Ishikari Lighthouse

Ishikari Lighthouse is a maritime navigation structure in Hokkaido, a white cylindrical tower standing about 27 meters tall at the mouth of the Ishikari River where it meets the Sea of Japan. The site includes a visitor center with displays about maritime navigation and local products that explain the historical importance of this location.

The structure was built in 1872 during the Meiji period and marked the start of modern maritime infrastructure on the northern island. This facility was part of Japan's efforts to make shipping routes along the Hokkaido coast safer and more reliable.

The lighthouse and surrounding park show how coastal communities connect maritime traditions with the natural world. Visitors can see how this place guided ships while also shaping the local landscape.

The location is accessible by public transportation or car and is situated within an easy-to-navigate park with clear signage. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes as the grounds can be explored on foot and conditions vary with the seasons.

Through natural coastal processes, the tower now stands about 1.5 kilometers from the sea, even though it was built directly on the shore. The area is known for its wild Hamanasu roses, which paint the flat terrain with soft pink blossoms in summer.