Name and Location

The Hakkō Sansaku Lighthouse is located in Fukura, Yuza, Akumi District, Yamagata Prefecture, Japan (39°11'02"N, 139°52'12"E).

Construction and History

The Hakkō Sansaku Lighthouse was constructed in 1913 to serve as a guiding light for ships navigating the coastal waters of Yamagata Prefecture. Prior to its construction, ships relied on natural landmarks or other temporary navigation aids to stay on course.

Architecture and Materials

The lighthouse is a cylindrical structure with a distinctive red-and-white striped pattern. The tower stands at a height of approximately 20 meters (66 feet) above sea level and is topped with a lantern room housing the original Fresnel lens, replaced in 1981 with a modern LED light source.

Light and Navigation

The Hakkō Sansaku Lighthouse emits a fixed white light beam at a range of approximately 12 nautical miles (22 kilometers). The light characteristic is Fl(3)W.15s, indicating that the light flashes three times every 15 seconds.

Accessibility and Visiting

Visitors can reach the lighthouse by car or public transportation from nearby Nikaho City. The facility offers guided tours and exhibits on the history of maritime navigation in Japan.

Notable Views and Landscape

The Hakkō Sansaku Lighthouse is situated in a scenic coastal area with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, picnic areas, and other outdoor recreational activities in the surrounding environment.

Anecdotes and Folklore

In 2013, the lighthouse celebrated its centennial anniversary with a series of events and exhibitions honoring its rich history and significance in Japan's maritime heritage.

Technical and Operational Details

The lighthouse was automated in 1981, allowing for more efficient operation and reducing the need for human maintenance. Today, it serves as a museum and a popular tourist destination.

Further Information

For more information on this historic lighthouse, please visit the Japanese Wikipedia page: https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E8%A1%A5%E5%BE%80%E4%B8%89%E5%9B-D0%86%D0%B7">https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E8%A1%A5%E5%BE%80%E4%B8%89%E5%9B-D0%86%D0%B7