8 Lighthouses in Shizuoka worth your time

A historic concrete lighthouse on the southernmost tip of the Izu Peninsula offering panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean.

What it is

• A white concrete tower standing at the southernmost tip of Cape Irozaki.
• The original wooden structure was designed by Richard Henry Brunton and lit in 1871.
• The current lighthouse was rebuilt in 1933 after storm damage to the original.
• It is recognized as one of the top fifty lighthouses in Japan.

What to see

• The white concrete lighthouse tower situated within Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park.
• Guided tours of the upper gallery which became available in April 2023.
• Dramatic coastal views from the cliffs at the edge of the Izu Peninsula.

When to go

• Public openings of the interior typically occur for one day in July and November.

Getting there

• Take a forty-five minute bus ride from Izukyu-Shimoda Station to reach the site.

Read more about Irōzaki Lighthouse

A public lighthouse and museum on Hatsushima island offering panoramic views and a look into maritime history.

What it is

• A white small-scale lighthouse located on a southeastern hill of the island.
• The fifteenth lighthouse in Japan to be opened for public viewing.
• The structure was first lit on March 25, 1959.
• A dedicated lighthouse museum was established at the site in 2006.

What to see

• An external spiral staircase leading up the lighthouse structure.
• Exhibits regarding maritime history housed within the onsite lighthouse museum.
• Views of the surrounding area from the elevated hill location.

Getting there

• Take a twenty-five minute ferry ride from Atami to reach the island.
• The site is a fifteen minute walk from Hatsushima Port.

Read more about Hatsushima Lighthouse

Japan's first reinforced concrete lighthouse, an octagonal structure on the Miho Peninsula within a World Heritage pine grove area.

What it is

• The first reinforced concrete lighthouse built in Japan, first lit in 1912.
• An A-rank preserved lighthouse designated as an Important Cultural Property in 2022.
• Part of the Miho-no-Matsubara World Heritage area on the Miho Peninsula.
• An unmanned facility officially named Shimizu Lighthouse and commonly called Miho Lighthouse.

What to see

• The octagonal horizontal cross-section of the main white structure.
• A unique weathercock featuring the design of a celestial maiden.
• The surrounding coastal scenery of the Miho-no-Matsubara area.

Getting there

• A fifteen minute walk from the Miho Honcho bus stop.

Read more about Shimizu Lighthouse

Japan's oldest active lighthouse, built by Richard Henry Brunton in 1871, stands as a historic stone monument on a southern island.

What it is

• The oldest existing and active lighthouse in Japan, first lit on January 1, 1871.
• One of eight treaty lighthouses built following the Edo Treaty agreements.
• A designated national historic site directed by British engineer Richard Henry Brunton.
• A stone structure built using the first quick-setting cement ever used in Japan.

What to see

• The original lighthouse tower constructed from local Izu stone sourced from Shimoda.
• Modern seismic reinforcements including carbon fiber used to preserve the historic structure.
• A historic maritime landmark recognized by the International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation.

Read more about Mikomotoshima Lighthouse

A historic white brick lighthouse designed by Richard Henry Brunton offering panoramic ocean views and a dedicated on-site museum.

What it is

• A National Important Cultural Property and A-rank preserved white brick lighthouse tower.
• Designed by Richard Henry Brunton with construction completed in 1874.
• Part of the Omaezaki Enshunada Prefectural Natural Park in Shizuoka.
• A historic site that survived damage from military attacks in 1945.

What to see

• The 22.47 meter tall white brick tower which visitors can climb for a fee.
• An on-site museum detailing the history and technology of the structure.
• A radio beacon station located within the lighthouse grounds.
• Coastal views from the observation point featured in the 1957 film Joy and Sorrow of Days.

Read more about Omaesaki Lighthouse

A functional white lighthouse built in 1964, located within a scenic windbreak forest near the entrance of Lake Hamana.

What it is

• A white lighthouse first lit on April 21, 1964.
• Located in a windbreak forest near the Hamana Lake entrance.
• Situated near the historic Maisaka-juku station site.
• Positioned in the vicinity of the local library and gymnasium.

What to see

• The white lighthouse structure standing among coastal trees.
• Views of the surrounding windbreak forest near the water.
• The nearby National Route 1 Hamana Bypass infrastructure.

Getting there

• A thirty minute walk from JR Bentenjima Station.
• Accessible via Entetsu Bus to the Maisaka Todai stop.

Read more about Maisaka Lighthouse

A thirteen-meter lighthouse on Cape Osezaki offering views of a freshwater pond, a shrine, and a popular diving bay.

What it is

• A thirteen-meter tall lighthouse first lit in November 1957.
• A maritime structure situated on the tip of Cape Osezaki in Numazu City.
• A landmark located within the grounds of Hikitechikara no Mikoto Shrine.
• An active light reaching a distance of twelve nautical miles.

What to see

• The Osezaki Myojin Pond located directly behind the lighthouse structure.
• A cobblestone shoreline along the nearby coast.
• The Ose Swimming Beach and a bay known for diving.
• The surrounding shrine grounds which require an entrance fee to access.

Read more about Izu Osezaki Lighthouse

A historic white lighthouse in Iwata City moved to its current location to protect it from coastal erosion and earthquakes.

What it is

• A white lighthouse standing on the east side of the Tenryu River mouth.
• The original structure was built in 1880 by Arai Shinkei.
• A government lighthouse was completed at this site in March 1897.
• The structure was moved in 2002 for coastal erosion and earthquake countermeasures.

What to see

• The white lighthouse tower standing near the river mouth.
• Coastal views of the Tenryu River and the surrounding shoreline.

Read more about Kakezuka Lighthouse