Kabushima

Small island connected to the Hachinohe coast and the northern endpoint of the Michinoku Coastal Trail, which runs southward along the Pacific coast to Fukushima. From February through August, up to 40,000 black-tailed gulls, known in Japanese as umineko or sea cats for their call, nest here in one of Japan's most significant breeding colonies. The island was designated a National Natural Monument in 1922. Kabushima Jinja Shrine at the top of the hill dates to 1269 and is dedicated to Benzaiten, goddess of art, wisdom, and seafaring. The shrine was destroyed by fire in 2015 and rebuilt over five years, reopening in 2020. Umbrellas are available near the steps for those preferring to avoid bird encounters.