Saikazaki Lighthouse

Saikazaki Lighthouse is a white tower standing on the cliffs of Saikazaki Cape in Wakayama Prefecture, with three floors designed to provide views across the water and surrounding landscape. The upper levels offer panoramic sightlines to nearby islands and shipping channels below.

Construction took place between 1871 and 1874, marking an important navigation point for ships crossing the waters around the Kii Peninsula. The building was completed during Japan's push to modernize coastal shipping and improve maritime safety.

The lighthouse overlooks a fishing village where houses are stacked in layers down the steep cliffs, reflecting how locals have organized their lives around the sea for generations. This pattern of settlement shows the close relationship between the community and maritime work.

Access is via a local bus service with a walking path leading from the stop to the lighthouse, manageable for most visitors with normal fitness levels. The upper floors offer the clearest views, so plan to spend time there rather than just the ground level.

The coastal settlement below the lighthouse is sometimes compared to Italy's Amalfi Coast because of how houses cling to the steep slopes. This comparison is striking because such terraced arrangements are uncommon in Japan.