Sea Turtle Watching
A precious experience witnessing the circle of life.
Yakushima’s Nagata Beach is one of Japan’s top nesting sites for loggerhead sea turtles. Every year from May to July, many turtles come ashore to lay their eggs.During this observation tour, expert guides will lead you on a quiet, respectful watch of this mysterious natural event on the beach at night.Turtles come ashore, carefully select a spot, dig a hole, and entrust new life to the earth. Conducted in harmony with nature’s rhythms, the tour offers a chance to learn about the rules and etiquette that allow humans and wildlife to coexist, fostering a deeper appreciation for the island’s delicate and abundant nature. Witnessing this miracle of life unfold is an unforgettable and moving experience.
Basic information
- Season
-
May 10 to July 10
*Dates may vary slightly depending on the year.
- Location
- Nagata Inakahama Beach
- Capacity
- Up to 50 participants per session
- Check-in Hours
- 8:00 PM ~ 8:30 PM
- Reservation
-
Advance registration is required through the Nagata Sea Turtle Liaison Council.
http://nagata-umigame.com/
- Access
-
It is a 1 h 10 min. drive from Sankara.
*There are no taxi or bus services.
- Participation Fee
- ¥3,000～ per person (including tax)
- Advice
-
Guests participating in the tour may use the restaurant starting from 5:00pm.
There is also a guided night tour to observe sea turtles at Kurio Beach, offered by a local guide company.
If you have concerns about driving to Nagata Beach at night, we recommend joining this guided tour for a safe and enjoyable experience.