Esaki Lighthouse, Maritime beacon on Awaji Island, Japan
The Esaki Lighthouse is a stone structure on the northern tip of Awaji Island that guides vessels through the Akashi Strait. It stands about 8 meters tall and operates with Fresnel lenses that produce white light visible from considerable distances.
British engineer Richard Henry Brunton designed and built this lighthouse in 1871 as part of Japan's modernization during the Meiji period. The structure became a model for other navigation systems developed along the coast at that time.
The lighthouse earned recognition as a National Important Cultural Property in 2022, representing the meeting of Western engineering methods and Japanese building traditions. You can see this blend in the details of how it was constructed and maintained.
The location offers good views of the Akashi Strait and the surrounding island landscape. Keep in mind that the area can be windy, and wearing sturdy footwear is a good idea when walking around.
The effects of the 1995 Great Hanshin earthquake remain visible in the foundation where shifts and cracks have been marked with colored concrete. These marks show how the natural disaster affected the structure, yet it continues to function.
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