by a walkway makes it a visually striking landmark. The shrine's unique connection to the black-tailed gulls is a defining characteristic. These birds choose Kabu Island as their breeding ground from March to August each year. This natural phenomenon transforms the island into a vibrant habitat, attracting visitors keen to witness this spectacle.
The presence of the gulls has become intrinsically linked with the shrine's identity, making it a dual attraction for both spiritual seekers and nature enthusiasts. For trekkers, Kabushima Shrine holds particular significance as it marks the start or end point of the challenging Michinoku Coastal Trail.
This adds another layer to its appeal, drawing hikers who seek both spiritual reflection and the accomplishment of completing a significant portion of this renowned trail. The combination of cultural heritage, natural wonder, and outdoor adventure makes Kabushima Shrine a multifaceted destination. Navigating the Gull Colony
+1 Many visitors, including those on social media, highlight the sheer number of gulls and the resulting mess. Despite the potential mess, many find the experience rewarding. Some cultures even consider receiving a 'special surprise' from a gull to be good luck.
The gulls are generally not aggressive and are accustomed to human presence, allowing for close observation and photography, especially of the chicks in June. +1For those who prefer to admire the shrine and its surroundings from a distance, or if the gull activity is particularly intense, there are alternative viewing points. A cafe located near a bus stop offers excellent panoramic views of the shrine and the bay, allowing visitors to enjoy the scenery and perhaps a latte without direct exposure to the gull colony.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit