A Brunton Lighthouse at the Tip of Awaji
The Esaki Lighthouse (江埼灯台) is one of Japan's earliest Western-style lighthouses, overlooking the Akashi Strait of 1871 in Nojimaezaki, Awaji City, Hyogo Prefecture, and was designated an Important Cultural Property on February 9, 2022 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
The Agency records a metal and stone structure with a building area of 69.31 square metres, designated together with an old sundial; designation number 02733.
A Western Lighthouse Built for the Opening of Hyogo
The Esaki Lighthouse stands at the northern tip of Awaji Island, overlooking the Akashi Strait (Agency for Cultural Affairs). Built in 1871 under the direction of the British engineer R. Henry Brunton, on the basis of an agreement with Britain in preparation for the opening of the port of Hyogo, it is one of the earliest Western-style lighthouses in Japan.
It counts among Japan's principal navigational aids, having guarded ships passing through the busy Akashi Strait ever since (Agency for Cultural Affairs). An old sundial is designated with it.
Why It Is an Important Cultural Property
The Agency also recognises its historical value as a rare surviving example of the pioneering seismic isolation device devised for Japanese lighthouses by the Stevenson firm of Britain, which designed the lighthouse and its equipment.
What to Look For
Look for the white tower facing the Akashi Strait and the old sundial (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
Visiting
It is a working lighthouse owned by the national government (Japan Coast Guard) (Agency for Cultural Affairs). No official information on visiting was found.
Q&A
- When was the lighthouse built?
- In 1871 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
- Who directed its construction?
- The British engineer R. Henry Brunton.
- Why was it built?
- For the opening of the port of Hyogo, under an agreement with Britain.
- What else is designated with it?
- An old sundial.
- When was the Esaki Lighthouse designated an Important Cultural Property?
- On February 9, 2022 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
Basic Information
| Name | Esaki Lighthouse (江埼灯台) |
|---|---|
| Location | 17 Koiso, Nojimaezaki, Awaji City, Hyogo Prefecture |
| Designation | Important Cultural Property (Structure) |
| Year Designated | Designated 2022/02/09 (Reiwa 4) |
| Quantity | 1 structure (with 1 old sundial) |
| Dimensions | Metal and stone, 69.31 m² |
| Owner | Japanese Government (Japan Coast Guard) |
| Public Access | Working lighthouse; no official visiting information |
References
- Esaki Lighthouse (Database of National Cultural Properties, Agency for Cultural Affairs)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/heritage/detail/102/00005384
Last verified: 2026.10.23