The original 1870 lighthouse was designed by French engineer Léonce Verny, who also oversaw the construction of the Yokosuka Naval Arsenal.
The current white, cylindrical concrete tower has been in operation since 1925.
It utilizes a Fresnel lens to project its light, a technology historically significant to maritime safety.
The lighthouse is situated at the southern end of the Miura Peninsula, bordering the Uraga Channel.
It is categorized as a Class B lighthouse due to its smaller size and specific function as a coastal light.
Jogashima Lighthouse is a functional coastal beacon located on the western tip of Jogashima Island in Miura, Kanagawa Prefecture. Originally constructed in 1870, it stands as one of the oldest Western-style lighthouses in Japan. The current structure replaced the initial stone version, which was heavily damaged during the 1923 Great Kanto earthquake. The lighthouse is an unmanned light station operated by the Japan Coast Guard. It marks the entrance to Sagami Bay and serves as a vital navigational aid for maritime traffic. The surrounding area features jagged rock formations and expansive ocean views extending toward Mount Fuji and Izu Oshima on clear days. A paved trail connects the lighthouse to the nearby Jogashima Park and the island's southern coastline. The beacon is part of a designated prefectural park area.
The western trail path overlooking the lighthouse with the ocean and Mount Fuji in the background.
Bring sturdy walking shoes to navigate the rocky tide pools located just below the lighthouse cliffs.
Visit during low tide to explore the geological rock formations along the western coast.
Check local weather forecasts as the island is highly exposed to strong winds from the Pacific Ocean.
Attempting to climb the exterior or scale the fenced perimeter of the lighthouse structure.
