Tateishimisaki Lighthouse, Historic lighthouse in Tsuruga Bay, Japan
Tateishimisaki Lighthouse is a white stone structure marking the entrance to Tsuruga Bay, positioned at the tip of the Tsuruga Peninsula near the Tateishi fishing port. The tower stands in a straightforward style typical of late 19th-century navigation structures.
Built in 1881, the lighthouse ranks among the oldest navigation structures on the Sea of Japan coast. It originally used oil lamps for illumination before later switching to acetylene gas technology.
The lighthouse appears on Tsuruga City's official emblem, showing how deeply this structure connects to the port's maritime identity. Local residents regard it as a symbol of the city's connection to the sea.
To reach the lighthouse, walk about 500 meters (1,640 feet) from the road's end through the coastal settlement and then follow the hiking trail. Bring comfortable shoes and allow extra time for the coastal path through the local community.
The structure was entirely designed and built by Japanese engineers, marking a turning point when Japan began constructing its own lighthouses instead of relying on foreign designs. This represents an important moment in the country's technical independence during the Meiji period.
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