Lighthouses of Japan: Toyama and Niigata

This page lists lighthouses of the Japanese prefectures of Toyama and Niigata, facing the Sea of Japan on the western coast of Honshū. Unlike most Japanese coasts, this coastal region is relatively low, with only a few rocky promontories.

In Japanese, the word for a lighthouse is tōdai or toudai (灯台). The words saki and misaki are for capes and headlands, shima (also spelled sima or jima) is an island, wan is a bay, and kō is a harbor. Lighthouses in Japan are operated and maintained by the Japanese Coast Guard's Maritime Safety Agency. On Honshū there is at least one Coast Guard Section Office in each prefecture, often two or more.

A note on the Sea of Japan/East Sea controversy: The Directory takes no side in any international dispute; it makes use of the terminology, names, and spellings as they currently exist in each area covered. The sea between Japan and Korea is called the Sea of Japan on the pages for Japan and the East Sea on the pages for Korea.

ARLHS numbers are from the ARLHS World List of Lights. JP numbers are the Japanese Coast Guard's light list numbers. Admiralty numbers are from volume M of the Admiralty List of Lights & Fog Signals. U.S. NGA List numbers are from Publication 112.

General Sources
Lighthouses in Japan
A comprehensive site, although almost entirely in Japanese. It's easiest to use the pages for each prefecture: Toyama | Niigata. There's also a page on Lighthouses by R. H. Brunton listing the earliest Western-style Japanese lighthouses.
Lighthouse-Japan.com
Excellent photos with notes (in Japanese) for many of the lighthouses. There are pages for each prefecture: Toyama | Niigata.
Kiso's Lighthouses
This site has many excellent photos of Japanese lighthouses.
Misty's Japanese Lighthouse Tour
Photos and a few notes for lighthouses in all parts of the country.
Kato's Lighthouses
Photos and notes from all parts of Japan.
Ninth Region Lighthouse Location Map
This interactive map links to photos and descriptions (in Japanese) of the major lighthouses of the Ninth Coast Guard Region, including Ishikawa, Toyama, and Niigata Prefectures..
The Famous Fifty Lighthouses
Photos of the lighthouses voted most famous in Japan, posted by the Eighth Coast Guard Region. One of the fifty (Hime Saki) stands in the area covered by this page.
Modern Lighthouse Design
Posted by the Japan Aids to Navigation Association (JANA), this page links to descriptions and photos of interesting modern lighthouses throughout Japan.

Ikuzi Hana Light
Ikuji Hana Light, Kurobe
Japanese Coast Guard photo

Lighthouses of Toyama Prefecture

Himi City Lighthouse
* Himi Kō North Breakwater
Date unknown (station established 1939). Active; focal plane 12 m (39 ft); red flash every 5 s. 11 m (36 ft) concrete post light attached to a square 1-story concrete equipment shelter. Entire lighthouse is red. Google has a satellite view. Located at the end of the north breakwater at Himi, in the southwestern corner of Toyama Bay. Accessible by walking the pier. Site open, tower closed. ARLHS JPN-1282; JP-1256; Admiralty M7166; NGA 3044.

Takaoka City (Fushiki Harbor) Lighthouses
* Iwasaki No Hana
1951. Active; focal plane 58 m (190 ft); white flash every 15 s. 14 m (46 ft) round cylindrical concrete tower with lantern and gallery, rising from a rectangular 1-story equipment building. Entire lighthouse is white. The city of Takaoka also has a small page for the lighthouse including the photo at right, Lighthouses of Japan site has a page for the lighthouse, Lighthouse-Japan.com has a page with several photos, Misty's Tour has additional photos, and Google has a satellite view of the station. Located on a promontory about 3 km (2 mi) northwest of the entrance to Fushiki (Takaoka) harbor. Site open, tower closed. ARLHS JPN-191; JP-1258; Admiralty M7160; NGA 3056.
* Fushiki-Tyuo (East Breakwater)
1999. Active; focal plane 12 m (39 ft); two green flashes every 5 s. 7 m (23 ft) hexagonal pyramidal skeletal tower with lantern and gallery, painted white, mounted on a hexagonal 1-story concrete equipment room. Lighthouse-Japan.com has a page with good photos, JANA also has a page for the lighthouse, with a photo, a view from shore is available, and Google has a satellite view. This unusual lighthouse is a replica of an 1877 wood lighthouse, the first to be built in this area of Japan. Located at the end of the breakwater of the traditional fishing harbor of Fushiki, just west of the modern industrial harbor. Accessible by walking the pier, and the lighthouse must be easy to see from the waterfront. Site open, tower closed. JP-1262.5; Admiralty M7162.3; NGA 3065.
Fushiki Outer Breakwater Southeast Head
Date unknown. Active; focal plane 13 m (43 ft); two red flashes every 5 s. 10 m (33 ft) round concrete tower with a flared top, attached to a small equipment shelter. Entire lighthouse is red. Google has a satellite view. Located at the east end of the detached outer breakwater. Accessible only by boat. Site and tower closed. JP-1263.41; Admiralty M7162.2; NGA 3066.

