Nabeshima Lighthouse: The Oldest Western-Style Lighthouse in the Seto Inland Sea
Standing proudly on the tiny island of Nabeshima in the Seto Inland Sea, Nabeshima Lighthouse has been guiding mariners through one of Japan's most important waterways for over 150 years. First lit on November 15, 1872 (December 15 by the Western calendar), this elegant stone lighthouse is the oldest Western-style lighthouse in the Seto Inland Sea and one of the earliest in all of Japan. Designated as a National Important Cultural Property in December 2022, this remarkable beacon represents a pivotal moment in Japan's modernization during the Meiji era.
Located within the Setonaikai National Park and belonging to the Shiwaku Islands archipelago, Nabeshima is a small, dome-shaped island connected to Yoshima Island by a breakwater. From the lighthouse grounds, visitors are treated to breathtaking panoramic views of the Kita-Bisan Seto Bridge — part of the iconic Great Seto Bridge connecting Honshu and Shikoku — and the scattered islands of the Bisan Seto passage.
A Legacy of Richard Henry Brunton: The Father of Japanese Lighthouses
Nabeshima Lighthouse was designed by Richard Henry Brunton (1841–1901), a Scottish civil engineer known as the "Father of Japanese Lighthouses." Dispatched from Edinburgh in 1868 at the age of 27, Brunton was commissioned by the newly established Meiji government to build a modern lighthouse network across Japan. Over seven and a half years, he designed and supervised the construction of 26 Western-style lighthouses along the Japanese coast.
Brunton first surveyed Nabeshima in November 1868 aboard HMS Manilla, a vessel lent by the Royal Navy. The survey was completed in a single day, though it would take another four years before the lighthouse was built. The construction used local granite from Yoshima and Nabeshima, and the finished tower stands 9.8 meters tall, with the light positioned 29 meters above mean sea level.
Beyond lighthouses, Brunton made extraordinary contributions to Japan's modernization. He planned Yokohama's sewage system, paved its streets, installed gas lighting, built telegraph lines, and helped found Japan's first school of civil engineering. In 1871, Emperor Meiji received him in an audience in recognition of his remarkable efforts.
Why Nabeshima Lighthouse Is an Important Cultural Property
On December 12, 2022, the Agency for Cultural Affairs designated Nabeshima Lighthouse as a National Important Cultural Property. The designation reflects several key values:
- It is one of the earliest Western-style lighthouses in Japan, built during the critical opening period when the country was modernizing its maritime infrastructure to meet international treaty obligations.
- The lighthouse represents one of the first projects that Brunton personally oversaw from site selection to construction, making it historically significant in the story of technology transfer from the West to Meiji Japan.
- The structure retains much of its original appearance from 1872, including rare interior details such as "mokume-nuri" — a technique where Japanese craftsmen hand-painted wood grain patterns on domestic timber to replicate the look of imported Western lumber.
- It remains an active, functioning lighthouse and a vital navigation aid for one of Japan's busiest maritime corridors — the Bisan Seto passage connecting Osaka and Kobe to western Japan.
The Japan Coast Guard has also classified it as an A-ranked preservation lighthouse, the highest category for historically and culturally significant lighthouses. Additionally, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry has recognized it as part of the Heritage of Industrial Modernization.
Unique Features and Highlights
A Lighthouse Built as a Stopping Signal
Unlike most lighthouses that guide ships safely past a point, Nabeshima Lighthouse originally served as a "stopping signal." In the 1870s, with only five lighthouses in the entire Seto Inland Sea, nighttime navigation through the complex currents and rocky reefs was extremely dangerous. Ships spotting the Nabeshima light would seek the nearest anchorage and wait until dawn before continuing through the treacherous passage.
The Charming Kanji Wind Vane
Atop the lighthouse sits a wind vane — a common feature of Western lighthouses. However, instead of the usual alphabetical compass points (N, S, E, W), the Nabeshima wind vane displays the traditional Japanese kanji characters for the four cardinal directions: 東 (East), 西 (West), 南 (South), and 北 (North). This delightful East-meets-West detail perfectly symbolizes the cultural fusion of the Meiji era.
The Rotating Red and Green Light
Today, the lighthouse operates automatically from sunset to sunrise. Red and green color filters rotate around the light source, alternating every 8 seconds, with the beam visible up to approximately 20 kilometers (11 nautical miles) away. The lens measures 61.3 centimeters in diameter — roughly the size of an adult's upper body.
Three-Story Interior with Hand-Painted Walls
The lighthouse interior features a three-story cylindrical structure with an 8.8-meter-tall light apparatus running through the center. Imported lumber was precious during the early Meiji period, so Japanese craftsmen applied the "mokume-nuri" wood-grain painting technique to domestic timber surfaces, creating an elegant Western-style appearance with remarkable artistry. The second floor provides outdoor access, once used for visual monitoring of fog conditions.
The Lighthouse Keeper's Quarters: Now at Shikoku Village Museum
Also designed by Brunton and completed in 1873, the former lighthouse keeper's residence (taisokusho) was a stone single-story building featuring a charming blend of Western and Japanese architecture — Tuscan-style columns along the front veranda topped with traditional Japanese kawara roof tiles. The residence served foreign lighthouse keepers who lived on the remote island with their families, relying on boats to fetch water from neighboring Yoshima.
In 1998, the keeper's quarters, along with a warehouse, three water tanks, and a sundial, were carefully relocated to Shikoku Village Museum (Shikoku Mura) in Takamatsu. In 2000, the "Shikoku Mura Nabeshima Lighthouse Taisokusho" was registered as a National Registered Tangible Cultural Property. Visitors interested in the full Nabeshima Lighthouse story should not miss this beautifully preserved building.
Visiting Nabeshima Lighthouse
Nabeshima is connected to Yoshima Island by a breakwater, making it accessible on foot. The lighthouse grounds have been open for general access since July 2021, though the interior of the lighthouse is only opened on special occasions — typically around Lighthouse Day (November 1) and during the Setouchi Triennale art festival's spring session.
How to Get There
Yoshima sits at the midpoint of the Great Seto Bridge. From the Yoshima Parking Area on the Seto-Chuo Expressway, it is approximately a 15-minute walk to the lighthouse. Alternatively, take a local bus from JR Sakaide Station (the "Seto Ohashi Line" to Urashiro, approximately 25 minutes), then walk about 3 minutes from the Urashiro bus stop. Note that private vehicles cannot enter the island's interior beyond the parking area.
Tips for Visitors
- Wear comfortable walking shoes — the path to the lighthouse includes stone steps and steep inclines.
- The lighthouse can be seen from the JR Marine Liner train crossing the Seto Ohashi Bridge, appearing as a white beacon on the left side when traveling from Okayama toward Kagawa.
- The Yoshima Parking Area features a food court with Sanuki udon, local gelato, and a rooftop observation deck with 360-degree views of the Seto Inland Sea.
- Along the walking path, you can pass directly beneath the Great Seto Bridge — a spectacular photo opportunity.
- Check the Sakaide City tourism website for the latest information on special opening days.
Surrounding Attractions
A visit to Nabeshima Lighthouse pairs wonderfully with exploring the wider Seto Inland Sea area:
- Yoshima Island — Wander through the charming stone-walled settlements of this former quarrying island. Granite from Yoshima was used to rebuild Osaka Castle in the Edo period.
- Seto Ohashi Bridge Sky Tour — Climb to the top of the bridge tower for an unforgettable panoramic experience (seasonal, advance reservation required).
- Shikoku Village Museum (Shikoku Mura), Takamatsu — See the relocated Nabeshima Lighthouse keeper's quarters along with traditional folk houses from across Shikoku.
- Seto Inland Sea Historical Folk Museum, Goshikidai — An award-winning architectural masterpiece housing exhibits on Seto Inland Sea maritime culture and history.
- Setouchi Triennale Art Sites — If visiting during the festival, explore contemporary art installations across the islands of the Seto Inland Sea.
