The original 1869 lighthouse was designed by French engineer Léonce Verny.
The lighthouse is one of the '50 Lighthouses of Japan' selected for its historical significance.
It marks the western entrance to the Uraga Channel, where Japan's isolation ended with the arrival of Perry's Black Ships.
The base of the tower houses a permanent exhibit featuring historical Fresnel lenses.
The current white octagonal design was specifically reinforced to resist future seismic activity.
Kannonzaki Lighthouse is Japan’s first Western-style lighthouse, originally constructed in 1869. The current structure is an octagonal white concrete tower dating from 1925, rebuilt after the Great Kanto Earthquake destroyed the previous brick version. It serves as an active navigational aid overlooking the Uraga Channel, a high-traffic maritime gateway to Tokyo Bay. The site includes a small museum at the base detailing the history of maritime safety and lighthouse engineering. Visitors can climb to the observation gallery for views of the Chiba Peninsula and passing cargo ships. It is situated within the Kannonzaki Park complex, which spans the cape’s coastal terrain. The tower stands 19 meters tall and operates with a rotating LED lantern.
From the observation gallery looking southeast toward the Chiba coastline.
Bring binoculars to observe the heavy maritime traffic in the Uraga Channel.
Wear comfortable footwear for the uphill walk from the coastal road.
Visit on a clear day to see Mount Fuji across the bay.
Do not attempt to access the lighthouse lamp room or restricted equipment areas.
Closed on certain days of the week, typically Tuesdays; check local notices for holiday-related schedule changes.
Maintain quiet while inside the lighthouse tower; remove shoes if entering the exhibit area base.
