Miho Sekki Lighthouse stands on Jizozaki at the easternmost tip of the Shimane Peninsula. Built in 1898, it is the oldest stone lighthouse in the San’in region and is now designated as a National Important Cultural Property.
Standing proudly on a cliff overlooking the Sea of Japan, the lighthouse offers spectacular views of the deep blue ocean and sky. On clear days, visitors can see the distant outline of the Oki Islands and, under especially favorable conditions, Mount Daisen.
The area around Jizozaki is part of Daisen-Oki National Park and is one of the scenic highlights of the San’in region.
Miho Sekki Lighthouse was first illuminated on November 8, 1898. It was originally called Jizozaki Lighthouse and was constructed under the guidance of French lighthouse engineering expertise. The actual construction was carried out by Tsunetaro Teramoto, a local stonemason from Katae in Mihoseki.
The lighthouse is part of the development of Western-style lighthouses built along Japan’s coast during the Meiji era. Its architecture reflects the modernization of Japan’s maritime infrastructure during this period.
Built on a rocky site approximately 80 meters above sea level, the lighthouse itself is about 14 meters tall. Its substantial stone construction remains an impressive reminder of the craftsmanship and engineering of the Meiji era.
When it was first built, the lighthouse had a light intensity of approximately 67,500 candela. Today, its light has been upgraded to approximately 460,000 candela, helping vessels navigate safely through the waters of the Sea of Japan.
The lighthouse has continued to evolve with changing technology while retaining its historic appearance and cultural significance.
In 1935, the lighthouse was renamed Miho Sekki Lighthouse because the place name “Jizozaki” was found in many locations across Japan.
Its facilities were gradually modernized. The light source was electrified in 1922, and the lens system was replaced in 1954. In 1962, the lighthouse became unmanned and has since been operated using automated equipment.
The lighting equipment was upgraded again in 1993. Today, the lighthouse continues to serve its original maritime function while preserving its historical character.
Miho Sekki Lighthouse has received recognition for its historical and cultural importance. In 1998, it was selected by the International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA) as one of the “100 Historic Lighthouses of the World.” It has also been selected among Japan’s 50 Notable Lighthouses.
In 2007, it became the first lighthouse in Japan to be registered as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property. Associated structures, including the stone walls, former lighthouse keeper’s residence, warehouse, and surrounding facilities, were also preserved as part of the historic lighthouse complex.
In 2022, Miho Sekki Lighthouse was designated a National Important Cultural Property, together with Hinomisaki Lighthouse in Izumo and Esaki Lighthouse in Hyogo Prefecture.
Next to the lighthouse stands a white stone building with a red roof. This was once the former residence of the lighthouse staff.
The historic building has now been transformed into Miho Sekki Lighthouse Buffet, a restaurant where visitors can enjoy food and drinks while looking out over the Sea of Japan.
The restaurant also permanently displays the first- and second-generation lenses that were actually used at the lighthouse. Visitors can therefore enjoy the scenery and a meal while learning more about the lighthouse’s history.
Watching ships pass across the sea, with the Oki Islands visible on clear days, makes this a particularly memorable place to take a break during a sightseeing trip.
Jizozaki has also attracted writers and cultural figures. In 1930, the poets Tekkan Yosano and Akiko Yosano visited the cape. Poems they composed during their visit are inscribed on a monument in front of the lighthouse.
The expansive view of the Sea of Japan has long inspired visitors with its combination of dramatic natural scenery and a peaceful atmosphere.
From the cape, visitors can also see Oki-no-Gozenshima. According to local tradition, Kotoshironushi-no-Kami, the deity enshrined at nearby Miho Shrine and also associated with Ebisu, enjoyed fishing in this area.
The surrounding landscape therefore brings together the natural beauty of the coast with the mythology and religious traditions of the Miho region.
The coastline around the lighthouse is also well known as a rock fishing destination. Anglers visit throughout the year to enjoy the area’s rocky shoreline.
The rugged coastline, shaped by the area’s ria-style geography, provides dramatic views of the sea and allows visitors to experience the power of nature at close range.
Access to the area was improved in 1973 with the completion of the approximately 2-kilometer Shiokaze Line, a toll road extending from Miho Sekki. Today, well-maintained roads make it much easier for visitors to reach the lighthouse and enjoy its spectacular coastal scenery.
Every year on Marine Day, the third Monday of July, the interior of the lighthouse is opened to the public.
This special event gives visitors a rare opportunity to enter areas that are normally closed, including the lantern room and parts of the lighthouse’s internal structure. It is a popular occasion for people interested in maritime history, architecture, and lighthouse technology.
Miho Sekki Lighthouse was constructed in the late Meiji era against the background of efforts to promote maritime transportation following the Sino-Japanese War, as well as strong requests from the local community.
For more than a century, the lighthouse has helped ensure the safety of ships traveling along the Sea of Japan coast. Several original auxiliary structures, including the stone walls and warehouse, remain in good condition and help visitors understand what a lighthouse complex looked like when it was first established.
Miho Sekki Lighthouse is therefore more than a scenic attraction. It is an important historical site that tells the story of Japan’s modernization, maritime transportation, and the development of coastal navigation.
From JR Matsue Station, take an Ichibata Bus bound for Miho Sekki Terminal. The bus ride takes approximately 40 minutes.
At Miho Sekki Terminal, transfer to the Miho Sekki Community Bus and travel for approximately another 40 minutes. Get off at the Miho Shrine Iriguchi stop, then take a taxi for about five minutes to reach the lighthouse.
The lighthouse can be reached by public transportation, although the journey involves several transfers. Travelers using buses should allow plenty of time when planning their visit.
Miho Sekki Lighthouse is a special destination where the architectural heritage of the Meiji era meets the dramatic natural beauty of the Sea of Japan.
The historic stone lighthouse, surrounding coastal scenery, local mythology, literary heritage, and maritime history create an experience that goes far beyond simply visiting a lighthouse.
When traveling through the San’in region, consider making the journey to this remote cape. Standing beside a lighthouse that has watched over the sea for more than a century, with the horizon stretching far into the distance, offers a peaceful and memorable way to experience the history and natural beauty of Shimane.