Lighthouses of Japan: Niigata

This page lists lighthouses of the Japanese prefecture of Niigata, facing the Sea of Japan on the western coast of Honshū. In addition to its lengthy coast on the mainland, Niigata Prefecture also includes the large island of Sado Shima to the west.

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. Niigata Prefecture has a single office at Niigata City.

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. JCG 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 - Niigata
A comprehensive site, although almost entirely in Japanese.
Lighthouse-Japan.com - Niigata
Excellent photos with notes (in Japanese) for many of the lighthouses.
Kiso's Lighthouses
This site has many excellent photos of Japanese lighthouses.
Misty's Japanese Lighthouse Tour - Niigata
Photos and a few notes for lighthouses in all parts of the country.
Kato's Lighthouses
Photos and notes from all parts of Japan.
Lighthouses (Niigata Prefecture)
Another large site for photos of Japanese lighthouses.
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.
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.
Lighthouses in Niigata Prefecture
Photos available from Wikimedia.
The Famous Fifty Lighthouses
Photos of the lighthouses voted most famous in Japan, posted by the Eighth Coast Guard Region. One of the fifty (the Hime Saki lighthouse seen at right) stands in the area covered by this page.
Japan: Modern Lighthouses
Historic postcard views posted by Michel Forand.

Niigata West Breakwater Light
Niigata West Breakwater Light, Niigata, September 2008
Flickr photo copyright Fiddian Warman; used by permission

Mainland Lighthouses

Itoigawa City Lighthouse
* Nō Kō
1951. Active; focal plane 29 m (95 ft); white flash every 4 s. 8.5 m (28 ft) concrete post with gallery, attached to a small 2-story equipment shelter. A closeup photo is available, but Google has only a fuzzy satellite view. Built atop a steep islet, the lighthouse is accessible by an attractive footbridge. Located at Nō, a small port about 20 km (13 mi) east of Itoigawa. Site open, tower closed. ARLHS JPN-423; JCG-1296; Admiralty M7134; NGA 3172.

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 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; JCG-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; JCG-1301; Admiralty M7132; NGA 3192.
Seki Kawa (Sekikawa)
Date unknown. Active; focal plane 14 m (46 ft); red flash every 3 s. 9.5 m (31 ft) concrete post attached to a square 1-story concrete equipment shelter. Entire lighthouse is red. A photo is available, and Google has a satellite view. Located on a detached breakwater on the west side of the mouth of the Seki River in Jōetsu. Accessible only by boat. Site and tower closed. JCG-1302; Admiralty M7128; NGA 3196.
Jōetsu (Naoetsu Kō) West Breakwater (2)
1994 (station established 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; JCG-1303; Admiralty M7125; NGA 3200.

Torigakubi Misaki Light, Jōetsu
Japanese Coast Guard Ninth Region photo
Jōetsu East Breakwater
Date unknown. Active; focal plane 13 m (43 ft); green flash every 4 s. 9.5 m (31 ft) concrete post attached to a square 1-story concrete equipment shelter. Entire lighthouse is white. No photo available, but Google has a satellite view. Located on the east breakwater of Jōetsu. Site and tower closed (industrial port area). JCG-1304; Admiralty M7125.5; NGA 3202.

Kashiwazaki City Lighthouses
* Yoneyama Saki
1969. Inactive since 2009. 14.5 m (48 ft) concrete post with double gallery 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, Kato's blog has another page, 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; JCG-1305; ex-Admiralty M7121; NGA 3208.
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. JCG-1306.5; 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. The contractor has a photo (bottom of the page), and Google has a satellite view. The photos on the Coast Guard's page, Lighthouses of Japan's page, and the Misty's Tour photo all show the original lighthouse, which was 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; JCG-1307; Admiralty M7119; NGA 3328.

Santō District Lighthouse
* Izumozaki Kō Breakwater
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; JCG-1308; Admiralty M7118.4; NGA 3332.
#Izumozaki Kō
Date unknown. Demolished in 2010. This was an 11 m (36 ft) round cylindrical concrete tower, painted black with one yellow horizontal band. Kato's blog has a photo (2/3 the way down the page) taken in April 2010, shortly before the light was removed. It became redundant when an outer breakwater incorporated the shoal it marked. Google's satellite view confirms the removal. Formerly located a short distance off Izumozaki harbor. Site open. ex-JCG-1309; ex-Admiralty M7118.6; NGA 3336.

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 Akadomari on Sado Shima. Site status unknown. ARLHS JPN-1274; JCG-1310; Admiralty M7118; NGA 3340.

