Name and Location

Mihonoseki Lighthouse (美保関灯台) is located at Mihonoseki Point, Matsue, Shimane Prefecture, Japan. The address is 1338-10 Mihonosekichō Mihonoseki, Matsue, Shimane 690-1501, Japan. The coordinates are Latitude 35.5673042 and Longitude 133.3254909.

Construction and History

The lighthouse's official name is 美保関灯台 (Mihonoseki Tōdai). Unfortunately, the exact date of first lighting and era of construction are not available. There is also no recorded architect or local nickname for the lighthouse.

Architecture and Materials

The tower is cylindrical in shape and painted white. The roof and lantern are also white. The structure is likely made of reinforced concrete, which was typical for mid-20th-century Japanese lighthouses.

Light and Navigation

Details about the light characteristics, range, and focal height are not available. The lighthouse is presumed automated, with no resident keeper.

Accessibility and Visiting

The lighthouse sits on public waterfront land but the tower itself is not open for climb. Visitors can approach the base along the coastal path. To reach the lighthouse by car, take Shimane Prefecture Route 246 toward Mihonoseki; ample roadside parking is available near the shore. Alternatively, visitors can take a local bus from Matsue Station to Mihonoseki stop and walk for about 10 minutes.

Notable Views and Landscape

The lighthouse perches on a rocky headland with low cliffs overlooking the Sea of Japan. The views include the Nakaumi lagoon entrance, passing fishing boats, and on clear days, the Shimane Peninsula and Oki Islands across the water. Nearby attractions include Mihonoseki Shrine (美保神社), a Shinto shrine, and the Nakaumi water-bird sanctuary.

Anecdotes and Folklore

According to local legend, fishermen once left small votive offerings at the lighthouse base to pray for safe passage through the strong currents of Mihonoseki's "Devil's Whirlpool," a natural tide-driven eddy. No documented shipwrecks are directly attributed to failure of this light.

Technical and Operational Details

The managing authority is likely the Japan Coast Guard (JCG) Lighthouse and Buoy Office. The lighthouse is presumed automated, with no resident keeper. There are no recorded AIS or radar installations.