[Aomori Prefecture] Kabushima Shrine, a breeding ground for black-tailed gulls!

Benten Island is a small island jutting out into the port of Hachinohe, Aomori Prefecture. The Kabushima Shrine has been enshrined on a small hill on Benten Island since ancient times. The pronunciation of the name "Kabu" (turnip) brings to mind the idea of ​​competition and popularity, as in the word "kabu" (stock), and it is believed to bring good fortune in business, safety of the home, and good luck in finding a partner. The famous attraction of Kabushima Shrine is the countless black-tailed gulls. In the spring, many black-tailed gulls fly in to breed, hatch eggs, raise chicks, and build nests. A series of steps are carried out until the bird stands up. These black-tailed gulls are not afraid of humans at all. Normally, any bird will run away if a human approaches, but for some reason, the black-tailed gulls at Kabushima Shrine are completely unconcerned and don't care if a human approaches or does anything. They build nests and incubate eggs all over the shrine, which is covered in feces. I've never seen a shrine like this. There are a lot of plastic umbrellas at the entrance to the torii gate to protect from feces, but the challenge of walking around the shrine grounds without an umbrella is also a famous feature. #tripdomestictravel #aomoriprefecture #shrinesandtemples