Iwasaki No Hana Light; City of Takaoka photo
* Fushiki Kō East Breakwater
1962. Active; focal plane 12 m (39 ft); green flash every 4 s. 10 m (33 ft) concrete post light attached to a square 1-story concrete equipment shelter. Entire lighthouse is white. The light is at the upper right in a photo of the shore, and Google has a satellite view. Located at the end of the jetty on the east side of the entrance to the Oyabegawa River in Fushiki. Accessible by walking the pier. Site open, tower closed. ARLHS JPN-1281; JP-1267; Admiralty M7162; NGA 3068.
* Fushiki Kō (Leading Light)
1979. Active; focal plane 20 m (66 ft); continuous light, red, green or white depending on direction. 18 m (59 ft) round cylindrical white concrete tower with gallery; the lights are shown through windows at the top of the tower. Additional photos are available, and Google has a fuzzy satellite view. Located at the water's edge on the east side of Fushiki harbor. Site open, tower closed. ARLHS JPN-1280; JP-1266; Admiralty M7161.3; NGA 3076.

Imizu City (Shinminato Harbor) Lighthouses
* Shinminato Gyoko West Breakwater
Date unknown (station established 1938). Active; focal plane 10 m (33 ft); two red flashes every 7 s. 8.5 m (28 ft) concrete post light attached to a square 1-story concrete equipment shelter. Entire lighthouse is red. Google has a fuzzy satellite view. Located at the end of the west breakwater of the traditional Shinminato harbor, now a small boat harbor. Accessible by walking the pier. Site open, tower closed. JP-1268; Admiralty M7156; NGA 3080.
Shinminato (Sinmanato) Gyoko Outer Breakwater
Date unknown. Active; focal plane 14 m (46 ft); green flash every 3 s. 9 m (30 ft) concrete post light attached to a square 1-story concrete equipment shelter. Entire lighthouse is white. Google has a satellite view. Located at the end of the outer breakwater of a harbor about 1 km (0.6 mi) east of the traditional Shinminato harbor. Accessible only by boat. Site open, tower closed. JP-1270.3; Admiralty M7151.8; NGA 3090.
* Shinminato (Toyama Sinko) West Breakwater
1967. Active; focal plane 16 m (52 ft); two red flashes every 6 s. 15 m (49 ft) round concrete tower with lantern and gallery. Entire lighthouse is red. A 2006 photo and a photo showing both breakwater lighthouses is available, and Google has a satellite view. This lighthouse stands adjacent to a park that includes the berth of the retired tall ship Kaiō-Maru, Japan's cadet training ship from 1930 to 1989. Located at the end of a short breakwater pier. Site and tower closed (a fence prevents walking the pier), but the lighthouse is easily seen from the park. ARLHS JPN-1295; JP-1275; Admiralty M7151.4; NGA 3092.
* Shinminato (Toyama Sinko) East Breakwater
1967. Active; focal plane 16 m (52 ft); two green flashes every 6 s. 15 m (49 ft) round concrete tower with lantern and gallery. Entire lighthouse is white. A photo is at right, another photo and a photo showing both breakwater lighthouses are available, and Google has a satellite view. Located at the end of the east (main) breakwater pier of the new Shinminato harbor. Accessible by walking the pier. Site open, tower closed. ARLHS JPN-1294; JP-1274; Admiralty M7151; NGA 3096.

Toyama Sinko East Breakwater Light, June 2008
Panoramio Creative Commons photo by Axis

