7 Lighthouses in Aomori worth your time

A historic 1938 lighthouse in Sanriku Fukko National Park offering coastal views and recognized among Japan's top fifty lighthouses.

What it is

• A functional lighthouse first lit in 1938 to guide ships into Hachinohe Port
• One of the 50 Lighthouses of Japan located within Sanriku Fukko National Park
• A reinforced structure that previously operated a fog signal station until 1993
• A coastal landmark situated adjacent to Kabushima and Taihei Ranch

What to see

• The white lighthouse tower which underwent seismic reinforcement in 2006
• Coastal views from the grounds located along Aomori Prefectural Road Route 1
• A modern lighting system that replaced the original fourth-order Fresnel lens in 1997

When to go

• Visit between April and October when the city opens the site to the public

Getting there

• Walk approximately 30 minutes from Same Station to reach the site

Read more about Samekado Lighthouse

A historic white lighthouse on the Aomori coast, recognized as a romantic landmark with views of the Sea of Japan.

What it is

• A white circular large-scale lighthouse located on the coastline of the Sea of Japan.
• First lit on September 15, 1941, it remains one of the tallest lighthouses in northern Japan.
• Certified as a Lover's Lighthouse by the Japan Romantist Association.
• Situated in Fukaura Town between the landmarks of Tappisaki and Nyudosaki.

What to see

• The tall white circular tower overlooking the Henashi Fishing Port.
• A monument commemorating the Gono Line located in the immediate vicinity.
• The nearby Todai Crossing, a railroad crossing named after the lighthouse.
• Views of the coastline near the Koganezaki Furofushi Onsen.

Getting there

• Approximately a fifteen minute walk from Henashi Station to the lighthouse site.

Read more about Henashisaki Lighthouse

A historic brick lighthouse at Aomori's tip where visitors can see wild horses and climb for panoramic coastal views.

What it is

• A brick lighthouse at the tip of Cape Shiriya designed by Richard Henry Brunton.
• The structure first lit up in 1876 and is a National Important Cultural Property.
• It features a double-layered brick wall and was Japan's first electric lighthouse.
• The site served as the location for Japan's first fog bell in 1877.

What to see

• Kandachime horses grazing in the fields surrounding the lighthouse structure.
• Bullet holes remaining on the exterior from U.S. military attacks in 1945.
• Coastal views from the top of the tower accessible for a small fee.
• The historic double-layered brick masonry used in the original construction.

When to go

• The lighthouse is open to the public from April through November.

Read more about Shiriyazaki Lighthouse

A historic white lighthouse on the Tsugaru Peninsula offering views of Hokkaido across the strait and surrounding national park scenery.

What it is

• A large white circular lighthouse standing on the tip of the Tsugaru Peninsula.
• The structure first began operations and fog signal services on July 1, 1932.
• It is recognized as one of the top fifty lighthouses in Japan.
• The surrounding area is part of the Tsugaru Quasi-National Park.

What to see

• Views of Hokkaido across the Tsugaru Strait on clear days.
• The large white circular lighthouse tower and its modern metal halide light source.
• The surrounding landscape of the Tsugaru Quasi-National Park.
• The nearby area where the Seikan Tunnel is located.

Getting there

• Take a forty-minute bus ride from JR Minmaya Station to reach the site.

Read more about Tappisaki Lighthouse

A historic white circular lighthouse marking the entrance to Mutsu Bay, featuring nearby battery ruins and coastal views.

What it is

• A large white circular lighthouse marking the entrance to Mutsu Bay.
• The original structure was first lit on April 1, 1899.
• The facility underwent renovation in 1960 and was rebuilt in 1985.
• It stands on Myojinsaki along the historic Matsumae Highway.

What to see

• The tall white circular tower situated on the coastline.
• The Tairadate Battery Site located in the immediate vicinity.
• The surrounding Tairadate Fishing Port area.
• Views of the water from the Myojinsaki vantage point.

Getting there

• Take a bus from Kanita Station for a twenty minute journey.
• The site is accessible via National Route 280 from Aomori City.

Read more about Tairadate Lighthouse

A scenic lighthouse in Tsugaru Quasi-National Park offering panoramic views of Hokkaido and the surrounding northern peninsulas.

What it is

• A coastal lighthouse located within the Takanosaki Campground in Imabetsu Town
• Part of the protected Tsugaru Quasi-National Park on the Horozuki Coast
• First lit in 1966 and underwent a full reconstruction in August 2003

What to see

• Views of Hokkaido to the north and Tappizaki to the west
• The Shimokita Peninsula visible across the water to the east
• Nearby Akanezawa Red Rocks which are a designated prefectural natural monument
• The Horozuki Kaiundo Shakado temple located in the immediate vicinity

Getting there

• Approximately 75 minutes by car from Aomori Station

Read more about Takanosaki Lighthouse

A historic black-and-white striped lighthouse on Benten Island offering views of Hokkaido across the Tsugaru Strait.

What it is

• A lighthouse on Benten Island off Cape Oma within Shimokita Hanto Quasi-National Park.
• The original structure first lit up in 1921 but was damaged by war and earthquakes.
• The current second-generation tower was completed in 1953 and became unmanned in 1991.
• It is recognized as one of the 50 Lighthouses of Japan.

What to see

• The distinctive black and white horizontal stripe pattern on the main tower.
• Views of Hokkaido visible across the water of the Tsugaru Strait.
• The surrounding coastal scenery of the Shimokita Hanto Quasi-National Park.

Read more about Ōmazaki Lighthouse