Anan City Tsubakidomari: Loggerhead Sea Turtle Nesting Site and Southern Coast Nature

Southern Tokushima Coast Where Loggerhead Sea Turtles Nest

The Pacific coast of southern Tokushima Prefecture is nationally known as a nesting ground for loggerhead sea turtles, designated a National Natural Monument. The most famous site is Ohama Beach in Minami Town (former Hiwasa Town), a sandy beach about 500 meters long that was designated a National Natural Monument in 1967 as the nesting ground of Ohama Beach. During the nesting season from mid-May to mid-August each year, mother turtles can sometimes be observed coming ashore at night to lay eggs, with the peak of nesting landings said to be from late June to late July.

The Kamoda Beach area in Anan City is also a historic beach where nesting landings have been counted since the 1950s. However, in recent years the number of landings and nests has declined greatly nationwide, so sightings are never guaranteed. A quiet, respectful attitude toward this act of life is important.

Sea Turtle Observation and Protection Activities

The Hiwasa Sea Turtle Museum Caretta, adjacent to Ohama Beach in Minami Town, is a rare museum dedicated entirely to sea turtles. The name Caretta comes from the scientific name of the loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta). Through displays of living sea turtles and explanations of nesting and ecology, visitors can learn about conservation efforts. During the nesting season, local protection groups watch over the landing of mother turtles and support egg protection and hatching.

When observing, it is essential to avoid shining lights directly, using flash photography, or making loud noises so as not to startle the mother turtles. Please follow the rules set by protection groups and local authorities.

Cape Kamoda

Cape Kamoda, at the southeastern tip of Anan City, is the easternmost cape in Shikoku. The Kamoda Cape Lighthouse first shone in 1924 and is notable for its rare square windows. The line connecting this lighthouse to the Kii Hinomisaki Lighthouse in Wakayama Prefecture defines the boundary of the Seto Inland Sea, making this a geographically significant location. On clear days, one can see the Onaruto Bridge, Awaji Island, and as far as Wakayama Prefecture. A heart-shaped monument stands along the promenade leading to the lighthouse and is a popular photo spot.

Seafood of Southern Tokushima

Blessed with rich Pacific fishing grounds, the seafood of southern Tokushima is high in quality, with pike conger, spiny lobster, and bonito among the specialties. Fresh seafood can be enjoyed at local restaurants and inns.

Access and Basic Information

• Ohama Beach (Minami Town): About 15 minutes on foot from Hiwasa Station on the JR Mugi Line. The Michi-no-Eki Hiwasa roadside station is in front of the station, and it is about one hour by limited express from Tokushima City.
• Hiwasa Sea Turtle Museum Caretta: Adjacent to Ohama Beach. Please check opening hours, admission, and closed days on the official website.
• Cape Kamoda (Anan City): Reached by bus and walking from Anan Station on the JR Mugi Line, or by car. Because bus service is infrequent, using a rental car is realistic. About 40 minutes by car from central Anan and about one hour from central Tokushima.
• Parking is available at each location, including designated spaces at Cape Kamoda.

Practical Travel Notes

• Recommended season and time: For nesting observation, the main window is after sunset from late June to late July, though sightings are never guaranteed since this is a natural phenomenon. For scenery, early summer daytime is best, and the view from Cape Kamoda is finest on a clear morning.
• Estimated time needed: Allow half a day for Ohama Beach and the Caretta museum, and a full day by car if adding Cape Kamoda. The two areas are far apart, so a car is assumed if visiting both in one day.
• Avoiding crowds: Daytime during summer holidays is busy with beachgoers. Weekdays and early mornings are relatively quiet.
• Nearby real spots: Hiwasa Castle, Yakuoji Temple (23rd temple of the Shikoku 88 pilgrimage), Michi-no-Eki Hiwasa, and Kamoda Cape Lighthouse. Yakuoji is known as a temple for warding off misfortune and is within walking distance of Ohama Beach.
• Budget sense: Transportation is the main cost. Museum admission is on the order of several hundred yen (check the latest official figure). Turtle observation events are often free or ask for a small cooperation fee, but confirm availability and conditions in advance.

A Word of Advice

Observing sea turtle nesting is about being allowed to watch. Strong lights and noise can drive mother turtles back to the sea, so always follow the guidelines of protection groups. Because public transport around Cape Kamoda is very limited, a rental car is convenient. Nesting numbers vary greatly from year to year, so if you want certainty, center your visit on learning at the Caretta museum and treat any actual observation as a stroke of good fortune.

📚 Sources

This article draws mainly on the sightseeing information of Anan city, Minami town, and Tokushima Prefecture on the Hiwasa and Ohama coast area known as a sea turtle nesting site, and the guidance of facilities such as the Hiwasa sea turtle museum Caretta. It also reflects the interpretive signs on the coast and materials on sea turtle protection. Opening and observation information may change, so please confirm with the official information of each facility or authority before you set out.

Visitor Checklist

• Estimated time: About half a day for the museum tour and a coastal stroll.
• What to bring: Sun protection, drinks, and comfortable shoes for walking the shore.
• How to get around: Visit by car or rail and enjoy the sea turtle museum and a coastal stroll.
• Time of day: Sea turtle nesting is sometimes seen on summer nights, but follow the rules for protection.
• Note: On the nesting coast, take care not to disturb the turtles with light or sound.