Toyama City Lighthouses
* Toyama Kō West Breakwater
1957. Active; focal plane 11 m (36 ft); two red flashes every 10 s. 10 m (33 ft) round concrete tower attached to a 1-story concrete equipment shelter. Entire lighthouse is red. Google has a fuzzy satellite view. Located on the breakwater on the west side of the entrance to the main harbor basin of Toyama city. Accessible by walking the pier. Site open, tower closed. ARLHS JPN-1292; JP-1280; Admiralty M7149; NGA 3112.
* Toyama Kō (Namericawa Kō) East Breakwater
1935. Active; focal plane 13 m (43 ft); two green flashes every 5 s. 10 m (33 ft) round concrete tower with lantern and gallery. Entire lighthouse is white. Masatika Hinata has a photo of the lighthouse in action, and Google has a satellite view. Located at the end of the east breakwater pier of the main harbor basin of Toyama city. Accessible by walking the pier. Site open, tower closed. ARLHS JPN-1293; JP-1281; Admiralty M7148; NGA 3108.
* Mizuhashi Kō
1992. Active; focal plane 12 m (39 ft); green flash every 3 s. 10 m (33 ft) concrete post light attached to a square 1-story concrete equipment shelter. Entire lighthouse is white. Google has a satellite view. Located at the end of the east (outer) breakwater at Mizuhashi, at the east end of the Toyama city waterfront. Accessible by walking the pier. Site open, tower closed. ARLHS JPN-1289; JP-1282; Admiralty M7147; NGA 3116.

Namerikawa City Lighthouse
* Namerikawa Kō
1957. Active; focal plane 13 m (43 ft); two green flashes every 6 s. 10 m (33 ft) concrete post light attached to a square 1-story concrete equipment shelter. Entire lighthouse is white. Google has a fuzzy satellite view. Located at the end of a pier on the north side of the entrance to the small boat harbor at Namerikawa, northeast of Toyama. Accessible by walking the pier. Site open, tower closed. ARLHS JPN-1290; JP-1283; Admiralty M7145; NGA 3120.

Uozu City Lighthouses
* Uozu North Auxiliary Breakwater
1984. Active; focal plane 12 m (39 ft); two green flashes every 5 s. 9.5 m (31 ft) concrete post light attached to a square 1-story concrete equipment shelter. Entire lighthouse is white. Google has a satellite view. Located at the end of an auxiliary breakwater at Uozu, south of the traditional harbor. Accessible by walking the pier. Site open, tower closed. ARLHS JPN-1297; JP-1286; Admiralty M7144.4; NGA 3124.
* Uozu North Breakwater
Date unknown (station established 1938). Active; focal plane 13 m (43 ft); green flash every 4 s. 9.5 m (31 ft) concrete post light attached to a square 1-story concrete equipment shelter. Entire lighthouse is white. Google has a satellite view. Located at the end of the north breakwater at Uozu. Accessible by walking the pier. Site open, tower closed. ARLHS JPN-1298; JP-1284; Admiralty M7142; NGA 3132.
* Kyōden Kō
1960. Active; focal plane 13 m (43 ft); two green flashes every 7 s. 10 m (33 ft) concrete post light attached to a square 1-story concrete equipment shelter. Entire lighthouse is white. Google has a satellite view. Located at the end of the breakwater at a small boat harbor on the north side of Uozu. Accessible by walking the pier. Site open, tower closed. JP-1288; Admiralty M7137.6; NGA 3140.

Kurobe City Lighthouses
* Kurobe Kō
1962. Active; focal plane 13 m (43 ft); continuous green light with one brighter flash every 5 s. 10 m (33 ft) round cylindrical concrete tower with gallery. Lighthouse painted white, except a pattern of red flames is painted around the top of the tower. The flames represent fires lit in a Shinto ritual, performed once a year for the safety of sailors. A Coast Guard photo is at right, Lighthouse-Japan.com has a page with several good photos, JANA also has a page for the lighthouse, with a photo, and Google has a satellite view. Located at the end of the breakwater of Kurobe; apparently accessible by walking the pier. Site open, tower closed. ARLHS JPN-1286; Admiralty M7137.2; NGA 3144.
* Ikuji (Ikuzi) Hana
1951. Active; focal plane 32 m (105 ft); white flash every 10 s. 30.5 m (100 ft) round cylindrical concrete tower with lantern and gallery, painted with black and white horizontal bands (an unusual daymark for a Japanese lighthouse). Lighthouses of Japan has a page with two good photos, Lighthouse-Japan.com has a page with several excellent photos, and Google has a satellite view. This lighthouse marks the eastern entrance to Toyama Bay. Located on a cape on the north side of Kurobe. Site open, tower closed. ARLHS JPN-161; JP-1290; Admiralty M7137; NGA 3148.
Kurobe Light
Kurobe Light; Japanese Coast Guard photo

Shimoniikawa District Lighthouse
Miyazaki Hana
1959. Active; focal plane 108 m (354 ft); two white flashes every 11 s. 12 m (39 ft) round cylindrical concrete tower with lantern and gallery. Entire lighthouse is white. Lighthouse-Japan.com has a page with several photos, and Google has a satellite view. Located on a forested height above Miyazaki, a village about 7 km (4.5 mi) east of Nyuzen. Site status unknown. ARLHS JPN-367; JP-1292; Admiralty M7136.7; NGA 3156.

