Kattoshimisaki Lighthouse, Maritime beacon in Hokuto, Japan
Kattoshimisaki Lighthouse is a white beacon standing on the Kattoshi-Misaki cape in Hokkaido. The structure operates as an automated facility powered by solar energy with no permanent staff required.
The lighthouse began operations in 1885 and ranks among the oldest in Hokkaido. It underwent modernization decades later when solar power systems were installed in 1996.
The lighthouse serves as a navigation landmark for vessels traveling between major ports in the region. It represents an important part of Japan's maritime infrastructure that visitors can observe firsthand.
The lighthouse is accessible via a coastal road with limited parking options nearby. Visitors should be aware that it remains an active navigation aid and access to the structure itself may be restricted.
The structure houses a third-order Fresnel lens made by French manufacturer Barbier and Fenestre. This makes it the only lighthouse in Japan equipped with this particular type of lens.
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