Nagata Inakahama

Nagata Inakahama Beach stretches for approximately one kilometer along the northwestern shore of Yakushima Island in Kagoshima Prefecture. The distinctive yellow-white sand originates from weathered granite carried down from the island's Okudake Mountains by the Nagatagawa River. The beach was designated as a Ramsar wetland site in 2005, recognizing its international ecological significance.

This beach serves as the largest sea turtle nesting site in Japan and the North Pacific region, with loggerhead and green sea turtles arriving to lay eggs from May through July. During peak season, up to 20 turtles may visit the beach in a single night, with some nights seeing approximately 40 turtles coming ashore to lay 60-100 eggs each. The beach's conservation importance means that access is restricted between 7:30 PM and 5:00 AM from May 1 to August 31.

Visitors can participate in organized sea turtle observation tours from mid-May through the end of July, though reservations are required during nesting season due to conservation measures and visitor limits. A Sea Turtle Center near the beach provides educational information about conservation efforts in both English and Japanese. The beach also offers scenic views of Kuchinoerabu Island and its active volcano, Mount Shindake, and is considered an ideal sunset viewing location. While the beach itself is beautiful year-round, it is not recommended for swimming.

The beach is accessible from Miyanoura via Nagata-bound buses, with the closest stop being Inakahama (bus stop No. 4), located just a short walk from the beach. By car, the beach is approximately 40 minutes from Yakushima Airport, covering 29.7 kilometers. Facilities include accessible toilets and parking for 10 regular vehicles plus 3 bus spaces. Admission to the beach itself is free outside of organized turtle observation tours.