Lighthouses of Niigata Prefecture

Jōetsu City Lighthouses
Tsutsuishi Kō (Senzoka Shima)
Date unknown. Actove; focal plane 15 m (49 ft); continuous green light with a more intense flash every 5 s. 8.5 m (28 ft) concrete post light attached to a square 1-story concrete equipment shelter. Entire lighthouse is white. Google has only a fuzzy satellite view of this harbor. Located at the end of a breakwater attached to an island (Senzoka Shima) in the harbor entrance of Tsutsuishi. Accessible only by boat. Site open, tower closed. ARLHS JPN-1275; JP-1298; Admiralty M7133; NGA 3184.
* Torigakubi Misaki
1950. Active; focal plane 82 m (269 ft); white flash every 5 s. 12 m (39 ft) square cylindrical concrete tower with semicircular concrete lantern room and gallery, attached to a 1-1/2 story equipment building. The "stair-step" appearance of this lighthouse is quite unusual. Entire lighthouse is white. Lighthouses of Japan also has a page for the lighthouse, Lighthouse-Japan.com has a page with several photos, and Google has a satellite view. Located just off highway 87, on a prominent cape about 10 km (6 mi) west of Jōetsu. Site open, tower closed. ARLHS JPN-673; JP-1301; Admiralty M7132; NGA 3192.
Jōetsu (Naoetsu Kō) West Breakwater
1971. Active; focal plane 22 m (72 ft); continuous red light with two brighter flashes every 8 s. 19 m (62 ft) square tapered concrete tower with lantern, gallery, and a tall "dunce-cap" lantern roof. Lighthouse painted red. The Coast Guard has a photo, but the end of the breakwater is not seen in Google's satellite view. The architecture of the lighthouse recalls traditional forms used for several Japanese lighthouses in the early Meiji period (1870s). Located at the end of the main (west) breakwater of Jōetsu; this curving breakwater stretches about 2750 m (1.7 mi) into the Sea of Japan. Accessible only by boat. Site and tower closed. ARLHS JPN-1264; Admiralty M7125; NGA 3200.

Kashiwazaki City Lighthouses
* Yoneyama Saki
1969. Inactive since 2009. 14.5 m (48 ft) concrete post light rising from a square 1-story concrete equipment room. Tower painted white with one black horizontal band; equipment room is white. Lighthouse-Japan.com has a page with good photos, another page is available, Misty's Tour has another photo, and Google has a very distant satellite view. Located on a high promontory about 12 km (7.5 mi) southwest of Kashiwazaki. Site open, tower closed. ARLHS JPN-759; JP-1305; ex-Admiralty M7121; NGA 3208.

Torigakubi Misaki Light; Japanese Coast Guard photo
Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Station
Date unknown (early 1980s). Active; focal plane 16 m (52 ft); two red flashes every 7 s. 12 m (39 ft) round concrete tower, painted red. Google has a satellite view. The 7-unit power plant was commissioned in 1985. Located at the end of the plant's main breakwater in Kariwa. Site and tower closed. Admiralty M7119.5; NGA 3326.
* Shiiya (Siiya) Saki (Kannon Saki) (2)
2010 (station established 1955). Active; focal plane about 60 m (197 ft); white flash every 15 s. Approx. 14 m (46 ft) round cylindrical fiberglass and steel tower with lantern room gallery. Entire lighthouse is white. Google has a satellite view. The photos on the Coast Guard's page, Lighthouses of Japan's page, the Misty's Tour photo all show the original lighthouse, which was apparently demolished. This lighthouse guides ships approaching the port of Niigata as they enter the Sado Strait between the mainland and Sado Shima. Located on a sharp promontory about 10 km (6 mi) north northwest of Kashiwazaki. Site open, tower closed. ARLHS JPN-556; JP-1307; Admiralty M7119; NGA 3328.

Santō District Lighthouse
* Izumozaki Kō
1961. Active; focal plane 13 m (43 ft); two red flashes every 5 s. 11 m (36 ft) concrete post centered on a square 1-story concrete equipment shelter. Entire lighthouse is red. A distant view from shore is available, and Google has a satellite view. Located at the end of the west breakwater at Izumozaki, about 35 km (22 mi) northeast of Kashiwazaki. Accessible by walking the pier. Site open, tower closed. ARLHS JPN-1263; JP-1308; Admiralty M7118.4; NGA 3332.

