Yakushima Sea Turtle Hall

It’s a cute little place but really informative, especially about sea turtles, their spawning & the hatchlings. It also has exhibits with small fish & animals (frog & snake). The entry is free, and we ended up spending ~1hr there :)

I visited this place yesterday morning with Ito-san who retired guide in Yakushima. I wish I can watch wild sea turtles on the beach but it is late to see them. So Ito recommended me to go to Sea Turtle Hall before I leave from the island. The price of ticket was 500 yen. But if you live in Kagoshima, it will be discounted more. Anyway the manager gave me 5 post cards that adorable sea turtle. And also, he knew everything of sea turtle. His explanation was clear and easy to understood. Luckily, I could watch baby turtles too. They will go back into the waves next spring. I hope they will be grown well.

Very cute little place with information about the history and biology of turtles of the area! Definitely worth a visit!

During turtle nesting and hatching seasons you can get together with a tour group here to go see the turtles on the beach. This is run by a group of conservationists who work and volunteer to protect these beautiful animals. I believe it was 1500 yen for admission and the money goes towards protecting the turtles and their eggs.

During nesting season they arrange tours where you can see the turtle laying eggs. We were lucky to be able to see a turtle laying eggs when we visited, as it's not guaranteed. The beach opposite is also very nice to visit.

Small but very informative museum telling on the life of loggerheads and green turtles. We were happy to see the 2 month old baby turtles hatched on the local beach. The guide speaks English.

We went on a day they were doing research. It was our last morning on the island. The curator allowed us to take a quick private tour. You can tell he loves what he does and loves the people. Highly recommend.

Be prepared to wait for an hour and half before you can watch the lay egg process, but it worth to visit & understand the beauty of Mother Nature