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Inakahama Beach is one of Yakushima’s most unique natural treasures, where loggerhead turtles nest each summer and travelers can enjoy white sands and glowing sunsets.
What Makes Inakahama Beach Special
Inakahama Beach stretches along the island’s northwest coast near Nagata Village. It is a quiet, undeveloped beach with soft white sand and wide views of the East China Sea. While it is not a swimming beach, it’s a wonderful place to walk barefoot, rest after a hike, or watch the sun dip below the horizon.
The beach is most famous for its seasonal visitors. From May to August, hundreds of loggerhead turtles come ashore at night to lay eggs, making Inakahama the largest sea turtle nesting site in Japan. During this time, parts of the beach are roped off for protection, and observation tours are available for visitors who want to witness this natural event responsibly.
Loggerhead Turtle Nesting Season
Between May and July, as many as 20 turtles may land in a single night. These large sea turtles, some over a meter long, have returned here for generations. Standing on the sand during the day, it’s amazing to imagine the scene that unfolds after dark.
We booked a nighttime observation tour through the Yakushima Sea Turtle Hall (ウミガメ館), located nearby. Our tour was canceled due to weather, but walking the beach and visiting the museum still gave us a strong sense of the cycle of life happening here. The Sea Turtle Hall features educational exhibits about conservation and, on occasion, allows visitors to observe the release of baby turtles into the sea.
What We Loved About Inakahama Beach
- Sunset views: The western-facing beach is one of the best places on Yakushima to watch the sky glow at the end of the day.
- Educational experiences: Reading the signs and exploring the Sea Turtle Hall gave our kids a deeper appreciation for wildlife.
- Natural beauty: The clean sand and open coastal scenery made it a peaceful place to explore, even without seeing turtles.
Things to Know Before You Go
- No swimming: Strong currents and steep drop-offs make it unsafe.
- Wildlife protection: Stay outside roped areas, avoid nesting sites, and never use lights on the beach at night.
- Tours only: To see nesting turtles, you must join a guided observation through the Sea Turtle Hall.
How to Get to Inakahama Beach
By Car
From Miyanoura Port, the drive takes about 30 minutes. From Anbo, plan for about 50 to 60 minutes. The route follows the coastal road toward Nagata. Parking near the beach is limited. Expect around 10 spaces.
For Turtle Observation Tours
Tours run seasonally at night. Check in at Yakushima Umigame-kan (Sea Turtle Hall) in Nagata. Advance booking is required. Night access to the beach is restricted during the nesting and hatching season. Join a guided tour to visit the beach at night.
Pro Tip: Rent a car if you can. It makes reaching Inakahama and other remote spots much easier.
Is Inakahama Beach a Must-See?
Inakahama Beach may not be for swimming, but it’s one of Yakushima’s most meaningful stops. The chance to stand where sea turtles have nested for centuries, combined with stunning sunset views, makes it special.
More to Explore Nearby
Inakahama Beach is a precious white-sand nesting site for sea turtles, positioning you perfectly to explore Yakushima’s unique mix of ancient forests, local agriculture, dramatic waterfalls, and essential travel resources.
- Shiratani Unsuikyo Gorge – Hike through this ancient, moss-covered cedar forest that famously served as the inspiration for the Ghibli film Princess Mononoke.
- Ohko-no-Taki Waterfall – Visit this magnificent waterfall, recognized as one of Japan’s Top 100 Waterfalls, which dramatically cascades into the sea.
- Yakushima Fruit Garden – Explore this local attraction showcasing tropical and subtropical fruits grown on the island, often accompanied by tasting opportunities.
- Yadokari Rent-a-Car – Find helpful information and local tips for securing reliable transportation, which is essential for exploring the island’s many remote sights.
