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Kabushima Shrine: Where Gulls Bring Good Fortune

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Visit Kabushima Shrine in Hachinohe for coastal views, black-tailed gulls, and a unique good luck tradition. A National Natural Monument of Japan.

Kabushima Shrine, perched atop Kabushima Island in Hachinohe, Aomori, is a Shinto shrine famed for its close association with black-tailed gulls. Rebuilt in 2020 after a fire, the shrine offers stunning coastal views and a unique cultural experience, where gull droppings are considered a sign of good luck.

A brief summary to Kabushima Shrine

  • Monday 8:30 am-5:20 pm
  • Tuesday 8:30 am-5:20 pm
  • Wednesday 8:30 am-5:20 pm
  • Thursday 8:30 am-5:20 pm
  • Friday 8:30 am-5:20 pm
  • Saturday 8:30 am-5:20 pm
  • Sunday 8:30 am-5:20 pm

Local tips

  • Visit during the black-tailed gull breeding season (March-August) for the full experience, but be prepared for lots of birds and their droppings.
  • Grab a free umbrella at the base of the shrine to protect yourself from the gulls.
  • Getting hit by a gull dropping is considered good luck! If it happens, get a commemorative certificate from the shrine office.
  • Explore the Michinoku Shiokaze Trail for scenic coastal hiking around Kabushima.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From JR Same Station, it's approximately a 15-minute walk to Kabushima Shrine. Exit the station and follow the signs towards the coast. The shrine is visible on a small hill. The path is straightforward and well-maintained.

  • Public Transport

    The 'Umineko' one-coin bus stops a short walk from Kabushima Shrine at Kabushima Seaside Park. The one-coin bus costs ¥100.

  • Taxi

    A taxi from JR Hachinohe Station to Kabushima Shrine will cost approximately ¥2,500 - ¥3,500 and take around 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic. Taxis are readily available at the station.

Discover more about Kabushima Shrine

Kabushima Shrine, located in Hachinohe, Aomori, is a unique Shinto shrine with a rich history and an unusual claim to fame. Originally built in 1269 by fishermen seeking safety and bountiful catches, the shrine has been rebuilt several times, most recently in 2020 after a devastating fire in 2015. The shrine is dedicated to Ichikishima-hime-no-mikoto, a deity associated with Benzaiten, one of the Seven Lucky Gods, believed to bring economic fortune. Kabushima Island itself, once a true island, is now connected to the mainland by a landfill. It's a designated National Natural Monument, renowned as a breeding ground for black-tailed gulls (umineko), who arrive in droves between March and August. During this period, the island teems with tens of thousands of gulls, creating a spectacle of nature. Visitors flock to Kabushima Shrine not only for its scenic beauty and spiritual significance but also for the chance to receive a unique blessing. Local lore considers it good luck to be hit by gull droppings. Those who experience this 'fortune' can even receive a commemorative certificate from the shrine. For the wary, free umbrellas are available at the foot of the hill. The rebuilt shrine features a two-story wooden structure designed to withstand strong winds, incorporating local zelkova and cypress wood. The roof is said to represent a black-tailed gull flapping its wings. Beyond the shrine itself, the Kabushima area offers various attractions. The Michinoku Shiokaze Trail, a 1,000 km coastal path, starts or ends at Kabushima, offering opportunities for scenic hikes. Local restaurants serve fresh seafood, reflecting Hachinohe's fishing town heritage.

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