March 19 / Lighthouses of Japan
The history of Japanese lighthouses, guideposts of the ocean, goes back 1200 years. It is said that their beginnings lie in the signal fires (‘Noroshi’) lit in the daytime and the bonfires (‘Kagaribi’) burnt at night as a signal to ships in the capes and islands of Kyushu.
Throughout the country there are 67 lighthouses still functioning and in active use that were built in the Meiji era (1868-1912), the time of the founding of modern Japan. These lighthouses have both historic and cultural value, and are firmly established as symbols of the area in which they stand. Many are cultural assets.
Irago-misaki, Aichi-ken, 16m, commision year : 1929
Because of their long history, the lighthouses may not have the strength to survive.
Here are some of the 23 lighthouses which have been ranked ‘A’, lighthouses assessed to be of especially high value.
Tomogashima, Wakayama-ken, 12m, since 1872
In April of 1867, the shogunate and an English minister concluded the Osaka agreement in preparation for the opening of the Hyogo port (December of that year). This is one of the five lighthouses of that time. The light tower was a bit closer to the sea at the time of construction but was moved east about 25 meters in 1890 by the army to construct its No. 1 battery here.
Shiriyasaki, Aomori-ken, 33m, since 1876
Brick structure designed by R.H. Brunton. The Shiriya Saki Lighthouse is in an area known as the birthplace of fog signals, with the fog bell being the first fog signal in Japan. This is also the birthplace of electric lighthouses with the first being the electrification of the lighthouse with arc lights in December of 1901. Since this optical device was modeled after the Eckmille Lighthouse of France, it was called the elard type electric arc lamp. With this improvement, light intensity increased from 36,000 cd to 13,000,000 cd to the extent that its brightness was referred to as the “sun of the sea”.
Tsunoshima, Yamaguchi-ken, 45m high, since 1876
Since the construction site of the lighthouse was on low ground only 13 meters above sea level, the lighthouse was made tall and indeed was considered one of the few tall lighthouses of the time. Of the 30 m of the tower above ground, the part from the ground up to a height of 24 m is of stacked roughly polished granite, and the remaining upper part of carved decorative cut stones for a beautiful soft appearance. The stones were from Tokuyama-ken.
Cape Muroto, Kochi-ken, 15m, since1899
The light tower is an iron structure. All construction materials were carried by sailboat to the tip of the cape and, after offloading at Tsukimigahama below the lighthouse site, they were transported to the top by means of steam power on specially-laid rails.
It is said that there was a huge pine tree called Tengu (long nosed goblin) pine at the construction site, which was used for identifying Muroto harbor on entry after a daimyo had left Kannoura after his alternate year residence in Edo. However, it was cut down for construction of the lighthouse.
Izumo Hino-misaki, Shimane-ken, 44m, since1903
The stone used was hard stone (tuffaceous sandstone) from Moriyama, Shimane prefecture. The height of the lighthouse from foundation to top is 43.65 meters, and it has remained the king of lighthouses in Japan ever since the time of construction. Japan possessed traditional stone construction techniques from experience in constructing castles in the past. Use of these techniques, which boast a beauty of modeling, enabled the Japanese to design and construct this large stone structure lighthouse themselves. In 1951 and 1973, the department of technology of Kyoto University conducted a diagnosis of weathering and aging of the light tower by applying vibration, but no defects could be observed. This was testimony again to the excellence of the stone work techniques of the time.
Mizunoko Shima, Oita-ken, 39m, since 1904
Mizunoko Shima is an isolated barren rock island and is located at the center of the Bungo channel between Shikoku and Kyushu. It is 7.5 nautical miles from the nearest shore at Kajisaki. The light tower is a stone structure with Tokuyama cut granite stacked decoratively and 8 stories inside. The first floor is the water tank, the 2nd and 3rd floors are for storage of equipment, the 4th and 5th floors are for storage of fuel and the 6th and 7th floors are for living accommodation. The construction period of 4 years for the Mizunoko Shima Light house was the longest construction period required for any lighthouse and is considered one of the most difficult construction projects. Since the lighthouse is on a low lying island, it was not unusual for the height of raging waves to exceed the roofs of the auxiliary buildings during the typhoon season. Records show that during the typhoon of September 22, 1912, fierce waves covered the roof of the lighthouse. Records also show that on October 1, 1941, giant waves reached the 7th floor sleeping quarters of the tower, drenched the meteorological instruments and devices such as the power generating equipment, and also destroyed the landing stage.