Nagaoka City Lighthouse
* Teradomari Kō
Date unknown. Active; focal plane 14 m (46 ft); two red flashes every 5 s. 9.5 m (31 ft) concrete post attached to a square 1-story concrete equipment shelter. Entire lighthouse is red. Google has a satellite view. Located at the end of the detached west breakwater at Teradomari, about 50 km (30 mi) southwest of Niigata. Accessible only by boat, but there are good views from ferries between Teradomari and Sado Shima. Site status unknown. ARLHS JPN-1274; JP-1310; Admiralty M7118; NGA 3340.

Niigata City Lighthouses
* Kakuta (Kakuda) Misaki
1959. Active; focal plane 50 m (164 ft); two white flashes every 20 s. 12.5 m (41 ft) round cylindrical concrete tower with lantern and gallery, connected to a 1-story concrete keeper's house. Entire lighthouse is white. A photo is at right, Lighthouses of Japan also has a page for the lighthouse, Lighthouse-Japan.com has a page with several photos, and Google has a satellite view. This lighthouse marks a northwestward bulge of the coastline south of Niigata. Located on a sharp promontory about 20 km (13 mi) southwest of Niigata. Site open, tower closed. ARLHS JPN-213; JP-1312; Admiralty M7117; NGA 3348.
* Niigata West Breakwater (Niigata Kō)
1925. Active; focal plane 24 m (79 ft); red flash every 6 s. 22 m (72 ft) round concrete tower with lantern and gallery, painted red. Located at the end of the original west breakwater at the mouth of the Shinano River, which forms Niigata West Port. A new detached breakwater has extended the protection for the harbor considerably; the Coast Guard photo was taken before this new breakwater was built. Paul Skinner has a good 2008 photo, Lighthouse-Japan.com has a page with good photos, Fiddian Warman has a photo, and Google has a satellite view of the lighthouse. Apparently accessible by walking the breakwater, which is used by fishermen; there's also a good view from ferries between Niigata and Sado Shima. Site open, tower closed. ARLHS JPN-413; JP-1344; Admiralty M7111.2; NGA 3356.
Niigata East Breakwater
Date unknown. Active; focal plane 12 m (39 ft); two green flashes every 7 s. 10 m (33 ft) round concrete tower, painted white. A 2009 photo and a distant view from the west breakwater are available, and Google has a fuzzy satellite view. Located at the end of the relatively short east breakwater at the mouth of the Shinano River. Accessible by walking the pier, although it's a long walk through an industrial zone to reach the pier. Site open, tower closed. JP-1345; Admiralty M71112; NGA 3360.
Kakuta Misaki Light
Kakuta Misaki Light; City of Niigata photo
* Agano Kawa (Agano River)
1934. Active; focal plane 16 m (52 ft); white light, 3 s on, 3 s off. 16 m (52 ft) concrete post light rising from a square 1-story equipment room. Entire lighthouse is white. The lighthouse can be seen in a Google satellite view. This light has an unusual design. Located beside a waterfront street on the east side of the entrance to the Agano River in Niigata. Site open, tower closed. ARLHS JPN-002; JP-1350; Admiralty M7109; NGA 3380.

