⛩️ Kabushima Shrine

Kabushima Shrine is located on Kabushima, one of Japan's premier breeding grounds for Black-tailed Gulls. Established in 1269, it sits atop a hill at the end of a staircase and has been revered by successive lords of the Hachinohe Domain since the Edo period. The main deity enshrined here, Ichinokishimahime, is the same as Benzaiten, one of the Seven Lucky Gods, and is honored as a goddess who bestows wealth. The Black-tailed Gull, which guides fishermen to fishing grounds, is regarded as the messenger of Benzaiten at Kabushima Shrine and has been respected by locals since ancient times. It is said that bird droppings falling from above are akin to luck descending from the heavens, so being hit by bird droppings occasionally signifies good fortune. Kabushima, as a breeding ground for the rare Black-tailed Gull, has been designated a national natural monument. From April to the end of July each year is the breeding season for Black-tailed Gulls, allowing for close observation of their ecology. At peak times, around 30,000 Black-tailed Gulls can be seen flying around the shrine, making it almost impossible to find a place to stand. While being hit by bird droppings is considered a good omen, getting your clothes dirty can be quite troublesome. If you want to avoid being hit by droppings, it is recommended to use the free transparent umbrellas available for rent at the foot of the mountain.

The breeding ground of the rare bird, the Black-tailed Gull. A shrine that is said to bring good fortune. You can overlook the sea from the shrine located on the hill. Please be careful of bird droppings during the breeding season of the Black-tailed Gull.