Kashinosaki Lighthouse, Stone lighthouse in Kushimoto, Japan
Kashinosaki Lighthouse is a stone and concrete lighthouse standing on the eastern cliffs of Oshima island near Kushimoto, rising to a height of 14.6 meters above the water. The structure was built to guide ships navigating the Pacific Ocean, and it remains a recognizable landmark on the coastal landscape.
Constructed in 1870 by British engineer Richard Henry Brunton, this was the first stone lighthouse built during Japan's Meiji modernization period. The structure represents an era when Western expertise helped transform Japan's coastal infrastructure.
The lighthouse grounds feature naturalized daffodils, a reminder of the British engineers who tended the facility during its earliest years of operation in the 1800s. These flowers connect the place to the international effort that helped Japan modernize its coastal navigation systems.
The site is accessible by a 37-minute bus ride or 20-minute taxi journey from JR Kushimoto Station, making it reachable for a half-day visit. Free parking is available with spaces for around 84 vehicles.
The lighthouse witnessed the 1890 maritime disaster involving the Turkish warship Ertugrul, which led to lasting diplomatic ties between Japan and Turkey. This historical event transformed the location into a symbol of humanitarian aid and friendship between the two nations.
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