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Hiwasa Sea Turtle Museum "Caretta"

徳島県

general.prefecture.

A museum specializing in sea turtles, which is rare even in the world.

This is a sea turtle museum specializing in sea turtles located on Ohama Beach, famous as a landing and nesting site for loggerhead sea turtles. Visitors can see various types of sea turtles swimming in tanks, as well as exhibits where they can learn about sea turtle specimens, the ecology of sea turtles, and conservation activities.

Features & How to Enjoy

Classic KidsRainny day

Highlights

Point 1

A Valuable Experience of Interacting with Sea Turtles

At the Hiossa Umigame Museum Caretta, there are many programs where you can interact with sea turtles. Not only can you observe the lively sea turtles swimming in a large pool inside the museum, but you can also ride on the back of a sea turtle model or take a photo wearing a turtle shell. It's a rare experience that can be had in Japan, so please come and visit.

Point 2

Collaboration with Ohamaka Beach

The "Hiwasa Umigame Museum Caretta" is located adjacent to Ohamaka Beach in Minami Town. Ohamaka Beach is a beautiful beach famous for being a nesting site for sea turtles and was selected as one of Japan's 100 best beaches in 1996. The museum's website also provides information on a fixed-point camera where you can see the current state of Ohamaka Beach. It's recommended to visit the museum and enjoy swimming and walking on the beach as well!

Point 3

Meet the World's Oldest Red Sea Turtle "Hamataro"

At the Hiyoshi Umigame Museum Caretta, the world's oldest red sea turtle "Hamataro" is on display. Despite being 72 years old, he swims energetically and on his birthday, you can see him happily eating spiny lobsters. It seems that in recent years, efforts have been made to leave descendants as well. It's not often that you get to see him, so please come and visit.

Point 4

Visit the Museum at Night

Sometimes, the event "Let's go to the Night Sea Turtle Museum Caretta!" is held. This is an event where a limited number of couples can have a private tour after the museum has closed, allowing you to see the sea turtles at night. You can see sea turtles swimming energetically or resting, which is different from what you can see during the day. If the timing is right, please apply and experience this unique opportunity.

Point 5

Observe the Landing of Sea Turtles

From spring to summer, loggerhead sea turtles come ashore to lay their eggs. At the Sea Turtle Museum, you can observe the landing and egg-laying of these sea turtles! Please be quiet and follow the instructions of the observers when observing the turtles, as they are very cautious while laying their eggs (photography is prohibited!). While it used to be possible to see the turtles landing every day, it has decreased a bit now, so it's recommended to have the mindset of being lucky if you can see them.

Access

About a 2-Hour Drive from Tokushima IC

The Umi-ga-Me Museum is conveniently accessible by car. Take National Route 55 from Tokushima City and head towards Muroto (southern part of Tokushima Prefecture) to arrive. With parking for up to 40 cars, you can rest assured. You can also get there by public transportation, but it takes about 110 minutes from Tokushima Station to JR Hiwasa Station, and it's a 15-minute walk from there, so be careful during hot weather.

Fee

Discount Tickets for Cheaper Admission

Admission to the Umigame Museum costs 610 yen for adults, 500 yen for middle and high school students, 300 yen for elementary school students, and is free for children under elementary school age. However! You can obtain discount tickets from the official website, which will reduce the price to 550 yen for adults, 450 yen for middle and high school students, and 270 yen for elementary school students. Be sure to get your discount tickets before you go and enjoy the museum at a lower cost.

Basic Information

	Address	370-4 Hiwasaura, Minami-cho, Kaifu-gun, Tokushima Prefecture 779-2304
	TEL	0884-77-1110
	Web Site	https://caretta.town.minami.lg.jp/

Average Review

5 Reviews

子供達を連れて家族で伺いました。大きな海亀がプールを泳いでおりました。聞けば前の海岸で産卵するそうな。餌はキャベツの葉を食べていました。館内にニモも買えるコーナーがありましたが、水槽をこれ以上増やせない為断念しました。

ノープラン四国旅行でたまたま見かけて行ってきましたがとても良かった… アカウミガメとアオウミガメの違いも初めて知ることができました。勉強になります。ウミガメだけじゃなくリクガメやいわゆるミドリガメ、クサガメなどもいるのが良いです。そしてなんと言ってもウミガメ達が泳いでいるのを見るのはとにかく癒されます。ずっと見ていられます。こんなに帰りたくなくなる博物館は初めてでした。現在は改装で閉館中だそうですがリニューアルしたらまたぜひ行きたいです。東北在住なのでそうそう行けませんが…

軽い気持ちで『海亀を見に行こう！』と思いたち、こちらの施設に足を運びました。正直、そこまで期待せず『子どもたちが楽しんでくれたらいいや〜』と思っていたのですが、博物館に入る前から、デカい亀の電話ボックスや、綺麗な海があり既に大人のテンションも上がっていました(^^) 博物館自体はそこまで大きくはありませんが、色んなカメがいたり、ちょっとした魚との触れ合いコーナーがあったりと十分楽しめました。館内はとても綺麗なのですが、置いてあるクッションに年季を感じたりと、それもまた良い感じに味を出していました！帰りは、近くの神社にてお参りをし、帰路につきましたとさ♫

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