Sado Shima (Sado City) West Coast Lighthouses
Note: Sado Shima is an island about 50 km (30 mi) off the mainland coast of Niigata Prefecture. Actually, it is two mountainous islands connected by a low isthmus, so the shape of the island resembles a butterfly. The population is about 65,000. Formerly known for its gold mine (now closed), the island has become a popular resort destination. There is hourly ferry service from Niigata and additional ferry services from Jōetsu and Teradomari. Most visitors arrive by ferry, but commuter plane service from Niigata is also available. The listing of lighthouses is clockwise around the island, starting in the far southwest.
** Sawasaki Hana (2)
1987 (station established 1928). Active; focal plane 41 m (135 ft); two white flashes every 30 s. 24 m (79 ft) octagonal cylindrical concrete tower with lantern and gallery, attached to a 1-story concrete keeper's house. Entire lighthouse is white. Lighthouses of Japan also has a page for the lighthouse, Lighthouse-Japan.com has a page with photos, Misty's Tour has another photo, a 2007 closeup and a 2010 photo are available, and Google has a very distant satellite view. The octagonal form of this handsome lighthouse is unusual. It marks the extreme southwestern tip of Sado Shima, commanding a wide view of the Sea of Japan. The original lighthouse was replaced after being damaged by several earthquakes and storms over its lifetime. Accessible by road. Site open; photos of the Fresnel lens suggest that the tower may also be open, at least by arrangement with the attendants. ARLHS JPN-547; JP-1313; Admiralty F7103; NGA 3216.
Mano Wan Breakwater
Date unknown. Active; focal plane 10 m (33 ft); two green flashes every 6 s. 9.5 m (31 ft) concrete post light attached to a square 1-story concrete equipment shelter. Entire lighthouse is white. Google has only a fuzzy satellite view of the breakwater. Mano Bay (Mano Wan) is the embayment on the south side of the "butterfly" of Sado Shima. The light is at the east end of a long detached breakwater that shelters ports on the west side of the bay. Accessible only by boat. Site open, tower closed. ARLHS JPN-1266; JP-1316; Admiralty F7103.5; NGA 3224.
* Futami (Hutami) Kō
1974. Active; focal plane 10 m (33 ft); green flash every 3 s. 8.5 m (28 ft) round concrete tower with a flared top, attached to a square 1-story concrete equipment shelter. Entire lighthouse is white. Google has a distant satellite view of the location. Located at the end of the south (main) breakwater of Futami, about 2.5 km (1.5 mi) northeast of Daiga Hana. Accessible by walking the pier (although it's a long walk). Site open, tower closed. ARLHS JPN-1262; JP-1317; Admiralty F7103.6; NGA 3228.
* Daiga Hana (2)
1986 (station established 1951). Active; focal plane 46 m (151 ft); white flash every 5 s. 13 m (43 ft) round cylindrical concrete tower with lantern and gallery. Entire lighthouse is white. Lighthouses of Japan also has a page for the lighthouse, Lighthouse-Japan.com has a page with several photos, and Google has a fuzzy satellite view of the station. According to the Coast Guard, the original light was on an unsatisfactory "converted building." Located at the southwestern tip of the northern portion of Sado Shima. Accessible by road. Site open, tower closed. ARLHS JPN-050; JP-1318; Admiralty M7104; NGA 3232.
Sawasaki Hana
Sawasaki Hana Light
Japanese Coast Guard photo
* Nagate Misaki
1972. Active; focal plane 10 m (33 ft); white flash every 4 s. 9.5 m (31 ft) round hourglass-shaped concrete tower. Entire lighthouse is white. Google has a very distant satellite view. Located on a rocky point on the northwest side of Inakujira. Site open, tower closed. ARLHS JPN-1269; JP-1322; Admiralty M7104.5; NGA 3240.
Ichiri (Itiri) Shima
Date unknown. Active; focal plane 20 m (66 ft); two white flashes every 5 s. 20 m (66 ft) concrete post light with gallery, mounted on a round concrete pier. Lighthouse painted black with a red horizontal band. Located on a reef about 2.5 km (1.5 mi) off the waterfront of Aikawa, on the west coast of Sado Shima. Accessible only by boat. Site and tower closed. JP-1323; Admiralty M7105; NGA 3248.
* Himetsu (Himezu) Kō
1966. Active; focal plane 15 m (49 ft); green light, 3 s on, 3 s off. 9.5 m (31 ft) round hourglass-shaped concrete tower. Entire lighthouse is white. Google has a very distant satellite view. At Himetsu, a narrow artificial harbor for small craft has been created by a series of breakwaters connecting the high points of a rocky reef. According to the author of Lighthouse-Japan.com, this is a tourist attraction and there is an admission fee for the breakwater. The lighthouse is atop the southernmost rock, near the end of the breakwater. Site open, tower closed. ARLHS JPN-1261; JP-1324; Admiralty M7106.1; NGA 3252.
** Sado Ōsaki
1964. Active; focal plane 31 m (102 ft); white flash every 12 s. 10 m (33 ft) round cylindrical concrete tower with lantern and gallery. Entire lighthouse is white. A photo is at right, Lighthouses of Japan also has a page for the lighthouse, Lighthouse-Japan.com has a page with good photos, Misty's Tour has an additional photo, and Google has a fuzzy satellite view. This station is in a park and is a well-known and popular attraction; the large building near the lighthouse is a visitor center and aquarium. Located on a rocky promontory about 2.5 km (1.5 mi) north of Himetsu. Accessible by road. Site open, tower closed but there is a wonderful view from the base of the tower. ARLHS JPN-520; JP-1325; Admiralty M7106; NGA 3256.
Nyū Saki
1956. Active; focal plane 56 m (184 ft); white light occulting twice every 8 s. 12 m (39 ft) round cylindrical concrete tower with lantern and gallery. Entire lighthouse is white. Lighthouse-Japan.com has a page with several photos, but Google's fuzzy satellite view does not reveal the lighthouse. Behind the square window is a spotlight that shines on a shoal 1.5 km (0.9 mi) to the northwest. Located on a promontory on the northwest side of Sado Shima. Site status unknown. ARLHS JPN-440; JP-1326; Admiralty M7107; NGA 3260.
Takachi (Takati) Kō
Date unknown. Active; focal plane 14 m (46 ft); red flash every 3 s. 8.5 m (28 ft) round concrete tower with a flared top, attached to a square 1-story concrete equipment shelter. Entire lighthouse is red. Google has a distant satellite view of the location, but it does not show the tower. Located at the northeast end of the detached main breakwater at Takachi, just northeast of Nyū Saki. Accessible only by boat. Site and tower closed. JP-1328; Admiralty M7107.4; NGA 3264.
* Seki Misaki
1974. Active; focal plane 145 m (476 ft); white light, 3 s on, 3 s off. 11 m (36 ft) round hourglass-shaped concrete tower with lantern and gallery. Entire lighthouse is white. Lighthouse-Japan.com has a page with a fine photo, Misty's Tour has another small photo, and Google has a very distant satellite view. This is the island's highest light. Located on a promontory on the northwest side of Sado Shima. Accessible by road. Site open, tower closed. ARLHS JPN-549; JP-1329; Admiralty M7107.6; NGA 3268.
Sado Ōsaki Light
Sado Ōsaki Light, December 2006
Panoramio Creative Commons photo by bellsky

