Shionomisaki Lighthouse

IALA Heritage Lighthouse of the Year 2020 Nominee

Location: JAPAN - Wakayama prefecture. Higashimurogun.

Lighthouse Operator: Japan Coast Guard

Source: (photos as submitted to accompany nomination form submitted by Japan Coast Guard in 2020)

Lighthouse Description and History

(Text extracted from nomination form submitted by Japan Coast Guard in 2020)
History

Established as the first western wooden lighthouse in Japan in 1870 (temporary lit)
First lit in 1873
Reconstruction as a stone-built construction for high durability in 1878
Change second-class lens rotating lighting equipment in 1957
(the old second-class Fresnel lens is exhibited in the museum next to the lighthouse)
It was designated as a lighthouse for lovers in 2018

 

Feature

The construction of the lighthouse was hurried on because this dangerous area with strong current and wind,was an important point for mariners for a long time.
It was constructed on the 30 meters high cliff. You can see the Pacific Ocean after climbing to the top.
The whole area around the lighthouse is famous for its beautiful scenery and it is designated as Yoshinokumano national park.
The luminous intensity is 970,000 candelas.
The lighthouse also works as a meteorological observation station and Japan Coast Guard broadcasts this information to mariners.
The lighthouse museum is also added to the lighthouse and you can learn history, function and roles of the lighthouse as there are many valuable exhibitions such as the old second-class Fresnel lens.
The AIS shore station is also added to the lighthouse.

Reason For Nomination

(Text extracted from nomination form submitted by Japan Coast Guard in 2020)
Intrinsic Heritage Interest of the Lighthouse

One of the 8 lighthouses which was constructed by Edo treaty which had been signed between UK, France, Netherland, US and Japan in 1866
The southern-most lighthouse of Honshu(mainland of Japan)
Rank A historical lighthouse of Meiji era(Existing lighthouse which is made in Meiji era (1868-1912) with high historical and cultural value, which was chosen by Japan Coast Guard, and which was given an conservative treatment.
Heritage of Industrial Modernization(designated by the Ministry of Economy and Industry)
Top 50 Japanese lighthouses(selected by Japan Coast Guard according to a popular vote in 1998)

Conservation

Reconstruction as a stone-built construction with using local sandstone for high durability in 1878
Performed earthquake-proofing as a valuable lighthouse which was constructed in Meiji era in about 1995

Public Access and Education

Hoisting bunting (the flags of all nations) on the lighthouse for celebrating enthronement of the Emperor (1st May 2019 : 691 visitors)
The special opening to the public to celebrate the 150th lighthouse anniversary in Japan 16th July 2018 : 332 visitors)
Lighthouse which is open to the public and there is a lighthouse museum next to the lighthouse. You can learn history, function and roles of the lighthouse as there are many valuable exhibitions such as the old second-class Fresnel lens in the museum.
About 61,000 visitors in FY2018

Photos and Diagrams