The original Kannonzaki Lighthouse was designed by French engineer François Léonce Verny.
The current lighthouse is the third structure on the site, replacing versions destroyed by major earthquakes in 1892 and 1923.
The Uraga Channel served as a strategic maritime gateway for imperial defense, leading to the construction of several fortresses in the hills.
The park contains hidden tunnels and stone-walled fortifications dating back to the Meiji period.
Kannonzaki was the site where the American Commodore Matthew Perry's Black Ships were first sighted before arriving at Uraga in 1853.
Kannonzaki Park is located at the easternmost point of the Miura Peninsula, bordering the Uraga Channel. The park features the Kannonzaki Lighthouse, which is recognized as Japan's first Western-style lighthouse, originally constructed in 1869. The grounds encompass a rugged coastline, forest trails, and a dedicated museum focused on the maritime history of the area. Visitors can observe large cargo ships passing through the narrow channel from various viewpoints. The park integrates remnants of former coastal artillery batteries into its walking paths. It is managed as part of the Kanagawa Prefectural park system. The topography consists of steep cliffs and forested slopes overlooking the Tokyo Bay entrance.
The observation deck near the lighthouse providing a panoramic view of the Tokyo Bay entrance.
Bring comfortable, sturdy footwear as the terrain involves significant elevation changes and unpaved paths.
Pack binoculars to better observe the heavy commercial shipping traffic in the Uraga Channel.
Check the lighthouse museum's status before visiting, as it occasionally closes for exhibits or maintenance.
Attempting to walk the entire coastline perimeter during high tide or inclement weather when paths may be slippery.
The lighthouse museum is typically closed on Tuesdays.
Stay on marked trails to avoid entering restricted or unstable former military areas.
