A Sanctuary for Black-Tailed Gulls
Tens of Thousands of Gulls Gather Here Every Year
Kabushima is one of Japan’s most important breeding grounds for black-tailed gulls. Every year from around early March, approximately 30,000 to 40,000 gulls arrive on the island.
Breeding activity reaches its peak during spring and early summer. The gulls lay their eggs around April, chicks hatch around June, and by August many of the birds leave the island and return to the sea.
Several breeding colonies of black-tailed gulls exist in Japan, but Kabushima is particularly special because visitors can observe the birds and their nesting area from remarkably close range.
The colony’s importance led to Kabushima being designated a National Natural Monument in 1922.
An Incredible Spring and Early-Summer Spectacle
During the breeding season, the entire island can appear to be covered with birds. Thousands of gulls circle overhead while their distinctive calls echo across the coastline.
For visitors, the experience is much more than simply watching birds. The constant movement and sound of the colony create a powerful impression of nature and the cycle of life.
The rocks around Kabushima are also geologically significant. The area contains tuff and igneous rocks formed through volcanic activity approximately 130 million years ago, adding geological interest to this already remarkable natural site.
Kabushima Shrine – A Guardian of the Sea
The “Benten-sama of Kabushima”
At the top of the island stands Kabushima Shrine, affectionately known by local people as the “Benten-sama of Kabushima.”
The shrine’s origins are traditionally traced back to 1269, when Benten worship associated with Enoshima was introduced to the island. The shrine enshrines the three Munakata goddesses: Ichikishimahime-no-Mikoto, Tagorihime-no-Mikoto, and Tagitsuhime-no-Mikoto.
Benzaiten, or Benten, is a Japanese Buddhist-Shinto deity historically associated with water, music, prosperity, and good fortune. At Kabushima, the tradition has also been closely connected with the sea and fishing communities.
The shrine has traditionally been believed to bring blessings such as business prosperity, fertility, and protection for fishermen.
Rebuilt After a Devastating Fire
In November 2015, Kabushima Shrine was unfortunately destroyed by fire. The loss was deeply felt by the local community, but support from people in Hachinohe and throughout Japan helped make reconstruction possible.
Because Kabushima is an important breeding ground for black-tailed gulls, construction work was carefully scheduled to avoid the main breeding period from April through August.
The reconstruction was completed in 2020. The new shrine building incorporates locally produced Aomori timber and has become a symbol of the community’s resilience, cooperation, and hope.
A Beautiful Spring Landscape of Yellow Flowers and White Gulls
Best Known for Its Mid-May Scenery
One of the most spectacular times to visit Kabushima is mid-May.
At this time of year, canola flowers cover much of the island, creating a vivid yellow carpet. Above the flowers, white black-tailed gulls fill the sky, while the red torii gate of Kabushima Shrine stands out against the blue sky and ocean.
The combination of yellow flowers, white gulls, red shrine architecture, and blue sky and sea creates an exceptionally colorful landscape.
This seasonal scenery has made Kabushima a popular destination for photographers as well as travelers looking for memorable views of Japan’s northern coastline.
Where Does the Name “Kabushima” Come From?
There are several theories about the origin of the name Kabushima.
One explanation connects the name with kabuna, a wild mustard plant that grows in the area, suggesting that it means an island where these plants bloom.
Another theory links the name to “Kamushima,” meaning an island where gods are worshipped. There is also a theory that the name may have connections with Ainu-language words associated with black-tailed gulls and rocky places.
Although the exact origin remains uncertain, these different interpretations reflect the long relationship between the island, its natural environment, and local religious traditions.
Kabushima and the Cultural Life of Hachinohe
Kabushima Festival
Kabushima is deeply connected with the local community and continues to play an important role in Hachinohe’s cultural life.
The Kabushima Festival is held every year on the third Sunday of April. The event brings together local residents and visitors and provides an opportunity to celebrate the island’s religious and cultural traditions.
The Monument to Hachinohe Kouta
Along the approach to the shrine stands a monument dedicated to Hachinohe Kouta, a traditional song created in 1931.
The song evokes the scenery of Kabushima and its gulls, including a famous image of the gulls waiting on the island. The monument bears calligraphy by poet and haiku writer Hoshi Hamazaki Sakura-haku, who wrote the lyrics.
The monument provides another connection between Kabushima’s natural landscape and the traditional culture of Hachinohe.
Kabushima Rest Area – A Place to Learn About the Island
The Hachinohe City Kabushima Rest Area opened in 2015 and provides visitors with a comfortable place to observe the gull colony and learn about the island.
Large windows allow visitors to watch the gulls flying around the island at close range. The interior makes extensive use of wood, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Interpretive panels introduce Kabushima’s history, natural environment, and seasonal changes, making the facility useful for both sightseeing and learning.
For families, the area offers an especially enjoyable introduction to the natural environment of the northern Pacific coast.
Nearby Attractions
Kabushima is located within an area that offers several other attractions, making it easy to combine a visit to the island with additional sightseeing.
Kabushima Promenade Park provides space for visitors to relax and enjoy views of the surrounding coastline.
Nearby, the Marine Science Museum Marient offers opportunities to learn about marine life and the ecosystems of the sea around Hachinohe. Together, these attractions make the area suitable for families and travelers interested in nature and marine environments.
Best Time to Visit Kabushima
The most spectacular season is generally spring through early summer, when tens of thousands of black-tailed gulls gather for breeding.
Mid-May is particularly attractive because the canola flowers are in bloom at the same time that the gull colony is highly active.
Summer remains an excellent season for observing the birds, although the colony gradually becomes quieter as the chicks grow and the birds prepare to leave the island.
In autumn and winter, the gulls are no longer present in their huge breeding-season numbers, but Kabushima takes on a completely different character. The quieter coastline, Pacific Ocean, and dignified appearance of Kabushima Shrine provide a peaceful experience.
How to Get to Kabushima
From Same Station
Kabushima is approximately a 15-minute walk from Same Station on the JR Hachinohe Line.
This makes the island particularly convenient for travelers exploring the Hachinohe coastline by train.
By Car
Parking facilities are available in the surrounding area, making Kabushima easy to visit by car from central Hachinohe.
During the busy spring and summer sightseeing seasons, visitors should allow extra time for parking and access, especially when the gull colony is at its busiest.
Important Tips for Visiting the Gull Colony
Kabushima is not only a sightseeing attraction but also an important wildlife habitat. Visitors should therefore respect the birds and avoid disturbing their nesting activities.
During the breeding season, it is especially important to follow local signs and instructions. The gulls are wild animals, so visitors should observe them quietly and avoid approaching nests or chicks.
The large number of gulls also means that bird droppings may fall unexpectedly. This is part of the natural experience of visiting the colony, so a hat or other protection can be useful during the breeding season.
Conclusion – Where Nature and Prayer Meet
Kabushima is one of Hachinohe’s most distinctive places, where wildlife, geology, history, culture, and religious faith come together on a small Pacific island.
The sight of thousands of black-tailed gulls filling the sky, especially when yellow canola flowers cover the island in spring, is an unforgettable experience.
At the same time, Kabushima Shrine represents the long relationship between the island and the people of Hachinohe. Its reconstruction after the 2015 fire also stands as a symbol of local resilience and the power of community support.
For international visitors, Kabushima offers an opportunity to experience a side of Japan that goes beyond famous temples and urban attractions. Here, wildlife, local belief, traditional culture, and the natural landscape of the Pacific coast exist together in one remarkable place.
A visit to Kabushima is a chance to witness the rhythm of nature while discovering the deep cultural and spiritual connections that have shaped northern Japan for centuries.