Sado Shima (Sado City) East Coast Lighthouses
* Hajiki (Haziki) Saki (2)
1990 (station established 1919). Active; focal plane 74 m (243 ft); three white flashes every 30 s. 19 m (62 ft) octagonal cylindrical concrete tower with lantern and gallery. Entire lighthouse is white. A 2-story Coast Guard station building adjoins the lighthouse. Lighthouses of Japan also has a page for the lighthouse, Lighthouse-Japan.com has a page with photos showing the lighthouse under restoration, a 2007 closeup is available, Misty's Tour has additional photos, and Google has a good satellite view. The station was established after a disastrous shipwreck in December 1915, in which 30 sailors were lost. The original lighthouse was replaced after being damaged by a 1964 earthquake and many winter storms. This site has a spectacular view of the Sea of Japan. Located on the northern tip of Sado Shima. Accessible by road. Site open, tower closed. ARLHS JPN-1259; JP-1330; Admiralty M7092; NGA 3272.
Miyano Saki
1980. Active; focal plane 43 m (141 ft); white light, 3 s on, 3 s off. 10.5 m (35 ft) square cylindrical concrete tower. Entire lighthouse is white. Lighthouse-Japan.com has a page with good photos, and Google has a cloudy satellite view. Located on a promontory on the northeast side of Sado Shima. Site status unknown. ARLHS JPN-366; JP-1332; Admiralty M7092.6; NGA 3280.
Ryōtsu Kō (North Breakwater East End)
Date unknown. Active; focal plane 14 m (46 ft); red light, 3 s on, 3 s off. 11 m (36 ft) concrete post light centered on a square 1-story concrete equipment room. Entire lighthouse is red. Google has a very distant satellite view. Ryōtsu, on the north side of the isthmus joining the two halves of Sado Shima, is the island's principal port. Located at the southeast end of the detached north outer breakwater of Ryōtsu. Accessible only by boat. Site and tower closed, but there's an excellent view from ferries arriving from Niigata. JP-1335; Admiralty M7095; NGA 3288.
Ryōtsu Wan Breakwater
1951. Active; focal plane 19 m (62 ft); red flash every 4 s. 16.5 m (54 ft) round cylindrical concrete tower with a small lantern and gallery, painted red. The lantern and top of the tower are decorated with screens so that the lighthouse resembles a traditional Okesa doll; this effect is seen better in the photo on the Lighthouses of Japan page for the lighthouse and in the Misty's Tour photo. Lighthouse-Japan.com has a page with photos, JANA also has a page for the lighthouse, and Google has a very distant satellite view. Located at the east end of the long, detached north breakwater of Ryōtsu. Accessible only by boat. Site and tower closed, but there's an excellent view from ferries arriving from Niigata. ARLHS JPN-1273; JP-1334; Admiralty M7094; NGA 3292.
** Hime Saki
1895. Active; focal plane 42 m (138 ft); white flash every 6 s. 14 m (46 ft) hexagonal pyramidal cast iron skeletal tower with lantern, gallery, enclosed watch room, and an enclosed keeper's house at the base. Entire lighthouse painted white. A 2008 photo is at right, Lighthouses of Japan also has a page for the lighthouse, Lighthouse-Japan.com has a page with excellent photos, Misty's Tour has additional photos, and Google has a satellite view. This lighthouse, the only surviving example of its class, is recognized as one of the most historic lighthouses of Japan. It was designed and prefabricated in Japan following a study of European models. The tower was restored in 1994 to prepare it for its 100th anniversary; the restoration was difficult because the original plans were not preserved. The 1-story keeper's house serves now as a vistor center. Located on the northernmost point of Sado Shima's eastern half, where it serves as a landfall light for vessels approaching from the mainland. Accessible by road. Site open, tower closed. ARLHS JPN-116; JP-1336; Admiralty M7096; NGA 3296.
Zyōga (Jōga) Hana
1966. Active; focal plane 32 m (105 ft); white light occulting twice every 6 s. 10 m (33 ft) square cylindrical concrete tower. Entire lighthouse is white. Lighthouse-Japan.com has a page with good photos, and Google has a satellite view. Located on a promontory on the east side of Sado Shima. Site status unknown. ARLHS JPN-772; JP-1338; Admiralty M7097; NGA 3304.
* Kōnose Hana
1952. Active; focal plane 23 m (75 ft); white light, 3 s on, 3 s off. 22 m (72 ft) round concrete tower with lantern and gallery, mounted on a square pyramidal concrete base. Entire lighthouse is white. Lighthouses of Japan also has a page for the lighthouse, Lighthouse-Japan.com has a page with several photos, and Google has a very distant satellite view. The narrowest passage of the Sado Strait is between this lighthouse and the Kakuta Misaki lighthouse on the mainland. Located at Kōnose on the southeast side of Sado Shima. Site open, tower closed. ARLHS JPN-274; JP-1339; Admiralty M7098; NGA 3308.
* Akadomari Kō
1984. Active; focal plane 12 m (39 ft); two green flashes every 7 s. 9.5 m (31 ft) square pyramidal skeletal tower, painted white, adjoining a square 1-story white concrete equipment shelter. The tower is not seen in Google's distant satellite view. Akadomari is a terminal for ferries arriving from Niigata. Located at the end of the south (main) breakwater of Akadomari. Accessible by walking the pier, and there must be good views from the ferries. Site open, tower closed. JP-1340.1; Admiralty M7100.2; NGA 3312.
Hime Saki Light
Hime Saki Light, October 2008
Wikimedia public domain photo by soica2001

