20 Lighthouses in Hokkaidō worth your time

Japan's highest lighthouse by tower top height, featuring black and white stripes and an observation deck overlooking the Oshima Peninsula.

What it is

• A black and white striped lighthouse located on Motta Misaki in the Oshima Peninsula.
• The highest lighthouse in Japan with a tower top height 290 meters above sea level.
• A reinforced concrete structure originally built in 1937 and automated in 1963.
• A landmark situated within the Kariba-Motta Prefectural Natural Park in Shimamaki Village.

What to see

• The distinctive black and white striped exterior of the lighthouse tower.
• An observation deck providing views from the highest lighthouse point in Japan.
• A renovated roof structure that was replaced during site improvements in 2001.
• Surrounding natural scenery within the Kariba-Motta Prefectural Natural Park.

When to go

• Visit outside of the winter season when the access road is open to the public.

Getting there

• Access the site via the Motta Forest Road starting from Setana Town.

Read more about Motta Misaki Lighthouse

An iconic octagonal black and white lighthouse on a Hokkaido terrace offering views of the Sea of Okhotsk and grazing livestock.

What it is

• A historic lighthouse on a terrace overlooking the Sea of Okhotsk in Abashiri City.
• The structure first began operations with a fog signal service in October 1917.
• The facility became fully automated in 1980 and switched to solar power in 1996.
• The surrounding grounds are part of the Abashiri Municipal Misaki Ranch.

What to see

• An octagonal tower featuring a distinct black and white painted design.
• Cattle and horses grazing in the nearby municipal ranch fields.
• Panoramic views of the Sea of Okhotsk from the coastal terrace.
• The renovated exterior of the lighthouse structure completed in September 2017.

When to go

• Visit between May and October to see livestock grazing in the surrounding fields.

Getting there

• The site is a 20-minute drive from Abashiri Station.

Read more about Notoro Misaki Lighthouse

A historic octagonal lighthouse perched on hundred-meter cliffs, recognized as one of Japan's top fifty lighthouses for its scenic views.

What it is

• A white octagonal lighthouse first lit on April 1, 1920.
• A designated JSCE Civil Engineering Heritage site located in Muroran City.
• One of the Eight Views of Muroran standing on high coastal cliffs.
• A facility that became unmanned in 1991 after decades of service.

What to see

• The white octagonal tower structure overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
• Cliffs approximately one hundred meters high surrounding the site.
• A fog signal station originally established in 1919.
• Panoramic views from one of Japan's top fifty lighthouse locations.

When to go

• Special open days provide the only time public access is permitted inside.

Getting there

• A ten minute drive from Bokoi Station reaches the site.
• A twenty minute walk from the nearest bus stop leads to the cliffs.

Read more about Chikiumisaki Lighthouse

This concrete lighthouse marks the southernmost point of Hokkaido and offers expansive views across the Tsugaru Strait.

What it is

• The southernmost lighthouse in Hokkaido, located at Cape Shirakami in Matsumae Town.
• A navigation landmark first lit in 1888 and rebuilt with concrete in 1951.
• The structure is officially assigned navigation mark number 0001.
• A maritime guide overlooking the waters of the Tsugaru Strait.

What to see

• The concrete lighthouse tower standing at the edge of the cape.
• Panoramic views of the Tsugaru Strait toward the main island of Honshu.
• The nearby Matsumae Guard Station Shirakami Branch facility.
• The surrounding coastal area including the nearby Matsumae Port.

Getting there

• Take a bus from Kikonai Station for approximately one hour and ten minutes.
• Get off the bus at the stop named Todaishita.
• Drive ninety minutes from Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station to reach the cape.

Read more about Shirakami misaki Lighthouse

A 1960s lighthouse in Hokkaido offering seasonal public access and views of the Okhotsk Sea from a scenic park.

What it is

• A functional lighthouse located within the grounds of Monbetsu Park in Hokkaido
• The facility first began operations on December 28, 1960
• The structure stands near the Okhotsk Garden and a local drift ice observatory

What to see

• The white lighthouse tower which serves as a local maritime landmark
• Panoramic views of the surrounding Okhotsk Garden and coastal landscape
• Interior access to the facility during specific public opening events

When to go

• Visit in June when the lighthouse opens its doors to the general public
• The public opening coincides with the annual Spring Wasshoi Park Festival

Getting there

• The lighthouse is a short walk from the main entrance of Monbetsu Park

Read more about Monbetsu Lighthouse

A cliffside lighthouse in Hokkaido offering panoramic views of Rausu Port and the disputed Kunashiri Island across the sea.

What it is

• A maritime navigation light established in 1971 to guide ships near Rausu Port.
• A public park and emergency evacuation site located on a seventy meter high cliff.
• A functional lighthouse that has operated year-round since March 1993.

What to see

• A concrete structure painted white with two distinctive red horizontal bands.
• Clear views of Kunashiri Island across the water from the lighthouse grounds.
• A white light that flashes once every ten seconds across the ocean.
• An elevated vantage point overlooking the activity of Rausu Port below.

When to go

• Visit outside of winter when the access road is paved and open for vehicles.
• The light is active year-round for those viewing from a distance at night.

