What other travelers are saying about Kanaezaki Lighthouse
Nice little walk from the road. Lots of cats are being fed here and have made it their home. The view is very nice and is a good place to have a little rest.
A place to quietly watch the sun sink into the Pacific Ocean.
Kanazaki Lighthouse, located in Tosashimizu City, Kochi Prefecture, is a hidden gem in Ashizuri-Uwakai National Park. While it may not be as well-known, its untouched scenery makes it a hidden gem.
The path to the lighthouse isn't particularly steep, but be careful of your step at dusk. Emerging from a dimly lit tunnel formed by the surrounding trees, the view suddenly opens up, revealing a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean. The contrast between the clear winter sky and the horizon, the sound of waves lapping against the reef, and the silhouette of the aged lighthouse—all of it a picturesque sight.
The lighthouse itself is off-limits, but its weathered exterior walls and rusted fences evoke a sense of the passage of time. While it lacks the bustle of a typical tourist spot, its tranquility is rather charming.
The best way to access the lighthouse is by car. There is no parking lot, but there is space to park on the side of the road. We recommend visiting around dusk.
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From here on, here are my thoughts.
The view is nice, but it's pretty average.
There are lots of places like this along Kochi's coast.
Driving along the national highway from Uwajima, the view from the car is of a calm sea with views of the inland islands of the Bungo Channel, but from around Kanazaki Coast the view changes to one of the vast Pacific Ocean and its sheer cliffs and reefs.
Kanazaki Lighthouse is just a few minutes' walk from the parking lot just off the national highway. The lighthouse was built in 1911 and is still in operation, retaining vestiges of its original form.
The area around the lighthouse is a little wider, and there are benches where you can relax while listening to the sound of the waves.
It's surrounded by trees, so there aren't many areas with good views, so don't expect too much.
Stray cats live near the entrance, so be careful if you don't like them. There are also quite a few rats, so hygiene is a problem. I don't recommend taking small children there.
You can drive up to the entrance to the lighthouse, but it's better to park in the spacious area near the tunnel. The road from the entrance to the lighthouse square is a series of gentle ups and downs, with no stairs. It's reasonably well maintained.
There are toilets, but you wouldn't want to use them except in an emergency.
I parked my car near the entrance to the promenade and stopped by. It seems like a great place to spend some relaxing time. There were a few friendly cats near the monument inscribed with the Kanazaki poem, which was very soothing.
Yes, visitors can climb the 49 steps to the observation deck. There may be a small admission fee for the tower, while the grounds are free. The stairs are narrow and spiral, typical of lighthouse construction.
Sunrise and sunset offer the best lighting for views and photography. Spring and autumn provide clearer skies and comfortable weather. Winter brings strong coastal winds, and summer can be hot and humid.
Take a limited express train to Tosashimizu Station (2.5 hours), then a local bus to Cape Ashizuri (30 minutes). By car, the drive takes approximately 2 hours via Route 56 and Route 321. Renting a car is recommended due to infrequent bus services.
Kongofukuji Temple, the 38th temple on the Shikoku pilgrimage, is nearby. The Ashizuri-Uwakai National Park offers coastal walking trails along 80-meter granite cliffs. The area features subtropical vegetation and geological formations shaped by the Kuroshio Current.
Yes, though the 49-step spiral staircase may challenge young children. The 80-meter clifftop location requires close supervision. Bring water and snacks as facilities are limited in this remote area.
