Name and Location

The Irako Cape Lighthouse is located in Tahara, Aichi Prefecture, Japan, serving as a prominent maritime aid to navigation on the Pacific coast.

Construction and History

Built in 1872, this historic lighthouse stands at an impressive height of 34 meters (112 feet) with a focal height of 26 meters (85 feet). It was constructed to provide vital guidance to mariners navigating the waters of Suruga Bay.

Architecture and Materials

The lighthouse was designed in the Victorian style, featuring a square tower and a lantern room housing a first-order Fresnel lens. The structure is made of stone and concrete, with a foundation built on solid rock to withstand harsh marine conditions.

Light and Navigation

The lighthouse's light range extends 15 nautical miles (27.8 kilometers), providing vital guidance to mariners navigating the waters of Suruga Bay. The light characteristic is Fl(3)W.15s, meaning it emits three white flashes every 15 seconds.

Accessibility and Visiting

While visitors can reach the lighthouse by car or bus, there are no established hiking trails or public access points to the site. However, enthusiasts of maritime history and architecture may be interested in visiting the nearby Irako Cape Lighthouse Museum, which offers exhibits on the history of the lighthouse and related artifacts.

Notable Views and Landscape

No notable views or landscape information available.

Anecdotes and Folklore

No anecdotes or folklore information available.

Technical and Operational Details

Originally, the lighthouse was operated manually by keepers who maintained the light and performed routine maintenance tasks. In the mid-20th century, the lighthouse was automated, reducing the need for human intervention. Today, the light remains operational, though its frequency and duration may have been adjusted to accommodate modern navigation requirements.

Further Information

For further information on the Irako Cape Lighthouse, visit https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E4%BC%8F%E6%B5%81%E9%83%8E%E7%81%BB%E7%94%B2">Wikipedia: 伊良湖岬灯台 or http://www.jla.jp/">Japan Lighthouse Association.