Tsurumisaki Lighthouse

Tsurumisaki Lighthouse is a white octagonal tower positioned at the easternmost point of Kyushu, where strong ocean currents and rocky formations create challenging maritime conditions. The structure stands at a location where sea and land meet dramatically, offering views across open water from its elevated coastal setting.

The lighthouse was built to guide ships through a region with difficult navigation conditions and has served this purpose since its construction. It represents a chapter in the history of maritime safety along eastern Kyushu's shipping routes.

Local fishing communities near Tsurumisaki maintain traditional maritime practices, with the lighthouse serving as a central reference point for their activities.

Access requires driving along a narrow coastal road, with steep grades on the final stretch that demand careful navigation. Visitors should be prepared for changing weather conditions and wear sturdy shoes for exploring this exposed location.

The lighthouse grounds once held a military fortification called Tanga Hodai, where a gun emplacement protected the coast during wartime. Today visitors can explore the remains of this former defense site, discovering layers of local history at the same location.