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Chris 73 / CC BY-SA 3.0
UPCOMINGOther· Annual
Yakushima Sea Turtle Nesting
屋久島ウミガメ産卵
Kagoshima · Kyushu
Yakushima hosts Japan's largest loggerhead sea turtle nesting ground — nighttime guided walks on Isso Beach to witness females laying eggs. Hatching is mid-August to October. Tightly licensed to protect turtles.
- Dates
- May 10 – July 15Dates follow the event's usual annual pattern — confirm with the organizer before you travel.
- Location
- Kagoshima · Kyushu
- Nearest station
- No nearby station — Yakushima has no railway; bus to 'Inakahama' stop
- Crowd level
- Local attendance
- Entry
- Paid admission
- Official site
- umigame-kan.org
Happens every year
What to expect
Under the cover of night, the soft rustling of sand accompanies the sight of loggerhead turtles laboriously making their way up Isso Beach to lay eggs. The moonlight casts a gentle glow on their ancient, textured shells.
Best viewing tips
Join a licensed guide for a nighttime walk to minimize disturbance. Bring a red flashlight to preserve night vision and avoid startling the turtles. Avoid flash photography to protect the nesting process.
How to get there
From Hakata Station · ~7h 27m by car
Your turn
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