Murakami City Lighthouse
Iwafune Kō Detached Breakwater
Date unknown. Active; focal plane 15 m (49 ft); green flash every 3 s. 10 m (33 ft) round cylindrical concrete tower. Entire lighthouse is white. Google has a satellite view. Located at the south end of the detached breakwater of Iwafune harbor in Murakami. Accessible only by boat. Site status unknown. JP-1357.7; Admiralty M7090.7; NGA 3405.
* Iwafune (Iwahune) Kō
1952. Active; focal plane 44 m (144 ft); white light, 3 s on, 3 s off. 12 m (39 ft) square concrete post light centered on a square 1-story concrete equipment room. Entire lighthouse is white. Lighthouse-Japn.com has a page with photos, but Google's satellite view of the area does not reveal the lighthouse. Located on heights north of the harbor of Iwafune. Site open, tower closed. ARLHS JPN-187; JP-1359; Admiralty M7090; NGA 3412.
* Awa Shima Kō East Breakwater
1977. Active; focal plane 13 m (43 ft); green flash every 4 s. 9.5 m (31 ft) concrete post light attached to a square 1-story concrete equipment shelter. Entire lighthouse is white. Google has only a fuzzy satellite view of the breakwater. Awa Shima is an island about 16 km (10 mi) off the coast of the northern end of Niigata Prefecture. The island is about 4 km (2.5 mi) in length and has a population of about 500. Passenger ferry service is available from Iwafune. The island is being promoted as a base for recreational deep-sea fishing. Located at the end of the east (really south) breakwater of Awa Shima harbor. Accessible by walking the pier. Site open, tower closed. JP-1362; Admiralty M7089.5; NGA 3420.
Awa Shima (Awashima)
1954. Active; focal plane 274 m (899 ft); white flash every 10 s. 11 m (36 ft) square cylindrical concrete tower rising from a rectangular 1-story concrete equipment building. Entire lighthouse is white. A photo is at right, Lighthouses of Japan also has a page for the lighthouse, and Lighthouse-Japan.com has a page with good photos, but Google has only a fuzzy satellite view of the location. This lighthouse's powerful light has a range of 70 km (43.5 mi). Located at the highest point of the island. Site status unknown. ARLHS JPN-032; JP-1361; Admiralty M7089; NGA 3416.
Awa Shima Light
Awa Shima Light, July 2007
Panoramio Creative Commons photo by friendD

Information available on lost lighthouses:

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Adjoining pages: North: Northern Honshū | South: Ishikawa

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Posted April 2, 2007. Checked and revised December 1, 2011. Lighthouses: 55. Site copyright 2011 Russ Rowlett and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.