Hiwasa Chelonian Museum Caretta 日和佐うみがめ博物館カレッタ

The town of Minami on the island of Shikoku is famous for the loggerhead sea turtles that lay their eggs on its beach every summer. Find out more about these fascinating creatures at Hiwasa Chelonian Museum Caretta.

The museum is about a 20-minute walk from Hiwasa Station on the JR Mugi Line.

Located in the town of Minami in southern Tokushima, this museum dedicated to sea turtles is just across the road from Ohama, the beach where the turtles come to lay their eggs in the sand every summer.

Caretta caretta is the scientific name for the loggerhead sea turtle. The museum features exhibits about every aspect of these protected animals, including their evolution, preserved specimens, and photos and high-definition videos of the turtles laying eggs.

The town of Minami has been protecting the sea turtles for decades, and outside the museum you can see the artificial hatchery where some young turtles are reared until they can be released into the wild.

Look out for the pools that contain sea turtles over one meter in length. There are also tanks where you can watch the turtles swimming above you. At turtle feeding times, it is even possible to feed and hug the turtles.

There are a number of sights to see in Minami not far from the museum. Although it is not ideal for swimming due to its strong currents and sharp drop-off, Ohama is still a wonderful place to appreciate the coastal scenery of Minami and enjoy activities such as kayaking and fishing.

The town is also home to Yakuoji Temple, number 23 on the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage .