The Inubōsaki Lighthouse is one of only five lighthouses in Japan that visitors are permitted to climb.
The area contains 100-million-year-old geological strata from the Early Cretaceous period.
The lighthouse utilizes a first-order Fresnel lens, one of the largest and rarest types currently in use.
The cape's name, 'Inubō,' translates to 'barking dog,' derived from a local legend regarding the pet dog of Minamoto no Yoshitsune.
The brick construction of the lighthouse contains 193,000 bricks imported from the UK.
Cape Inubō is a prominent headland located at the easternmost point of the Kanto Plain, extending into the Pacific Ocean. Its geography is defined by Cretaceous period sandstone strata, which are preserved as part of the Chōshi Geopark. The site is anchored by the Inubōsaki Lighthouse, a Western-style brick structure designed by British engineer Richard Henry Brunton and first lit in 1874. Due to its eastward orientation, the cape is frequently cited as the first place in Japan to see the sunrise each year, excluding high-altitude mountain peaks. The coastline features rugged rock formations created by active coastal erosion. The cape remains a significant site for both geological research and maritime navigation.
The viewing platform at the base of the Inubōsaki Lighthouse, looking toward the Pacific horizon.
Check the local tide charts before visiting, as high tide can limit access to the rocky shoreline.
The wind can be significantly stronger on the headland than in the surrounding city center; bring a windbreaker.
Visit the nearby Choshi Port if you intend to eat, as options directly at the lighthouse are limited to snack kiosks.
Do not attempt to walk on the rocks during rough sea conditions or high surf warnings.
Avoid walking on the fragile exposed rock strata outside of designated paths to prevent geological damage.