Niigata City Lighthouses
* Maze Kō
1969. Active; focal plane 14 m (46 ft); two red flashes every 6 s. 8.5 m (28 ft) concrete post attached to a square 1-story concrete equipment shelter. Entire lighthouse is red. Google has an indistinct satellite view. Located at the end of the original west breakwater at Maze (now surrounded by long outer breakwaters), at the western end of Niigata City. Accessible by walking the pier. Site open, tower closed. JCG-1311; Admiralty M7117.4; NGA 3344.
* 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; JCG-1312; Admiralty M7117; NGA 3348.
* Niigata West Breakwater (Niigata Kō) (2)
Date unknown (station established 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. Fiddian Warman's photo is at the top of this page, Paul Skinner has a good 2008 photo, Lighthouse-Japan.com has a page with good photos, and Bing has a satellite view of the lighthouse. Forand has a historic postcard view of the original 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; JCG-1344; Admiralty M7111.2; NGA 3356.
Niigata No. 2 West Breakwater
Date unknown. Active; focal plane 15 m (49 ft); white flash every 3 s. 12 m (39 ft) round cylindrical concrete tower. Entire lighthouse is red. Bing has a satellite view. Located at the end of the west breakwater extension, about 2 km (1.25 mi) north of the older West Breakwater Light. Accessible only by boat; there's also a good view from ferries between Niigata and Sado Shima. Site open, tower closed. JCG-1342.5; Admiralty M7110.5; NGA 3352.
Kakuta Misaki Light
Kakuta Misaki Light, Niigata
City of Niigata photo
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 Bing has a 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. JCG-1345; Admiralty M71112; NGA 3360.
* 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. Bing has a satellite view. This seldom-photographed 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; JCG-1350; Admiralty M7109; NGA 3380.
Niigata Higashi West Breakwater
Date unknown. Active; focal plane 12 m (39 ft); red flash every 3 s. 13 m (43 ft) skeletal tower, according to NGA. Entire lighthouse is red. No photo available, but Bing has an indistinct satellite view. Located at the end of the long breakwater of Niigata Higashi harbor, an industrial port on the northeast side of the city. Site and tower closed. JCG-1353; Admiralty M7108.4; NGA 3396.
Niigata Higashi East Breakwater
Date unknown. Active; focal plane 12 m (39 ft); green flash every 3 s. 9.5 m (31 ft) concrete post attached to a square 1-story concrete equipment room. Entire lighthouse is white. No photo available, but Bing has an indistinct satellite view. Located at the end of the east breakwater of Niigata Higashi harbor. Site and tower closed. JCG-1357.3; Admiralty M7108.2; NGA 3388.

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. Bing 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. JCG-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-Japan.com has a page with photos, and Bing has a satellite view. Located on heights north of the harbor of Iwafune. Site open, tower closed. ARLHS JPN-187; JCG-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. Bing has a satellite view. 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. JCG-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, and Bing has a satellite view of the location. This lighthouse's powerful light has a range of 70 km (43.5 mi). Located on Mount Koshibayama, the highest point of the island. Site status unknown. ARLHS JPN-032; JCG-1361; Admiralty M7089; NGA 3416.
Awa Shima Light
Awa Shima Light, Murakami, July 2007
Panoramio Creative Commons photo by friendD

Sado Shima (Sado City) 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.
Southwest Coast Lighthouses
** 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. Will Lockmiller's photo is at right, 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. 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; JCG-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. A distant view is available, but 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; JCG-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. Another page for the light has two photos, but 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; JCG-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; JCG-1318; Admiralty M7104; NGA 3232.
Sawasaki Light
Sawasaki Hana Light, Sado Shima, August 2009
Flickr photo copyright Will Lockmiller; permission requested
* 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. Additional photos are available, and 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; JCG-1322; Admiralty M7104.5; NGA 3240.

Northwest Coast Lighthouses
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. A photo is available. 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. JCG-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. Another page for the light has several photos, and 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; JCG-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; JCG-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, and Bing has a satellite view. Behind the square window is a spotlight (JCG-1327) 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; JCG-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. Another photo is available, and Bing has a satellite view. 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. JCG-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 Bing has a satellite view. This is the island's highest light. Located on a promontory on the northwest side of Sado Shima. Accessible by road and a short (but steep) hiking trail. Site open, tower closed. ARLHS JPN-549; JCG-1329; Admiralty M7107.6; NGA 3268.
Sado Ōsaki Light
Sado Ōsaki Light, Sado Shima, December 2006
Panoramio photo copyright bellsky; used by permission

Northeast 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. Forand has a historic postcard view of the original lighthouse, which was similar in appearance. 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; JCG-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, additional photos are available, and Google has a cloudy satellite view. Located on a promontory on the northeast side of Sado Shima. Site status unknown. ARLHS JPN-366; JCG-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. Bing has a 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. JCG-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 Bing has a 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; JCG-1334; Admiralty M7094; NGA 3292.

Southeast Coast Lighthouses
** 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; JCG-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; JCG-1338; Admiralty M7097; NGA 3304.
Hime Saki Light
Hime Saki Light, Sado Shima, October 2008
Wikimedia public domain photo by soica2001
* 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; JCG-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. A cloud blocks Bing's satellite view. Akadomari is a terminal for ferries arriving from Teradomari. 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. JCG-1340.1; Admiralty M7100.2; NGA 3312.

Information available on lost lighthouses:

Notable faux lighthouses:

Adjoining pages: North: Yamagata and Akita | South: Toyama

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Posted April 2, 2007. Checked and revised November 24, 2012. Lighthouses: 43. Site copyright 2012 Russ Rowlett and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.