Jogashima Lighthouse

Jogashima Lighthouse is located on Jogashima Island at the southern tip of the Miura Peninsula in Kanagawa Prefecture, overlooking Sagami Bay and the Pacific Ocean. The lighthouse was first constructed in 1870 during the Meiji era, making it one of Japan's oldest Western-style lighthouses. The original structure was designed by French engineer Léonce Verny. The current lighthouse, standing approximately 11.5 meters tall, was rebuilt in 1926 after the original was damaged. The lighthouse has guided ships navigating between Tokyo Bay and Sagami Bay for over 150 years.

The lighthouse holds significance as part of Japan's Meiji period modernization when Western technology was adopted for maritime navigation safety. Jogashima Island's strategic position at the entrance to Tokyo Bay made the lighthouse essential for maritime traffic. The lighthouse is designated as a registered tangible cultural property. The surrounding area features dramatic coastal scenery with rocky cliffs, tide pools, and coastal walking paths.

Visitors view the lighthouse from exterior observation areas; the interior is generally not open. The surrounding Jogashima Park includes walking trails along the coastline. The Umiu Observatory provides panoramic views across Sagami Bay and, on clear days, Mount Fuji. The rocky shoreline features tide pools accessible during low tide with marine life including crabs, sea anemones, and small fish. Coastal paths connect viewpoints and rock formations. The area is popular for photography during sunrise and sunset. Rest areas, souvenir shops, and seafood restaurants are available.

Access from Misakiguchi Station on the Keikyu Line, approximately 15 minutes by bus to Jogashima. From Tokyo, take Keikyu Main Line from Shinagawa Station to Misakiguchi (about 70 minutes), then transfer to bus. From Yokohama, approximately 50 minutes on Keikyu Line. By car, drive via Miura Peninsula coastal roads with parking near Jogashima Park. Lighthouse and park area have free admission. Located approximately 80 kilometers south of central Tokyo.