Overview
Wakkanai Lighthouse stands on Cape Noshappu in the city of Wakkanai, Hokkaido. At 42.7 metres it is the tallest lighthouse on Hokkaido and the second tallest in Japan, after the Hinomisaki Lighthouse in Izumo. With its striking red-and-white stripes, it has become a symbol of Cape Noshappu.
Highlights
- ●The tallest lighthouse in Hokkaido and second tallest in Japan at 42.7 m
- ●Red-and-white stripes that symbolize Cape Noshappu
- ●Selected as one of the '50 Lighthouses in Japan'
- ●Opened to the public from around Golden Week
History
The original lighthouse was built in 1900 on the heights above, but had to be relocated after the area was taken over for a base. The present lighthouse was rebuilt to the same height at its current location in 1966. It is also listed among the '50 Lighthouses in Japan'.
Access
It stands on Cape Noshappu in the city of Wakkanai, Hokkaido, where the surrounding coastline lies within Rishiri-Rebun-Sarobetsu National Park. Check maps and official sources for detailed routes.
Best season
Public access begins around Golden Week each year, so a visit from spring to summer, timed to the opening, is recommended. On clear days you can see Rishiri and Rebun islands across the Soya Strait.
Map
45.4495, 141.6452 · Wikidata
Suggested itinerary
- 1Gaze up at Wakkanai Lighthouse on Cape Noshappu
- 2Photograph the red-and-white striped tower
- 3Look out to Rishiri and Rebun islands across the Soya Strait
- 4Stroll the coastline of Rishiri-Rebun-Sarobetsu National Park
Did you know?
💡 At 42.7 metres, it is the tallest lighthouse in Hokkaido and the second tallest in Japan. The original lighthouse served as one of the filming locations for Shochiku's 1957 film Times of Joy and Sorrow.
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