Shimizu, Shizuoka-ken, 18m, since 1912
This is the oldest reinforced concrete lighthouse remaining in its original form in Japan.
Ogi-shima (island), Kagawa-ken, 12.4m, since 1895
Other Unique Lighthouses
Tokyo Chiyoda City Lighthouse, since 1871
Inactive as a navigational aid for many years but a white decorative light is displayed. Approx. 12 m (39 ft) 2-stage rubblestone tower with lantern and double gallery. The lower half of the tower is square and tapered, while the upper half is octagonal cylindrical. This lighthouse was built shortly after the Meiji Restoration (1866-69) restored the power of the Emperor and ushered in the start of the modernization of Japan.
Yokohama North Outer Breakwater South Head, Yokohama Port, since 1939
Active; focal plane 20 m (66 ft); two red flashes every 8 s. 24 m (79 ft) round cylindrical concrete tower with lantern and gallery, attached to a square 2-story service building or keeper's house. The lantern has a conical "dunce cap" roof. Lighthouse painted red.
Moroisosaki, Miura, Kanagawa-ken, since 1944
Active; focal plane 21 m (69 ft); white light, 4 s on, 4 s off. 19 m (59 ft) square hourglass-shaped concrete tower with gallery, attached to a small concrete equipment shelter. Entire lighthouse is white.
Yokohama South Inner Breakwater (relocated), Yokohama Port, since 1896
Inactive since 1958 (?). 15 m (49 ft) octagonal pyramidal cast iron tower with lantern and gallery, painted white. On 14 April 1958 the departing Cunard liner Caronia collided with the end of the breakwater, knocking the lighthouse over. Following this disaster, the lighthouse was salvaged and relocated to the end of a nearby pier. Since 1961 the historic passenger liner Hikawa Maru has been berthed at the pier. Located at the end of a short wharf on the south side of Yokohama's inner harbor.
Throughout the country there are 67 lighthouses still functioning and in active use that were built in the Meiji era (1868-1912), the time of the founding of modern Japan. These lighthouses have both historic and cultural value, and are firmly established as symbols of the area in which they stand. Many are cultural assets.
Irago-misaki, Aichi-ken, 16m, commision year : 1929
Because of their long history, the lighthouses may not have the strength to survive.
Here are some of the 23 lighthouses which have been ranked ‘A’, lighthouses assessed to be of especially high value.
Tomogashima, Wakayama-ken, 12m, since 1872
In April of 1867, the shogunate and an English minister concluded the Osaka agreement in preparation for the opening of the Hyogo port (December of that year). This is one of the five lighthouses of that time. The light tower was a bit closer to the sea at the time of construction but was moved east about 25 meters in 1890 by the army to construct its No. 1 battery here.
Shiriyasaki, Aomori-ken, 33m, since 1876
Brick structure designed by R.H. Brunton. The Shiriya Saki Lighthouse is in an area known as the birthplace of fog signals, with the fog bell being the first fog signal in Japan. This is also the birthplace of electric lighthouses with the first being the electrification of the lighthouse with arc lights in December of 1901. Since this optical device was modeled after the Eckmille Lighthouse of France, it was called the elard type electric arc lamp. With this improvement, light intensity increased from 36,000 cd to 13,000,000 cd to the extent that its brightness was referred to as the “sun of the sea”.
Tsunoshima, Yamaguchi-ken, 45m high, since 1876
Since the construction site of the lighthouse was on low ground only 13 meters above sea level, the lighthouse was made tall and indeed was considered one of the few tall lighthouses of the time. Of the 30 m of the tower above ground, the part from the ground up to a height of 24 m is of stacked roughly polished granite, and the remaining upper part of carved decorative cut stones for a beautiful soft appearance. The stones were from Tokuyama-ken.
