Kakuda Misaki Lighthouse Travel Guide

Kakuda Misaki Lighthouse stands proudly on Cape Kakuda, offering panoramic views of the Sea of Japan and the surrounding coastline. The lighthouse itself is a modest 12.6 meters tall, but its location atop a steep incline provides an elevated vantage point. From the observatory at the foot of the lighthouse, visitors can enjoy magnificent views stretching as far as Sado Island on a clear day.The area around the lighthouse is ideal for exploration. A short climb up the mountain trail behind the lighthouse reveals a beautiful contrast between the white structure and the azure sea. The coastline offers hiking opportunities, with paths leading to scenic spots and a nearby beach. One notable feature is the "Hanganfuna Kakushi," a cave where Minamoto no Yoshitsune is said to have hidden with his boat in 1187 while fleeing his brother Yoritomo. This cave, now a designated cultural asset of Niigata City, can be accessed via a tunnel from the parking lot near the beach.Visitors can walk up to the lighthouse via a path, which may be somewhat overgrown in places. The site attracts a variety of visitors, from couples and families to senior groups. The lighthouse is open 24 hours, allowing visitors to enjoy the scenery at any time of day.