Shirakami misaki Lighthouse, Maritime lighthouse at southern Hokkaido, Japan
Shirakami misaki Lighthouse is a hexagonal structure painted in red and white stripes, positioned at the southernmost tip of Hokkaido and marking the entrance to the Tsugaru Strait. The tower rises above the coastline and overlooks the waterway separating Hokkaido from the Tsugaru Peninsula.
The structure was built in 1888 as an iron tower to serve ships navigating the strait. A major reconstruction in 1951 replaced the original iron frame with a concrete building to improve durability and maintenance.
The lighthouse holds registry number 0001 with the Japan Coast Guard, symbolizing its place as the nation's first recorded beacon.
The site is reachable by bus in about 70 minutes from Kikonai Station, with parking available for those driving. The location is easily accessible by foot, and the clifftop setting offers clear sightlines across the strait.
The location serves as a stopover point for migratory birds passing through the coastal waters. Visitors may spot various species during migration seasons when the area becomes alive with passing flocks.
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