Cape Muroto, Kochi-ken, 15m, since1899
The light tower is an iron structure. All construction materials were carried by sailboat to the tip of the cape and, after offloading at Tsukimigahama below the lighthouse site, they were transported to the top by means of steam power on specially-laid rails.
It is said that there was a huge pine tree called Tengu (long nosed goblin) pine at the construction site, which was used for identifying Muroto harbor on entry after a daimyo had left Kannoura after his alternate year residence in Edo. However, it was cut down for construction of the lighthouse.
Izumo Hino-misaki, Shimane-ken, 44m, since1903
The stone used was hard stone (tuffaceous sandstone) from Moriyama, Shimane prefecture. The height of the lighthouse from foundation to top is 43.65 meters, and it has remained the king of lighthouses in Japan ever since the time of construction. Japan possessed traditional stone construction techniques from experience in constructing castles in the past. Use of these techniques, which boast a beauty of modeling, enabled the Japanese to design and construct this large stone structure lighthouse themselves. In 1951 and 1973, the department of technology of Kyoto University conducted a diagnosis of weathering and aging of the light tower by applying vibration, but no defects could be observed. This was testimony again to the excellence of the stone work techniques of the time.
Mizunoko Shima, Oita-ken, 39m, since 1904
Mizunoko Shima is an isolated barren rock island and is located at the center of the Bungo channel between Shikoku and Kyushu. It is 7.5 nautical miles from the nearest shore at Kajisaki. The light tower is a stone structure with Tokuyama cut granite stacked decoratively and 8 stories inside. The first floor is the water tank, the 2nd and 3rd floors are for storage of equipment, the 4th and 5th floors are for storage of fuel and the 6th and 7th floors are for living accommodation. The construction period of 4 years for the Mizunoko Shima Light house was the longest construction period required for any lighthouse and is considered one of the most difficult construction projects. Since the lighthouse is on a low lying island, it was not unusual for the height of raging waves to exceed the roofs of the auxiliary buildings during the typhoon season. Records show that during the typhoon of September 22, 1912, fierce waves covered the roof of the lighthouse. Records also show that on October 1, 1941, giant waves reached the 7th floor sleeping quarters of the tower, drenched the meteorological instruments and devices such as the power generating equipment, and also destroyed the landing stage.
Shimizu, Shizuoka-ken, 18m, since 1912
This is the oldest reinforced concrete lighthouse remaining in its original form in Japan.
Ogi-shima (island), Kagawa-ken, 12.4m, since 1895
Other Unique Lighthouses
Tokyo Chiyoda City Lighthouse, since 1871
Inactive as a navigational aid for many years but a white decorative light is displayed. Approx. 12 m (39 ft) 2-stage rubblestone tower with lantern and double gallery. The lower half of the tower is square and tapered, while the upper half is octagonal cylindrical. This lighthouse was built shortly after the Meiji Restoration (1866-69) restored the power of the Emperor and ushered in the start of the modernization of Japan.
Yokohama North Outer Breakwater South Head, Yokohama Port, since 1939
Active; focal plane 20 m (66 ft); two red flashes every 8 s. 24 m (79 ft) round cylindrical concrete tower with lantern and gallery, attached to a square 2-story service building or keeper's house. The lantern has a conical "dunce cap" roof. Lighthouse painted red.
Moroisosaki, Miura, Kanagawa-ken, since 1944
Active; focal plane 21 m (69 ft); white light, 4 s on, 4 s off. 19 m (59 ft) square hourglass-shaped concrete tower with gallery, attached to a small concrete equipment shelter. Entire lighthouse is white.
Yokohama South Inner Breakwater (relocated), Yokohama Port, since 1896
Inactive since 1958 (?). 15 m (49 ft) octagonal pyramidal cast iron tower with lantern and gallery, painted white. On 14 April 1958 the departing Cunard liner Caronia collided with the end of the breakwater, knocking the lighthouse over. Following this disaster, the lighthouse was salvaged and relocated to the end of a nearby pier. Since 1961 the historic passenger liner Hikawa Maru has been berthed at the pier. Located at the end of a short wharf on the south side of Yokohama's inner harbor.
5 years ago
