Erimomisaki Lighthouse, Lighthouse at Cape Erimo, Japan
Erimomisaki Lighthouse is a large white lighthouse at the tip of Erimo Cape in Erimo, Hokkaido, within Hidaka Sanmyaku-Erimo-Tokachi National Park. It stands above coastal terraces and sea cliffs, and the surrounding reefs are a habitat of Kuril harbor seals. It is one of Japan's 50 Selected Lighthouses.
The structure was built in the late 1800s to warn ships away from rock formations that made this coast dangerous. It was among the first navigation aids installed along southern Hokkaido and reflects the region's growing maritime safety.
The cape and its lighthouse are the subject of the enka song "Erimo Misaki" by Yūjirō Ishihara, released in 1974. The song's lyrics describe the wind and the sea at the cape, and the lighthouse appears in its imagery. Visitors often associate the site with this song, which is played in the area.
From the former JR Hidaka Main Line Samani Station, take a JR Hokkaido Bus Nichisho Line bound for Erimo Misaki or Hiroo for one hour; get off at Erimo Misaki and walk five minutes. The cape is exposed to strong wind, so bring warm layers and sturdy shoes.
The lighthouse operates under some of Japan's most extreme wind conditions, which constantly test the structure. Seals inhabit nearby coastal areas and can sometimes be spotted from the cape by visitors.
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