Ashika Shima Lighthouse

Overview

Ashika Shima Lighthouse is a roughly 14-metre lighthouse standing off the coast of Yokosuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture. First lit in 1916, this historic tower illuminates the maritime gateway of Tokyo Bay and has long watched over the safety of passing ships. Built on a small island bearing the name ashika, meaning sea lion, it can be seen from ferry and pleasure-boat routes, its solitary form rising from the water as a characteristic point in the seascape of Tokyo Bay.

Highlights

• ●A history of over a century since its first lighting in 1916
• ●The roughly 14-metre tower standing proudly at sea
• ●Its setting on a small island bearing the name ashika, or sea lion
• ●The Tokyo Bay seascape viewed from ferry and pleasure-boat routes

History

Ashika Shima Lighthouse was first lit in 1916, during the Taishō era. It was a time when modern harbors and navigational aids were being developed across Japan, and this lighthouse too was established to safeguard vessels navigating Tokyo Bay. Since then it has illuminated the mouth of the bay for more than a century. For details of its construction, its light characteristic and its range, please consult official sources.

Map

35.2119, 139.7353 · Wikidata

Suggested itinerary

1. 1Choose a boat service touring Tokyo Bay from around Yokosuka
2. 2View Ashika Shima Lighthouse at sea from the route
3. 3Reflect on its history dating to its first lighting in 1916
4. 4Enjoy the seascape of Tokyo Bay along with the voyage

Did you know?

💡 A distinctive feature of this lighthouse is that it stands on an island named ashika, meaning sea lion. Counting from its first lighting in 1916, it has a history of more than a hundred years, a long-serving beacon that has supported maritime traffic in Tokyo Bay since the Taishō era.

Nearby spots