Cape Tateishi Lighthouse

A Meiji Stone Lighthouse at the Tip of the Tsuruga Peninsula

The Cape Tateishi Lighthouse (立石岬灯台, Tateishimisaki Todai) stands at the northern tip of the Tsuruga Peninsula in Tateishi, Tsuruga City, Fukui Prefecture; built in 1881, its lighthouse and enclosure were registered as two Registered Tangible Cultural Properties in 2017.

The Agency for Cultural Affairs describes the lighthouse as a harbour mark for the port of Tsuruga and one of the earliest Western-style lighthouses built by Japanese engineers. It belongs to the national government (Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism).

The two registered items are the stone lighthouse and the enclosure of earthen bank and iron railing around it. The lighthouse registration also covers a former sundial and two stone walls.

The Lighthouse and the Port of Tsuruga

The Tsuruga tourism association says the light was first lit in 1881, the year before the railway reached Tsuruga, as the port entered a period of rapid growth. The lighthouse's history is bound up with that of Tsuruga as a gateway on the Sea of Japan.

The association notes that the lighthouse forms part of Tsuruga's city emblem and is one of the town's symbols.

Keepers once lived beside it, but when the light was automated the lighthouse became unmanned and their quarters were removed. The Agency notes that stone from the keepers' quarters, demolished in 1951, was used to reinforce the enclosure bank.

Layout of the Site

According to the Agency, the enclosure is an earthen bank forming a 28-metre square around the lighthouse, topped by a cast-iron railing with ornamental finials. It shows how the site was laid out and, together with the lighthouse, creates a historic scene.

The tourism association points out that the railing and gateposts preserve traces of the former keepers' quarters.

Getting to Cape Tateishi Lighthouse

The Tsuruga tourism association gives the location as Erigasaki, Tateishi, Tsuruga, reached by a trail of about 300 metres. By bus, take the Jogu line community bus from JR Tsuruga Station to the Tateishi stop, about 39 minutes.

By car it is about 35 minutes from the Tsuruga interchange of the Hokuriku Expressway, or about 40 minutes by taxi from JR Tsuruga Station, with the final stretch on foot. As a working navigation aid, no information on access to the interior could be found. Enquiries: Tsuruga tourism association, 0770-22-8167.