As an island nation, Japan has a significant coastline, and its varied terrain, including rugged cliffs, complex bays, and narrow straits, requires lighthouses to guide ships in a variety of marine environments. Many of the lighthouses are destinations in their own right, and this quick guide covers some of the best.
Izumo Hinomisaki Lighthouse, Shimane
Shimane’s Izumo Hinomisaki Lighthouse, located near the famous Izumo Taisha Shrine, holds the title of Japan’s tallest lighthouse. The 44-metre-tall structure took three years to build and was completed in 1903, and its vivid white exterior makes it almost impossible to miss.
1478 Taishacho Hinomisaki, Izumo, Shimane 699-0763
Kannonzaki Lighthouse, Kanagawa
Kanonzaki Lighthouse in Kanagawa, which stands proudly on the Miura Peninsula, is the first lighthouse built in Japan. The original building was made of brick, but was destroyed by an earthquake in 1922, and the current structure is a concrete building completed in 1925.
4 Chome-1187 Kamoi, Yokosuka, Kanagawa 239-0813
Himezaki Lighthouse, Niigata
Himezaki Lighthouse in Niigata, known as Japan’s oldest iron lighthouse, was also the first lighthouse built on Sado Island. Its history dates back to 1895, and its interesting hexagonal structure sets it apart from other buildings across the country.
Ryotsuogawa, Sado, Niigata 952-3435
Cape Muroto Lighthouse, Kochi
Kochi’s Cape Muroto Lighthouse was first illuminated in 1899 and is Japan’s second iron lighthouse, following the above-mentioned Himezaki Lighthouse on Sado Island. The Lighthouse Festival is held every year on the first Saturday of November, and visitors can check out the interior of the lighthouse and browse the market stalls.
6939 Murotomisakicho, Muroto, Kochi 781-7101
Hokkaido Cape Soya Lighthouse
The red-and-white-striped Cape Soya Lighthouse is Japan’s northernmost lighthouse and helps guide ships passing through the Soya Strait, which separates Japan from Russia’s Sakhalin Island. On a good day you can actually see the island in the distance from here.
2-8 Soyamisaki, Wakkanai, Hokkaido 098-6758
Amarubesaki Lighthouse, Hyogo
Hyogo’s Amarubesaki Lighthouse has some interesting statistics. This is the tallest lighthouse in Japan, not only based on the height of the structure, but also based on height above sea level. The road to the lighthouse is especially popular in spring because cherry blossom trees line the road from the national highway to the lighthouse.
Kasumiku Amarube, Kami, Mikata District, Hyogo 669-6671
Kashinozaki Lighthouse, Wakayama
Originally built in 1870, Wakayama’s Kashinozaki Lighthouse is sure to appeal to history buffs. From late December to late February, cheerful daffodils bloom around the area, making it a beautiful spot for nature lovers. The bulbs were likely planted by one of the British engineers who worked on the lighthouse’s construction.
1006-1 Kashino, Kushimoto, Higashimuro District, Wakayama 649-3631