- 📍 Plan Your Visit to Kagawa
- Find tours, activities & transport passes near Nabeshima Lighthouse
- [ Naoshima Art Island & Kotohiragu Shrine Visit ]
Q＆A
- Can I visit Nabeshima Lighthouse at any time of the year?
- Since July 2021, the lighthouse grounds on Nabeshima Island have been open to the public on an ongoing basis, allowing visitors to view the exterior freely. However, the interior of the lighthouse is only opened on special occasions, such as around Lighthouse Day (November 1) and during the Setouchi Triennale art festival. Please check the Sakaide City or Takamatsu Coast Guard website for the latest schedule.
- Is there an admission fee?
- No. Visiting the lighthouse grounds and exterior is completely free of charge. Special interior viewing events are also typically offered at no cost.
- Can I reach Nabeshima Lighthouse by public transportation?
- Yes. Take a local bus from JR Sakaide Station on the "Seto Ohashi Line" to the Urashiro bus stop (approximately 25 minutes). From there, the lighthouse is about a 3-minute walk. Alternatively, if driving, park at the Yoshima Parking Area on the Seto-Chuo Expressway and walk approximately 15 minutes.
- Is there English signage or guided information available?
- Signage at the site is primarily in Japanese, though some basic information boards include English. During special opening events, Japan Coast Guard staff may offer guided tours of the interior, usually conducted in Japanese. It is recommended to research the lighthouse's history in advance to fully appreciate your visit.
- Where can I see the original lighthouse keeper's quarters?
- The keeper's quarters were relocated in 1998 to Shikoku Village Museum (Shikoku Mura) in Takamatsu City. The museum is approximately 30 minutes by car from Takamatsu Station and displays the stone building alongside other traditional structures from across Shikoku.
Basic Information
| Name | Nabeshima Lighthouse (鍋島灯台) |
|---|---|
| Location | Nabeshima, Yoshima-cho, Sakaide City, Kagawa Prefecture |
| Designer | Richard Henry Brunton (1841–1901) |
| First Lit | November 15, 1872 (Meiji 5) / December 15, 1872 by the Western calendar |
| Structure | Stone (granite), metal fittings; Building area: 43.83 m² |
| Height | 9.8 m above ground; 29 m above mean sea level |
| Light Range | Approximately 20 km (11 nautical miles) |
| Light Character | Alternating red (8 sec) and green (8 sec) |
| Owner | Government of Japan (Japan Coast Guard) |
| Designation | National Important Cultural Property (December 12, 2022); Heritage of Industrial Modernization (METI); Preservation Lighthouse A-rank (Japan Coast Guard) |
| Unmanned Since | March 29, 1991 |
| Access | 15-minute walk from Yoshima Parking Area (Seto-Chuo Expressway); or 3-minute walk from Urashiro bus stop (25 min by bus from JR Sakaide Station) |
| Admission | Free (grounds open; interior open on special occasions only) |
References
- 鍋島灯台 - Wikipedia
- https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E9%8D%8B%E5%B3%B6%E7%81%AF%E5%8F%B0
- 鍋島灯台 — 文化遺産オンライン
- https://bunka.nii.ac.jp/heritages/detail/576742
- 鍋島灯台 — 近代の文化遺産の保存と活用（文化庁）
- https://www.bunka.go.jp/kindai/todai/020/index.html
- 鍋島灯台 香川県坂出市与島町 — COOL KAGAWA（四国新聞社）
- https://www.coolkagawa.jp/news/entry-2821.html
- Richard Henry Brunton - Wikipedia
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Henry_Brunton
- 与島「鍋島灯台」の敷地を一般公開します — 坂出市ホームページ
- https://www.city.sakaide.lg.jp/soshiki/sangyoukankou/nabeshima-open.html
- Richard Henry Brunton & Lighthouses in Japan — Japan Experience
- https://www.japan-experience.com/plan-your-trip/to-know/traveling-japan/richard-henry-brunton-lighthouses-in-japan
- Easy Island Getaway: Yoshima Island — Odekake Kakehashi Sakaide
- https://sakaide-kankou.com/en/specials/117/
Last verified: 2026.03.24