Esanmisaki Lighthouse, Maritime signaling structure in Hakodate, Japan.
Esanmisaki Lighthouse is a cylindrical concrete tower standing at the eastern entrance of Tsugaru Strait, serving as a navigational aid for passing vessels. The white lantern at its top projects light to help ships identify their position along this busy shipping route.
An iron tower was first built here in 1890 and replaced by a hexagonal wooden structure in 1900, which served the area for decades. The wooden tower was destroyed in 1945, and the current concrete structure was built afterward to restore navigation guidance to the strait.
The lighthouse marks an important point in local maritime routes and reflects Japan's dedication to keeping coastal waters safe for ships. Visitors can observe how this location serves the daily shipping traffic passing through the strait.
The site sits east of Hakodate and is easily reached by car with parking available nearby. The tower interior is closed to visitors, but the surrounding area offers views of the strait and the coastal landscape.
The lighthouse beam flashes at set intervals, creating a specific pattern that helps sailors recognize their exact position on the water. This blinking pattern serves as a distinctive marker for experienced ship captains navigating this particular strait.
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