Official site

www.kaiho.mlit.go.jp

Read more about Rausu Lighthouse

The tallest lighthouse in Hokkaido and second tallest in Japan, featuring iconic red and white stripes on Cape Noshappu.

What it is

• The tallest lighthouse in Hokkaido standing at 42.7 meters high.
• A historic maritime landmark originally established in 1900 on Cape Noshappu.
• The second tallest lighthouse in all of Japan.
• One of the officially selected Top 50 Lighthouses in Japan.

What to see

• A concrete tower painted with distinctive red and white horizontal stripes.
• Views overlooking the Soya Strait from the edge of the cape.
• The current structure which has been in operation since 1966.
• A filming location used in a Japanese movie.

When to go

• The interior of the structure is open to the public once a year in April.

Getting there

• Accessible by taking a local bus from JR Wakkanai Station.

Read more about Wakkanai Lighthouse

A historic red-and-white striped lighthouse on Cape Takashima offering coastal views and a connection to Japanese cinema history.

What it is

• A Japan Heritage site established in 1883 as Hokkaido's second lighthouse.
• The original wooden structure was replaced by the current concrete building in 1953.
• A filming location featured in the movie Times of Joy and Sorrow.
• An automated facility that previously operated a fog signal station until 2010.

What to see

• The distinctive red and white horizontal stripes added to the tower in 1968.
• Panoramic views of the Sea of Japan from the Cape Takashima cliffs.
• The nearby Otaru Aquarium located in the immediate surrounding area.

Getting there

• Take a local bus from JR Otaru Station to the Cape Takashima area.
• The lighthouse is a ten minute walk from the nearest bus stop.

Official site

www.kaiho.mlit.go.jp

Read more about Hiyoriyama Lighthouse

The easternmost lighthouse on mainland Japan, this historic site offers views of the Northern Territories and the Shiretoko Peninsula.

What it is

• The easternmost lighthouse on the Japanese mainland, first lit on August 15, 1872.
• Hokkaido's first Western-style lighthouse, originally designed by Richard Henry Brunton.
• A concrete structure built in 1930 that replaced the original octagonal wooden building.
• A designated heritage site recognized as one of Japan's Top 50 Lighthouses.

What to see

• The current concrete lighthouse tower which became fully automated in 1998.
• Expansive views overlooking the Northern Territories and the distant Shiretoko Peninsula.
• Historical civil engineering heritage site located along Hokkaido Route 35.

Getting there

• Take a bus from Nemuro Station for a 44-minute journey to the site.

Official site

www.kaiho.mlit.go.jp

Read more about Nosappumisaki Lighthouse

A historic red-and-white lighthouse on the Nemuro Peninsula offering views of the Pacific Ocean and unique basalt rock formations.

What it is

• A square red-and-white lighthouse first established on November 1, 1890
• One of the fifty selected lighthouses of Japan and ten views of Nemuro
• A reinforced concrete structure rebuilt in 1951 near Cape Hanasaki
• A public park site that previously operated a fog signal station until 2011

What to see

• The distinctive square lighthouse tower painted in red and white stripes
• A six-meter basalt rock formation known as the Wheel Stone
• Panoramic views overlooking the Pacific Ocean from the Nemuro Peninsula
• The surrounding public park grounds maintained for visitors

Getting there

• Take a bus from Nemuro Station for a ten-minute journey to the site

Read more about Hanasaki Lighthouse

This bright red-banded lighthouse on Cape Kiritappu offers dramatic coastal views and is Hokkaido's most powerful light source.

What it is

• A large square lighthouse tower located on Cape Kiritappu in Hamanaka Town.
• The current structure first began operating on June 1, 1951.
• It is the brightest lighthouse in Hokkaido with 820,000 candelas of intensity.
• The site was designated as a Lighthouse for Lovers in 2016.

What to see

• A square concrete tower featuring distinctive red horizontal bands.
• Coastal scenery within the Akkeshi Prefectural Natural Park.
• The lighthouse facility which underwent major renovation in December 1985.

Getting there

• A bus from Hamanaka Station reaches the vicinity in 17 minutes.
• The site is accessible by car via Hokkaido Route 1039.

Read more about Tōbutsu-misaki Lighthouse

A historic square lighthouse on Hokkaido's rugged cliffs, recognized as one of Japan's top fifty lighthouses for its scenic coastal views.

What it is

• A square concrete lighthouse tower located on the tip of Cape Ochiishi
• First lit in 1890 with the current structure reconstructed in 1952
• Selected as one of the top fifty lighthouses in Japan
• Situated within a designated nature conservation zone and national natural monument

What to see

• A white tower featuring a single red horizontal band
• Steep coastal cliffs overlooking the surrounding ocean
• The nearby Ochiishi Marsh which is a national natural monument
• The site of the former fog signal station abolished in 2010

Getting there

• A sixty minute walk from JR Ochiishi Station to reach the cape

Read more about Ochiishi Misaki Lighthouse

A historic lighthouse on the Kameda Peninsula offering Pacific Ocean views and a backdrop of Mount Esan.

