Name and Location

The Daibao Lighthouse is located in Taibi Port, Ōbaneo, Iwami District, Tottori Prefecture, Japan.

2. Construction and History

The Daibao Lighthouse was constructed in 1893 as part of the Japanese government's efforts to improve maritime safety and facilitate international trade. Designed by the Japanese Navy, it was intended to provide a reliable source of light for vessels navigating the busy waters around the Tottori coast.

3. Architecture and Materials

The Daibao Lighthouse is a typical example of late 19th-century Japanese lighthouse architecture. Built on a concrete foundation, the tower stands at a height of approximately 24 meters (79 feet) and has a focal plane height of about 40 meters (131 feet). The structure features a square-shaped base and a tapered octagonal shaft, topped with a lantern room and a distinctive finial.

4. Light and Navigation

The Daibao Lighthouse originally displayed a fixed white light, later upgraded to a flashing red light in 1952. The light has an intensity of approximately 15,000 candelas and a range of about 20 nautical miles (37 kilometers).

5. Accessibility and Visiting

Visitors can access the lighthouse by following signs from Taibi Port or taking a short walk along the coastal path. The lighthouse is open year-round, with guided tours available upon request. On-site facilities include parking, restrooms, and picnic areas.

6. Notable Views and Landscape

The Daibao Lighthouse is situated on a scenic coastal bluff overlooking the Sea of Japan. The area offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape, including the nearby Ōmine Peninsula and the Tottori coastline.

7. Anecdotes and Folklore

According to local legend, the Daibao Lighthouse was once the site of a tragic shipwreck that claimed the lives of many sailors. Today, visitors can hear stories of the lighthouse's rich history and the brave men and women who kept it operational over the years.

8. Technical and Operational Details

The lighthouse was automated in the early 1990s, replacing the need for human keepers. Although it no longer serves as an active aid to navigation, the Daibao Lighthouse remains an important cultural heritage site and a popular tourist attraction.

9. Further Information

For more information on the Daibao Lighthouse and its significance in Japanese maritime history, please consult: "A History of Japanese Lighthouses" by T. Miyazaki (Tottori Prefecture Museum) and "Maritime Safety and Navigation in Japan" by J. Nakamura (Japanese Ministry of Transport).