Esaki Lighthouse

Overview

Esaki Lighthouse is a large white stone lighthouse standing in the Nojima-Esaki area of Awaji, Hyogo Prefecture. Located at the northernmost cape of Awaji Island facing the Akashi Strait opposite Kobe, it was one of the first of five Western-style lighthouses built in the early Meiji era and holds high historical and cultural value. It lies within the Setonaikai National Park, and the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge can be seen from the site.

Highlights

• ●A white stone lighthouse at the northernmost cape of Awaji Island
• ●One of the first of five Western-style lighthouses built in the early Meiji era
• ●Designation as an Important Cultural Property of Japan and a Civil Engineering Heritage
• ●Views of the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge from the site

History

Built under the Osaka Convention of the early Meiji era, it was one of the first of five Western-style lighthouses and dates to 1871. It was designed by Richard Henry Brunton. It is registered as an A-grade lighthouse for historic preservation and as a modernization industrial heritage, and is designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan as well as a Selected Civil Engineering Heritage.

Map

34.6064, 134.9933 · Wikidata

Suggested itinerary

1. 1Head toward Cape Matsuho at the northern tip of Awaji Island
2. 2View the stone-built Esaki Lighthouse up close
3. 3Enjoy views of the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge from the lighthouse
4. 4Explore the coastal scenery of the Setonaikai National Park

Did you know?

💡 It is a stone lighthouse about 8.27 metres in height.

Nearby spots