Shioyazaki Lighthouse, Lighthouse in Usuiso, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan
Shioyazaki Lighthouse is a concrete structure on the Pacific coast in Usuiso that stands about 24 meters high and guides ships with light signals. The tower sits on a cape that slopes toward the sea, offering wide views of the coastline from the top.
The lighthouse was built in 1899 and rebuilt in concrete in 1940 after a severe 1938 earthquake damaged the original structure. This rebuilding reinforced the tower for the region's seismic activity.
The lighthouse is known locally as the Hibari Lighthouse, named after singer Hibari Misora's song 'Midaregami,' which references Shioya Cape. The song has given this location special meaning for the community and connected it to their cultural memory.
You can visit the lighthouse during daytime hours on most days, with opening times varying by season. The climb to the top is available and offers a chance to see the coast from above and understand how the beacon works.
After the 2011 earthquake, the lighthouse remained dark for nine months before being restored to service. This period of darkness made it a symbol of the region's long path to recovery and rebuilding.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
