Yakushima Sea Turtle Museum Umigame-kan
Discover the world of sea turtles at Yakushima's Umigame-kan, a small but vital museum supporting conservation efforts.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best chance to see turtles
Yakushima Sea Turtle Museum Umigame-kan
Best Time
Best chance to see turtles
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the world of sea turtles at Yakushima's Umigame-kan, a small but vital museum supporting conservation efforts.
"Learn about sea turtles from a passionate curator and see adorable baby turtles at this conservation-focused museum."
🎟️ Admission Fees
Tickets are 500 yen, with discounts for Kagoshima residents. Funds support turtle conservation.
🐢 Guided Tours
Book tours during nesting/hatching seasons for a chance to see turtles on the beach.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.2 · 82 reviews
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Baby Sea Turtles
Yakushima Sea Turtle Museum
Witness adorable baby sea turtles, hatched on local beaches, preparing for their journey into the ocean. A truly heartwarming sight!
Nesting Season Tours
Local Beaches (guided)
Join conservationists for a chance to see sea turtles laying eggs during nesting season. An unforgettable, albeit not guaranteed, experience.
Informative Curator
Yakushima Sea Turtle Museum
Learn about loggerhead and green turtles from a passionate curator whose explanations are clear and engaging.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Turtle Encounters
Museum Insights & Conservation
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Admission Fees
Tickets are 500 yen, with discounts for Kagoshima residents. Funds support turtle conservation.
🐢 Guided Tours
Book tours during nesting/hatching seasons for a chance to see turtles on the beach.
🗣️ English Speaking Guide
The museum guide is knowledgeable and can explain in English.
📸 Postcards Included
Receive adorable sea turtle postcards with your museum visit.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Admission Fees
Tickets are 500 yen, with discounts for Kagoshima residents. Funds support turtle conservation.
🐢 Guided Tours
Book tours during nesting/hatching seasons for a chance to see turtles on the beach.
🗣️ English Speaking Guide
The museum guide is knowledgeable and can explain in English.
📸 Postcards Included
Receive adorable sea turtle postcards with your museum visit.
🌊 Nearby Beach
The beach opposite the museum is also lovely for a stroll.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Yakushima Sea Turtle Museum for its informative curator and the heartwarming sight of baby turtles. While small, the museum offers valuable insights into sea turtle conservation, with admission fees directly supporting these efforts. Guided tours during nesting season provide a chance for unforgettable wildlife encounters.
"I visited this place yesterday morning with Ito-san who retired guide in Yakushima. I wish I can watch wild sea turtles on the beach but it is late to see them. So Ito recommended me to go to Sea Turtle Hall before I leave from the island.
The price of ticket was 500 yen. But if you live in Kagoshima, it will be discounted more. Anyway the manager gave me 5 post cards that adorable sea turtle.
And also, he knew everything of sea turtle. His explanation was clear and easy to understood.
Luckily, I could watch baby turtles too. They will go back into the waves next spring. I hope they will be grown well."
Cobalt Void
"During turtle nesting and hatching seasons you can get together with a tour group here to go see the turtles on the beach. This is run by a group of conservationists who work and volunteer to protect these beautiful animals. I believe it was 1500 yen for admission and the money goes towards protecting the turtles and their eggs."
Carl Cote
"During nesting season they arrange tours where you can see the turtle laying eggs. We were lucky to be able to see a turtle laying eggs when we visited, as it's not guaranteed.
The beach opposite is also very nice to visit."
Ali Low
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Yakushima Island is accessible by ferry or plane from Kagoshima. The Sea Turtle Museum is located on the island, and local transport options will be available once you arrive.
The museum is a small but informative spot. It's recommended to check local maps or ask for directions upon arrival on the island.
While specific details for the museum's immediate vicinity aren't widely shared, typical options on Yakushima include rental cars, buses, and taxis.
Given the travel time to Yakushima, it's best experienced with at least an overnight stay. The museum itself is a shorter visit, but the journey to the island is significant.
Information on specific parking for the museum is limited, but it's advisable to inquire locally or look for general public parking areas on Yakushima.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The admission fee is 500 yen. Residents of Kagoshima may receive a discount.
Yes, discounts are available for residents of Kagoshima.
Yes, you can see baby sea turtles that have hatched on local beaches at the museum.
The museum is open year-round, but for a chance to see nesting or hatching, plan your visit during the specific seasons.
Advance booking is generally not required for the museum itself, but guided tours for nesting/hatching events might require reservations.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The museum offers an informative look at the life of loggerhead and green turtles, with exhibits and the chance to see baby turtles. The curator provides clear explanations.
Yes, the museum is very family-friendly, especially with the opportunity to see baby turtles. The educational content is presented in an accessible way.
The museum curator provides explanations, and guided tours are available during nesting and hatching seasons to see turtles on the beach.
Yes, the guide at the museum speaks English, making it accessible for international visitors.
A visit to the museum itself is relatively short, likely around 30-60 minutes, depending on your interest in the exhibits and explanations.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can vary, but generally, it's advisable to check for signage or ask permission before taking photos inside the museum.
The baby turtles are a popular subject. You might also find the exhibits and the museum's exterior offer good photo opportunities.
During guided tours to see nesting or hatching turtles, photography rules might be strict to avoid disturbing the animals. Always follow the guide's instructions.
The beach opposite the museum is noted as being nice to visit, potentially offering scenic views and photo opportunities.
For general Yakushima exploration, a versatile lens and a weather-sealed camera are useful. For potential wildlife viewing, a telephoto lens could be beneficial.
Social
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