Guida
Nabeshima Lighthouse is a historic stone lighthouse located in Nabeshima, Sakaide City, Kagawa Prefecture. It is renowned as the first lighthouse established in the Seto Inland Sea, with its first light shining on November 15, 1872. Today, it is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan, holding immense historical and cultural value. Situated within the Seto Inland Sea National Park, the lighthouse offers a breathtaking location surrounded by calm, shimmering waters.
This lighthouse was designed by Richard Henry Brunton, often referred to as the "Father of Japanese Lighthouses." Brunton developed the plan to install these lighthouses to ensure the safe navigation of vessels through the Seto Inland Sea. The structure is a circular stone construction, with a history dating back to the early Meiji era. Over the years, it has evolved alongside technological advancements, such as the transition to a rotating mercury light in 1921 and electrification in 1962. Additionally, the stone residence that was once attached to the lighthouse has been moved to "Shikoku-mura" (Shikoku Folk Village Museum), where it is now preserved and displayed.
The most striking feature is its historic stone exterior and the weather vane atop the structure. A unique detail is the weather vane, which features the Kanji characters for North, South, East, and West (東西南北) instead of the standard Latin alphabet. From the lighthouse area, visitors can enjoy a magnificent panoramic view of the Kitabi Bisan Seto Ohashi Bridge and the vast expanse of the Set enough of the Seto Inland Sea. The very placement of the lighthouse, considering the terrain and maritime safety, is a testament to its historical design philosophy.
While certain areas of the lighthouse are generally closed to the public, special viewing opportunities do occur. For instance, around April, the weeping cherry blossoms (shidarezakura) planted around the lighthouse reach full bloom, offering a stunning view of the lighthouse framed by pink flowers. In the past, there have also been public viewing events held in November. We recommend checking local information in advance to see if any public access periods are scheduled during your visit.
While opportunities to enter the interior of the lighthouse are limited, the surrounding landscape is fully accessible and beautiful. Observing the historic stone structure from the outside while gazing at the calm Seto Inland Sea provides a profound connection to Japan's modern architectural history. The harmony between the natural environment and the historic structure makes this an excellent spot for photography.
The lighthouse is located on an island near the connection point between Honshu and Shikoku, close to the Honshu-Shikoku Bridge. The surrounding area is part of the Seto Inland Sea National Park, offering grand views of the Seto Ohashi Bridge. For those interested in historical architecture, the "Shikoku-mura" museum, where the original lighthouse keeper's residence is now preserved, is a highly recommended nearby spot.
The area around the lighthouse is a natural environment. Please wear comfortable walking shoes and be mindful of your footing when exploring. As the lighthouse is an Important Cultural Property, please refrain from touching the structure or any actions that might damage it. While photography of the scenery is permitted, please respect local rules and maintain proper etiquette to preserve the historical site.