Mihonoseki Lighthouse, Maritime navigation tower in Mihonoseki, Japan
Mihonoseki Lighthouse is a white stone tower rising 14 meters above the eastern tip of Shimane Peninsula. The structure was built to guide ships through Sea of Japan waters and is now recognized as a registered tangible cultural property.
The tower began operations in November 1898 during Japan's period of maritime modernization. Its construction reflects the country's effort to adopt modern navigation systems in the late 1800s.
The lighthouse stands near Miho Shrine, where fishermen traditionally honor Ebisu, the deity of commerce and safety at sea. This connection reveals how deeply maritime concerns shaped the spiritual life of the local community.
The journey requires leaving from JR Matsue Station and taking a bus for about 80 minutes to reach Mihonoseki village. From there, you can walk or drive a short distance to the lighthouse, which sits on an exposed coastal point where weather can be changeable.
The lighthouse appears on international lists honoring the world's most significant towers and those of Japan specifically. This dual recognition highlights how it exemplifies early Japanese maritime engineering and design.
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