Shionomisaki Lighthouse, Cylindrical stone lighthouse in Kushimoto, Japan
Shionomisaki Lighthouse is a cylindrical stone structure standing at the southernmost tip of the Kii Peninsula in Wakayama Prefecture. The white tower rises above rocky cliffs where the coastline meets the open sea.
The lighthouse began operations in 1873 under British engineer Richard Henry Brunton, who brought modern lighthouse design to Japan's coast. The stone structure replaced an earlier wooden version and has guided ships ever since.
The structure stands where ship captains once had to navigate dangerous waters and rocky reefs along the southern coast. It remains a landmark that shows how Japan connected with the rest of the world through maritime routes.
The site sits on rocky terrain with ocean views from various angles, so wear sturdy shoes for exploring the grounds. Plan to spend time both around the structure and on the surrounding pathways.
The beacon was equipped with a second-order Fresnel lens in 1929, a technology that concentrates light into a powerful beam visible for many miles at sea. This lens design became standard for helping ships navigate safely through difficult waters.
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