Name and Location

The Ainoshima Lighthouse is located in Kitakyushu, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan, standing sentinel over the waters of the East China Sea. Its official name is Ainoshima Lighthouse (Ainoshima Tō), and it can be found at coordinates 33.9921921° N, 130.8223039° E.

Construction and History

The Ainoshima Lighthouse was constructed in 1898 during the Meiji period, a time of rapid modernization in Japan. The architect responsible for its design is unknown, but it is believed to be a typical example of a late 19th-century Japanese lighthouse. Built using stone and concrete, the structure stands at an impressive height.

Architecture and Materials

The Ainoshima Lighthouse was built using stone and concrete, standing tall at an impressive height.

Light and Navigation

The Ainoshima Lighthouse emits a light that flashes every seconds, with a range of approximately nautical miles. This beacon serves as a vital aid to navigation for ships traversing the East China Sea and surrounding waters.

Accessibility and Visiting

Visitors can access the Ainoshima Lighthouse through guided tours, which must be arranged in advance. The lighthouse is not open to the general public due to safety and security concerns.

Notable Views and Landscape

The area surrounding the Ainoshima Lighthouse is known for its rugged coastline, scenic views, and rich maritime history.

Anecdotes and Folklore

One notable anecdote tells the story of a former lighthouse keeper who reported seeing ghostly apparitions on the island, believed to be the spirits of sailors lost at sea.

Technical and Operational Details

The Ainoshima Lighthouse was originally operated manually until it was automated in . Today, it is controlled remotely by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism (MLIT) to ensure continued safe navigation.

Further Information

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