Minami (previously Hiwasa), a town at the southern part of Tokushima prefecture, is where Ohama beach is located. The beach is widely known as an area where sea turtles come to lay their eggs, and in addition to having been named as one of Japan’s natural monuments, the beach has also been selected as one of the country’s top 100 beaches because of its beautiful white sands.

Right in front of the beach you can find a rare kind of museum, even at the global level. ‘Caretta’ is a sea turtle museum. Around town you can also spot many unique monuments that use the sea turtle as their motif.
This sea turtle public phone, for instance!

Judging by the town environment, sea turtles are clearly very important to the area. Among many other places around town, you can see sea turtle stone statues on bridge handrails!
This is Ohama beach. Every year an average of 70 sea turtles come to the shores of this sandy beach.

At the far end of the beach there is a large rocky outcrop called Ebisu Cave that catches the eye.

Eroded by Pacific Ocean waves to a diameter of 30m, a width of 32m and a depth of 40m, this is Tokushima prefecture’s biggest sea cave. A path has been constructed to allow visitors to get near it.

However, the path does not finish at the sea cave. In fact, you can continue to walk to the top of the rocky outcrop that is 52m above sea level.

Taken from a distance, this is a shot of Ebisu Cave from another angle. Within the part circled in red you can see a small hut meant for resting at the peak. This shows just how big the rocky outcrop is!

Further on, this is a photo of the view taken near the top. You can catch a glimpse of the surrounding beaches.

The peak is a perfect point from which to view the surrounding area – you can see both Ohama beach and Hiwasa castle.

Also, taking a Sea Turtle Marine Cruise (Umigame Marin Kuruuzu) that departs from Hiwasa port, you can see Ebisu cave from the ocean side and even enter the cave. During this first‑rate cruise you can also enjoy a tour of other great spots including the Senba Cliffs among others.
The calm Ohama beach and the dynamic Ebisu Cave…

The sea turtle’s hometown is a spot where you can experience both the stillness and the motion of the ocean!

Location: Hiwasaura, Minami town, Kaifu District, Tokushima Prefecture

A Guide (Japanese):

http://www.awanavi.jp/spot/2013032500873/　(Ohama beach)

http://www.awanavi.jp/spot/2013032500767/　(Ebisu Cave)

Sea Turtle Marine Cruise (around 40 minutes)
Cost: Adults 1,800 yen

Time: from 10.00 am to 5.00 pm (until 6.00pm in summer)

Home page (Japanese)：http://umigame.me/
The Sea Turtle Marine Cruise must be reserved in advance (minimum number of passengers per cruise is 4)

Setouchi Finder Photo-writer: Hironobu Matsuoka