Tsunojima Lighthouse

Tsushima Toudai

Favorite

Tsunojima Lighthouse is a historic lighthouse built during the Meiji period, characterized by its beautiful granite stone tower. The view from Tsunojima, a peninsula jutting into the Sea of Japan, is simply breathtaking!

Historic Sites
National Treasure
Scenic Views

Tourist destination images of Tsunojima Lighthouse(1)

Tourist destination images of Tsunojima Lighthouse(2)

HighlightsBeautiful granite stone tower
360-degree panoramic view of the Sea of Japan
Spectacular sunset over the horizon
Strolling and relaxing in the Lighthouse Park
Learning about the lighthouse's history and culture

Basic Information

Address: 1 Tsunojima, Hokubu-cho, Shimonoseki City, Yamaguchi Prefecture Search for tourist attractions in Yamaguchi

Access: ☆Train & Bus 　・Take the JR Sanin Main Line to Tokushi Station. 　　From Tokushi Station, take the Blue Line Transportation bus to the Lighthouse Park entrance (approx. 25 minutes), then walk for about 5 minutes. ☆Car 　・From Shimonoseki IC on the Chugoku Expressway: Approx. 1 hour 20 minutes via National Route 191, Prefectural Route 275, and Prefectural Route 276. 　・From Mine IC on the Chugoku Expressway: Approx. 1 hour 10 minutes via National Route 435, Prefectural Route 275, and Prefectural Route 276. Show route

Op.Hours: March - September: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM* October - February: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM*

Cld.Days: No days off

Fee: Entrance fee (Donation): 300 yen (Junior high school students and above) Free for elementary school students and younger, and people with disabilities (one caregiver per person with disabilities requiring assistance).

INFO: Please enter by 20 minutes before the closing time*.

HP: https://www.tokokai.org/tourlight/tourlight11/

Overview

Tsunojima Lighthouse, lit on March 1, 1876 (Meiji 9), was the first large lighthouse on the Sea of Japan at the time. Designed by British engineer R. H. Brinton, its location on low-lying land (only 13 meters above sea level) necessitated a taller tower than many of its contemporaries. The 30-meter-tall tower is constructed of roughly hewn granite ashlar masonry up to 24 meters, with a decorative arrangement of finely cut stone at the top, creating a beautiful and soft appearance. The granite originates from Tokuyama, Yamaguchi Prefecture. The interior of the lighthouse is also granite, featuring a sturdy 105-step spiral staircase cleverly integrated with the exterior walls. The craftsmanship is exquisite, evident in every detail. Seismic reinforcement and preservation work were carried out in fiscal year 1995 (Heisei 7). The lighthouse lens is a 2.59-meter-tall, octagonal first-order Fresnel lens. Designed in 1874 by Stevenson of England and manufactured by Barbier of France, it remains in operation today. The surrounding area has been developed as Tsunojima Lighthouse Park, a relaxing space for locals and visitors. The former rest house has been restored by the former Hokubu Town and is open to the public as a lighthouse museum. The completion of the Tsunojima Ohashi Bridge (1780m long) in November 2000 (Heisei 12) connected the island to the mainland. Tsunojima Lighthouse is a Class A preservation lighthouse of high historical and cultural value, recognized as one of Japan's 50 best lighthouses, a Modernization Heritage Site, and a Civil Engineering Heritage Site selected by the Japan Society of Civil Engineers. Tsunojima Lighthouse is located on the beautiful island of Tsunojima, which sits in the Sea of Japan. Tsunojima is a paradise-like place surrounded by blue seas, white sandy beaches, and lush nature. The view from the lighthouse offers a panoramic vista of the magnificent Sea of Japan. Sunset is particularly breathtaking, with the sky and sea painted in stunning shades of orange. The lighthouse area features walking paths, observation decks, and parking, allowing visitors to relax and enjoy their time. Tsunojima Lighthouse is a captivating tourist destination blending history, nature, and stunning scenery.