What it is

• A lighthouse located at the eastern tip of the Kameda Peninsula.
• First established in 1890 and restored in 1949 after air raid damage.
• Part of the Esan Prefectural Natural Park and automated since 1995.
• Recognized as one of the top fifty lighthouses in Japan.

What to see

• The current lighthouse tower which was renovated in 1989.
• Panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean from the coastal cliffs.
• The landscape of Mount Esan rising directly behind the facility.
• The site of a former radio direction finding station.

Getting there

• Take a bus from Hakodate Station followed by a taxi to the site.

Read more about Esanmisaki Lighthouse

A historic Hokkaido lighthouse serving as a vital landmark for ships entering Hakodate Port since the late nineteenth century.

What it is

• The fourth oldest lighthouse in Hokkaido, located at Cape Kattoshi in Hokuto.
• The first lighthouse in Japan to utilize an occulting light system.
• A vital navigational landmark for ships entering Hakodate Port.
• Originally built in 1885 and reconstructed with concrete in 1950.

What to see

• A French-made third-order twelve-sided Fresnel lens used for navigation.
• The concrete structure that replaced the original octagonal iron and wood building.
• The site where a historic fog bell and motor siren once operated.
• Panoramic views of the coastline from the cape location.

Read more about Kattoshimisaki Lighthouse

A functional lighthouse on the Notsuke Peninsula offering views of Kunashiri Island and surrounding seasonal flower gardens.

What it is

• A maritime navigation light managed by the Nemuro Coast Guard.
• The original structure first lit up on November 5, 1953.
• The current lighthouse building dates back to November 1982.
• It stands at Ryujinzaki facing the narrowest part of the Nemuro Strait.

What to see

• The white lighthouse tower standing near the edge of the peninsula.
• Views of Kunashiri Island located approximately 16 kilometers across the water.
• A natural flower garden that surrounds the lighthouse area.

Getting there

• It is a ten minute walk from Hokkaido Route 950.

Read more about Notsukesaki Lighthouse

A decommissioned red and white lighthouse in Hokkaido preserved by the local town as a scenic coastal tourism resource.

What it is

• A red and white lighthouse first lit on December 14, 1976.
• The facility was officially decommissioned in October 2016.
• Shiraoi Town purchased the site in 2018 to preserve it for tourism.
• A local association maintains the structure as a historical resource.

What to see

• The distinctive red and white painted lighthouse structure.
• Coastal views from the grounds purchased by the local municipality.

Getting there

• A thirty minute walk from Noboribetsu Station.
• Fifteen minutes by car from the Noboribetsu Higashi Interchange.

Read more about Ayoro Hana Lighthouse

Hokkaido's oldest lighthouse is a historic red-and-white iron tower located within a scenic coastal park near the Ishikari River.

What it is

• The oldest existing lighthouse in Hokkaido, first lit on January 1, 1892.
• A 13.5 meter tall iron structure that replaced an original wooden hexagonal tower.
• A preserved maritime landmark that became fully unmanned in 1965.
• A historic site moved 14 meters toward the coast in 1999.

What to see

• The distinctive red and white exterior painted for a 1957 film production.
• The surrounding landscape of Hamanasu no Oka Park near the river mouth.
• A coastal tower situated approximately one kilometer from where the river meets the sea.

Read more about Ishikari Lighthouse

A unique building-style lighthouse in Hokkaido first lit in 1891, offering a distinct architectural alternative to traditional coastal towers.

What it is

• A building-style lighthouse rather than a traditional tower structure
• First lit in September 1891 and reconstructed in 2001
• Managed by the Japan Coast Guard to house lighting and communication equipment
• Formerly integrated the Kushiro Port Vessel Traffic Signal Station until 2008

What to see

• The modern lighthouse building situated at Shiretohana in Kushiro City
• The site located near the end of Hokkaido Route 25

Getting there

• A fifteen minute walk from Yonemachi Park to the lighthouse site

Read more about Kushirosaki Lighthouse

A historic lighthouse on Hokkaido's rugged southern tip, famous for its coastal terraces and resident harbor seal colonies.

What it is

• A lighthouse at the tip of Cape Erimo within a national park.
• One of the fifty designated lighthouses of Japan.
• The original structure was first lit in June 1889.
• The current building was reconstructed in 1950 after wartime destruction.

What to see

• Four levels of distinct coastal terraces along the shoreline.
• Harbor seals living on the reefs surrounding the cape.
• The white lighthouse tower standing on the cliff edge.

Getting there

• Five minute walk from the Erimomisaki bus stop.

Read more about Erimomisaki Lighthouse

A historic red-striped concrete lighthouse overlooking the Rumoi coastline, serving as a landmark of Hokkaido's maritime history since 1890.

What it is

• The thirteenth oldest lighthouse in Hokkaido, first lit on December 25, 1890.
• A concrete structure rebuilt in 1949 after a fire destroyed the original wooden building.
• An automated facility that was operated by on-site staff until 1967.

What to see

• A concrete tower featuring distinctive red and white horizontal stripes added in 1990.
• Panoramic views overlooking the Mashike town area and the Rumoi coastline.

Getting there

• The site is a five minute walk from Mashike Station.

Read more about Mashike Lighthouse