Tsunoshima Lighthouse Park

Tsunoshima Lighthouse Park is a well-maintained park centered around the Tsunoshima Lighthouse, a precious cultural heritage landmark from the Meiji era. Loved as a place of relaxation for locals, the lighthouse has been in active service for over 100 years, lighting up every day since 1876 (Meiji 9). It was the first Western-style lighthouse on the Sea of Japan side of Japan. The tower stands 29.6 meters tall and is one of only two unpainted lighthouses in Japan. By making a donation, you can climb it using the narrow spiral staircase inside. Elsewhere in the park are the “Lighthouse Memorial Museum,” which exhibits Tsunoshima’s history and information about various lighthouses; an “Observation Deck” with outstanding views over the Sea of Japan and the Hibikinada Sea; and small shops and rest areas—everything is nicely arranged for comfortable sightseeing. Access to Tsunoshima Lighthouse Park: by public transportation, take a Blue Line Kotsu bus from JR San-in Main Line “Takibe Station” (33 minutes) or from “Kottoi Station” (23 minutes), get off at “Todai Koen-mae,” then walk about 3 minutes. By car, it’s about 70 minutes from Shimonoseki IC on the Chugoku Expressway / Kanmon Expressway.