Kannonzaki Lighthouse: A Beacon of History

4.2 (992)

Explore Japan's first Western-style lighthouse at Kannonzaki, offering stunning Tokyo Bay views and a journey through maritime history.

Home
Japan
Koshi
Kannonzaki Lighthouse

Kannonzaki Lighthouse, Japan's first Western-style lighthouse, stands proudly in Yokosuka, offering panoramic views of Tokyo Bay and a glimpse into maritime history. Rebuilt after earthquake damage, it remains a vital navigational aid and a scenic attraction within Kannonzaki Park.

A brief summary to Kannonzaki Lighthouse

4 Chome-1187 Kamoi, Yokosuka, 4 Chome Kamoi, Kanagawa, 239-0813, JP
Click to display
Click to display

Monday 9 am-4:30 pm
Tuesday 9 am-4:30 pm
Wednesday 9 am-4:30 pm
Thursday 9 am-4:30 pm
Friday 9 am-4:30 pm
Saturday 8:30 am-5 pm
Sunday 8:30 am-5 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Kannonzaki Lighthouse.

Check the operating hours, as they vary depending on the season. Weekends and holidays have extended hours.
Admission is 300 yen for adults. Prepare cash for the entry fee.
Wear comfortable shoes for climbing the lighthouse stairs and exploring the park's walking trails.
Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Yokosuka Museum of Art or Kannonzaki Park for a full day of exploration.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

Kannonzaki Park

Discover the Serenity of Kannonzaki Park

Tōmyō-dō Lighthouse

Tōmyō-dō Lighthouse: A Beacon of History

Dobuita Street

Vibrant Dobuita Street: A Fusion of Culture and Commerce

Getting There

Public Transport

From Yokosuka Station, take the Keikyu Bus (Route 13) towards Kannonzaki. The bus ride takes approximately 30 minutes. Get off at the Kannonzaki bus stop. From there, it's about a 10-15 minute walk to the lighthouse along the coastal path. A one-way bus fare is approximately 300-400 yen. Consider purchasing the Yokosuka Enjoy Ticket for unlimited rides on the Keikyu Line and buses in the area.
Walking

If you are already in Kannonzaki Park, follow the signs towards the lighthouse. The walk from the Kannonzaki bus stop or nearby parking areas takes about 10-15 minutes along a scenic coastal path. The path is generally flat and paved, with a moderate climb up steps towards the lighthouse. There is no cost for walking.
Car

From Yokosuka, follow Route 134 southwest towards Kannonzaki. Continue for about 15 km until you reach the Kannonzaki area. Look for signs directing you to Kannonzaki Lighthouse. Parking is available near the lighthouse for around 500 yen. There are four parking lots around the park area with a total of 279 spaces. Note that parking may be limited during peak seasons.

Discover more about Kannonzaki Lighthouse

Kannonzaki Lighthouse, located in Kannonzaki Park on the Miura Peninsula, holds the distinction of being Japan's first Western-style lighthouse. Designed by French engineer François Léonce Verny, construction began in 1868, and it was first lit in 1869. The lighthouse played a crucial role in guiding ships entering and leaving Tokyo Bay, marking a significant step in Japan's modernization.The original brick structure was destroyed by the Great Kanto Earthquake in 1922 and subsequently rebuilt in reinforced concrete in 1925. The current lighthouse is the third generation and continues to serve as an active navigational beacon. Visitors can explore a small museum displaying historical artifacts and maps related to the lighthouse. A climb up the narrow, winding stairs leads to an observation platform that provides stunning views of Tokyo Bay, the Boso Peninsula, and the surrounding coastline.Kannonzaki itself is steeped in history and natural beauty. The area served as a naval fortress, and remnants of old batteries and tunnels can still be found. Today, Kannonzaki Park offers walking trails, beaches, and the Yokosuka Museum of Art, making it a popular destination for recreation and sightseeing. The lighthouse also gained cinematographic fame as the location where Godzilla made his first landfall in the 1960 film.