Sea Turtle Observation Rules
Sea Turtle Conservation Committee of the Yakushima Town Ecotourism Promotion Council has established the
Nagata Beach Sea Turtle Observation Rules, summarizing matters to be observed by visitors to Nagata Beach
during nesting season of sea turtles.
We ask visitors for their cooperation in protecting sea turtles, which face the danger of global
extinction.
Your Corporation Is Highly Appreciated!
For the protection of the sea turtles, visitors are requested to refrain from entering Nagata Beach at night between May 1 and September 30. Those wishing to observe the sea turtles are asked to join an observation tour.
Targeted period/time: 20:00 to 5:00 the following morning, May 1 to September 30. (entry to
beaches
is permitted during the daytime.)
Targeted locations: Nagata Beach (includes Inaka Beach, Maehama Beach, Yotsuse Beach)
Observation tours were canceled during 2021 to contain the COVID-19 pandemic. For more
information, please contact the Nagata Sea
Turtle Liaison Council
. (in Japanese)
The Nagata Beach Sea Turtle Observation Rules remain in effect. For the protection of the sea turtles, visitors are requested to cooperate in not entering Nagata Beach at night.
Rules for Entering Nagata Beach
Please join sea turtle observation tours during the spawning season from May 1 to July 20.
Sea Turtle Conservation Committee of the Yakushima Town Ecotourism Promotion Council conducts sea turtle observation tours. These tours provide Nagata Beach visitors with information about the ecology of, and interaction with, the turtles in order to prevent large numbers of people from unnecessarily walking on the beaches with lights and causing harm. Observation tours are operated by the Nagata Sea Turtle Liaison Council.
Sea turtle observation tours
Capacity 50 persons. Reservations required.
| Where to make reservations (in Japanese) |
Nagata Sea Turtle Liaison Council website |
|---|---|
| Observation tour details | 20:00 Reception 20:30 Lecture/Live camera viewing/Move to the beach to observe sea turtles spawning 23:00 End |
| Venues | Reception and lecture: Inaka Beach parking lot Sea turtle observation: Inaka Beach |
| Tour fees | High school students and above: 2,000 yen, Junior high school students and below: 500 yen |
| Cancellations | Please contact the operator in advance if cancellation of a reservation is unavoidable. |
Please do not enter the beaches at night during the hatching season from July 21 to September 30.
For inquiries about observation tours:
For inquiries about observation rules (in Japanese):
- Yakushima Town Ecotourism Promotion Council, Sea Turtle Conservation Committee Office
Yakushima Town Tourism & Community Development Section TEL: 0997-43-5900 (in Japanese)
Rules for observing sea turtles
- Pay attention to the lecture beforehand.
- Follow the instructions of the tour staff.
- Turn off any lights.
- Do not walk about unnecessarily or make noise.
- Do not touch the sea turtles.
- No recording of any kind of including cameras and video cameras, allows.
- Do not take alcoholic drinks onto the beach.
- Do not smoke.
- Take any litter home with you.
- Do not enter the beach after the tour ends.
Rules applicable at all times
- Do not enter the fenced-off sea turtle protection area.
- Do not make campfires.
- Do not camp*.
- Do not take sand from the beach*.
*Erecting tents and collecting soil, rocks or sand at Nagata Beach (a National Park Special Zone) is prohibited by the Natural Parks Act in principle.
Information for press and research personnel
Please observe the following when using Nagata Beach for research or reporting.
- Inquire in advance regarding entry onto the beaches.
Refrain from entering Nagata Beach at night between May 1 and September 30.
To avoid any confusion at the site, contact the Ministry of the Environment Yakushima Ranger Office beforehand at RO-YAKUSHIMA@env.go.jp. - Do not use lights or flash photography.
When filming sea turtles, use infrared cameras or other means to avoid the use of lights or flash photography. Take care to use cloth covers or other means to prevent light leakage from equipment LCD screens, and lamps etc.
