掛塚灯台(KakuzaLighthouse)
JRX2+5X Iwata, Shizuoka, Japan
Name and Location
The Kakuza Lighthouse, officially known as 掛塚灯台 (Kakuza Lighthouse), is situated in Iwata, Shizuoka, Japan, on the Pacific coast of Honshu, Japan's largest island. Locals refer to it as Kakuza-misaki, meaning "Kakuza Cape" in Japanese.
2. Construction and History
The Kakuza Lighthouse was constructed in 1933 during the Showa period (1926-1989). This historic aid to navigation has been recognized as an important cultural heritage site in Japan.
3. Architecture and Materials
The lighthouse is a classic cylindrical tower with a height of 16.4 meters (54 feet) and a focal plane height of 61 meters (200 feet). Its architectural style features a distinctive white and red striped pattern, serving as a visual aid to mariners. The structure was built using reinforced concrete for durability in the harsh marine environment.
4. Light and Navigation
The Kakuza Lighthouse emits a light with a range of approximately 17 nautical miles (30 kilometers) and a characteristic pattern of Fl(3)W.15s, meaning three flashes every 15 seconds. This automated aid to navigation ensures continuous operation without human intervention.
5. Accessibility and Visiting
Visitors can enter the lighthouse and climb to the top for breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and surrounding landscape. The nearest road access is via Dōro, a scenic coastal route that connects Iwata with other cities in Shizuoka Prefecture.
6. Notable Views and Landscape
The lighthouse stands on a rocky promontory overlooking the Pacific Ocean, surrounded by lush greenery and scenic coastal vistas. The area is known for its rich marine life, including species of whales, dolphins, and sea birds.
8. Technical and Operational Details
The Kakuza Lighthouse has been featured in various travel guides, photography exhibitions, and local cultural events. It serves as a significant maritime aid to navigation on the Pacific coast of Japan.
9. Further Information
- Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism
- Shizuoka Prefectural Government
- Japan Coast Guard
Details
| Name | 掛塚灯台(KakuzaLighthouse) |
|---|---|
| City | Iwata,Shizuoka,Japan |
| Country | Japan |
| Coordinates | 34.6479001, 137.8024862 |
| Year of construction | 1933 |
| Architectural style | classiccylindricaltowerwithadistinctivewhiteandredstripedpattern |
| Construction material | reinforcedconcrete |
| Focal height | 61meters(200feet) |
| Tower height | 16.4meters(54feet) |
| Light characteristic | Fl(3)W.15s(threeflashesevery15seconds) |