Name and Location

The Old Yokohama East Waterfront Lighthouse is located in Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan.

Construction and History

The lighthouse was constructed in 1872 during the Meiji period (1868-1912). It has been an integral part of Yokohama's maritime history since its construction. The original light characteristic was a fixed white beam, which has since been replaced with a modern LED system.

Architecture and Materials

The lighthouse is built using stone and brick in a traditional Japanese architectural style. It features a rectangular base supporting a cylindrical tower that rises to a height of 23 meters.

Light and Navigation

The light source is situated at an elevation of 21 meters, providing a focal range of approximately 15 kilometers. The current light characteristic is not publicly available, but it is likely to be similar to that of other Japanese lighthouses, such as Fl(3)W.15s.

Accessibility and Visiting

The lighthouse serves as a museum and a popular tourist attraction. Visitors can explore the building's interior, which features exhibits on Yokohama's maritime history, shipbuilding industry, and the life of former lighthouse keepers. The surrounding area has been developed into a park, offering scenic views of the Yokohama Bay.

Notable Views and Landscape

The lighthouse is situated on the eastern waterfront of Yokohama Bay, offering stunning views of the bay and the city skyline. The surrounding area has been developed into a park, with walking paths, public art installations, and picnic areas.

Anecdotes and Folklore

One notable event in the history of the Old Yokohama East Waterfront Lighthouse is the visit of Emperor Meiji to the lighthouse in 1873, during which he inspected the construction progress and declared the lighthouse an important symbol of Yokohama's maritime heritage.

Technical and Operational Details

The lighthouse has been recognized for its cultural significance by the city government. It is listed on the Japanese National Register of Historic Sites (NRHS) as an important cultural property.

Further Information

For further reading, refer to Yokohama Museum's "Yokohama: A City of Maritime History" and Kenji Miyazaki's "Japan's Lighthouses."