What other travelers are saying about Kabushima Shrine
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 🤗
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.
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!
The season when rape flowers are in full bloom is also the breeding season for birds, and the whole shrine looks very spectacular. You can observe the birds laying eggs in close distance, and the birds are not afraid of people, so interesting. The only drawback is the birds would excrete, but there are umbrellas that you can use to block the bird droppings. The shrine is very considerate of tourists.
A popular shrine for MCT (Michinoku Coastal Trail) trekkers to visit before starting their walk. The shrine set on a small islet that is connected to the main land with a beautiful walkway. It’s probably the most visited tourist attraction in Hachinohe.
The temple ground is also a major breeding site for the seagulls. There are chicks everywhere. You may want to use an umbrella to shield the flying droppings. Seriously I won’t want to go up to the temple unless you are a devotee. Pictures taken from the bus stop that’s 200m away is probably the best. There is even a cafe at the bus stop where you can enjoy the view while having a latte
Kabushima Shrine in Hachinohe, Aomori Prefecture is famous for its unique location on a small island connected by a bridge, where thousands of black-tailed gulls nest annually from March to August. The shrine is dedicated to Benzaiten, the goddess of music and entertainment, making it a popular destination for visitors seeking blessings for artistic endeavors while experiencing incredible wildlife viewing opportunities.
The best time to visit Kabushima Shrine for seagull watching is from late March to early August, with peak nesting season occurring from April to July. During this period, approximately 40,000 black-tailed gulls gather on the island to breed, creating a spectacular natural phenomenon. Early morning visits offer the most active bird behavior and better photography opportunities.
From Hachinohe Station, take the JR Hachinohe Line to Samemachi Station (about 25 minutes), then walk approximately 15 minutes to reach Kabushima Shrine. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Hachinohe Station directly to Kabushima, which takes about 40 minutes. The shrine is located on a small island connected to the mainland by a bridge, making it easily accessible on foot.
When visiting Kabushima Shrine during seagull season, expect a noisy, lively atmosphere with thousands of birds flying overhead and nesting around the shrine grounds. Bring a hat and be prepared for bird droppings, as the gulls are very active. The shrine remains fully functional with visitors able to pray and purchase omamori (protective charms) while surrounded by this unique wildlife spectacle.
Kabushima Shrine has no entrance fee and is open 24 hours daily, though the shrine office operates from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Visitors should avoid disturbing the nesting seagulls, not feed the birds, and be respectful of the sacred shrine grounds. During peak seagull season, the island can become crowded, so early morning or late afternoon visits are recommended for a more peaceful experience.
