It was the first lighthouse in Japan to be constructed using stone blocks.
The lighthouse was designed by Richard Henry Brunton, often called the 'Father of Japanese Lighthouses'.
It played a critical role in the rescue efforts following the 1890 sinking of the Ottoman frigate Ertuğrul off the nearby coast.
The structure is connected to the historical 'Turkish Memorial and Museum' located nearby.
The original Fresnel lens used in the lighthouse is preserved and displayed within the facility.
Kashinozaki Lighthouse is the oldest stone-built lighthouse in Japan, first illuminated in 1870. Designed by British engineer Richard Henry Brunton, it stands on the easternmost tip of the Kii Oshima island in Kushimoto. The structure features a distinctive cylindrical stone tower and is recognized as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. It served as a vital maritime beacon following the 1866 Edo Treaty, which required the shogunate to improve navigational safety for foreign vessels. The site is situated on a rugged coastal cliff offering panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and the surrounding rock formations. Visitors can climb the narrow interior staircase to reach the observation balcony. It remains an active navigation aid under the jurisdiction of the Japan Coast Guard. The area surrounding the lighthouse includes historical markers commemorating the 1890 sinking of the Ottoman frigate Ertuğrul.
From the observation balcony looking south toward the Pacific, or from the trail head looking back at the lighthouse tower against the sky.
Bring binoculars for spotting distant ships or local marine life along the coastline.
Wear shoes with good grip, as the path from the parking area to the lighthouse is slightly sloped and can be uneven.
Combine your visit with the nearby Turkish Memorial and Museum for a full historical context.
Do not attempt to access the lighthouse interior if you have mobility issues, as the staircase is extremely steep and narrow.
Stay within designated pathways and do not lean over the exterior guardrails.
