Guida
Nojimazaki Lighthouse is located in Shirahama Town, Minamiboso City, Chiba Prefecture. Situated within the Minamiboso Quasi-National Park, it offers a spectacular panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean. The lighthouse is open to visitors, allowing you to climb to the observation deck to enjoy the surrounding scenery. At the foot of the lighthouse, there is also the 'Kirarin-kan' exhibition room.
This lighthouse is one of Japan's early Western-style lighthouses, originally designed in 1869 (the 2nd year of the Meiji era). Its construction was planned based on treaties established in 1866. After suffering damage during the 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake, the structure was rebuilt and currently features a concrete design. The 'Kirarin-kan' exhibition room nearby provides valuable historical documents and information regarding the lighthouse's role and history.
Key attractions include the lighthouse observation deck, the 'Kirarin-kan' exhibition room, and the monument marking the 'Southernmost Point of the Boso Peninsula' at the tip of the cape. Well-maintained walking paths allow visitors to stroll along the coast while enjoying the ocean breeze. On certain days, you may even see the long lines of large ships entering Tokyo Bay from a distance.
While the site is accessible year-round, the scenery changes beautifully depending on the time of day. It is particularly famous as a premier spot for watching sunsets and the first sunrise of the new year. During these times, you can witness the striking silhouette of the lighthouse against the natural phenomena. Additionally, on the Lighthouse Anniversary (November 1st), there are special events where admission may be free.
You can enjoy a guided tour of the lighthouse interior and explore the historical exhibits in the museum. The surrounding walking paths are perfect for a relaxing stroll with a backdrop of coastal scenery. Visitors can also enjoy exploring the natural environment of the cape and visiting the monument at the very tip.
The area around the lighthouse features several local amenities, such as the Michi-no-Eki Shirahama Nojimazaki (roadside station), Shirahama Onsen (hot springs), and Shirahama Beach. Nearby cultural facilities, such as the Shirahama Marine Museum, are also within easy reach.
Comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended for exploring the cape and paths. Please note that separate fees may apply for the lighthouse interior tour and the exhibition room. Since cash is often required for these fees, we recommend preparing Japanese Yen in advance. Please check the opening hours before your visit if you wish to tour the interior. While some signage may be available, English-language support levels can vary, so please plan accordingly.