Sunosaki Lighthouse stands on Cape Sunosaki in Tateyama City, Chiba Prefecture. Located within the Minami Boso Quasi-National Park, it is a historic lighthouse overlooking the entrance to Tokyo Bay.
The lighthouse is also registered as a Nationally Registered Tangible Cultural Property, recognizing its historical and architectural significance. Today, it is both an important navigational landmark and a popular sightseeing destination on the southern Boso Peninsula.
Sunosaki Lighthouse is located at one of the westernmost points of the southern Boso Peninsula. Its address is 1043 Sunosaki, Tateyama City, Chiba Prefecture.
The lighthouse is a distinctive cylindrical concrete structure. The tower rises approximately 15 meters above the ground, while the light itself is about 45 meters above sea level, making it an important visual landmark for ships traveling through the surrounding waters.
Sunosaki Lighthouse plays an important navigational role together with Ken-zaki Lighthouse, located at the southeastern tip of the Miura Peninsula in Kanagawa Prefecture.
The line connecting these two lighthouses is traditionally regarded as marking the entrance boundary of Tokyo Bay. Their locations make them important reference points for vessels entering and leaving the bay.
Sunosaki Lighthouse was constructed in 1919, during the Taisho period. Its history reflects both the development of modern lighthouse technology in Japan and the challenges faced by coastal infrastructure during the 20th century.
May 23, 1919: Construction of the lighthouse began at Sunosaki.
December 15, 1919: The lighthouse began operating and its light was first illuminated.
1923: The Great Kanto Earthquake caused significant damage. Parts of the exterior wall were stripped away, and cracks appeared in the main structure.
1945: During the Pacific War, an air raid damaged the optical lens inside the lighthouse.
2015: Sunosaki Lighthouse was registered as a Nationally Registered Tangible Cultural Property as an early surviving example of a concrete lighthouse.
2019: The lighthouse celebrated its 100th anniversary. Commemorative lectures and events were held in Tateyama to mark the occasion.
Sunosaki Lighthouse is an important heritage site illustrating the history of coastal navigation, lighthouse construction, and maritime transportation in Japan.
A cultural property registration plaque has been installed beside the lighthouse, helping visitors understand its historical importance.
The nearest railway station is Tateyama Station on the JR Uchibo Line.
From Tateyama Station, visitors can take JR Bus Kanto services on the Sunosaki Line. Several routes operate via the Sunosaki Lighthouse-mae bus stop.
Some highway bus services also provide direct connections from Tokyo Station via the Boso Nanohana-go highway bus service, making the area accessible for travelers coming from central Tokyo.
When traveling by car, leave the Futtsu-Tateyama Road at the Tomisato Interchange. From there, continue toward Sunosaki via Chiba Prefectural Route 257, Minami-Awa Park Line, also known as the Boso Flower Line.
Several privately operated paid parking areas are available in the surrounding area.
Sunosaki Shrine is located near the lighthouse and has been a place of religious worship since ancient times. Surrounded by greenery, the shrine provides a peaceful contrast to the coastal scenery and lighthouse.
Yoroji Temple is a historic Buddhist temple where visitors can experience the area’s religious and cultural heritage. It can easily be combined with a visit to Sunosaki Lighthouse.
Sunosaki Fishing Port offers an opportunity to enjoy fresh seafood from the waters around the Boso Peninsula. It is a good place to experience local cuisine and the area’s traditional fishing culture.
Sunosaki Lighthouse has also attracted attention as a filming location for visual media. In particular, the lighthouse and surrounding scenery have appeared in music videos by the Japanese idol group AKB48.
“Aitakatta”: The music video was filmed in and around Tateyama, with some performance scenes shot near the lighthouse.
“Kuchibiru ni Be My Baby”: The lighthouse and its scenic surroundings provided a picturesque backdrop for performances by the group members.
Sunosaki Lighthouse combines maritime history, cultural heritage, and beautiful coastal scenery. Standing near the western edge of the Boso Peninsula, it offers visitors a chance to appreciate the landscape around the entrance to Tokyo Bay while learning about the history of navigation in Japan.
The lighthouse is especially appealing for travelers interested in historic landmarks, coastal landscapes, Japanese maritime history, and scenic drives. A visit can also be combined with nearby shrines, temples, and fishing areas to explore the cultural and natural character of southern Tateyama.