Located on Anori Cape in Shima City, Mie Prefecture, Anorisaki Lighthouse has been safeguarding maritime safety since the Meiji era. It is one of Japan’s rare climbable lighthouses.
With its beautiful white appearance, distinctive square shape—unusual for a lighthouse—and the 360-degree panoramic view from the top, it captivates visitors and is gaining attention as a sightseeing spot in Ise-Shima.
Around the lighthouse, you’ll find relaxed port town scenery and stunning views, as well as cafés where you can enjoy local specialties like “Kinko-imo” (sweet dried sweet potato). The area also features a grassy open space, making it ideal for family visits.
On this page, we’ll introduce everything about Anorisaki Lighthouse. If you’re looking for highlights and must-see points, be sure to check it out.
About the Features and History of Anorisaki Lighthouse
Anorisaki Lighthouse, first lit on April 1, 1873, is the oldest Western-style lighthouse in Mie Prefecture. Located on Anori Cape, which juts out to the east of the Shima Peninsula, it has long protected the safety of ships navigating the entrance to Ise Bay.
This area was once prone to frequent maritime accidents due to complex currents and numerous shallow areas. As part of the Meiji government’s lighthouse construction initiative, ensuring safe maritime traffic was a high priority.
The most distinctive feature of Anorisaki Lighthouse is its rare square-shaped design, unusual in Japan. While most lighthouses are cylindrical, Anorisaki Lighthouse stands out with its solid square tower structure, reminiscent of Western architecture. The white-painted exterior beautifully contrasts with the blue sky and sea, making it a popular photogenic spot.
The lighthouse was originally designed and supervised by Richard Henry Brunton, known as the “Father of Japanese Lighthouses.” The original structure was an octagonal wooden tower, but through renovations over the years, it has taken on its current form.
With a focal height of about 33 meters, the lighthouse emits a white flash once every 15 seconds, visible up to approximately 16.5 nautical miles (about 31 km) away. Even today, it remains in active use as a navigational aid, combining historical value, functional beauty, and appeal as a sightseeing spot.
360-Degree Panorama from Anorisaki Lighthouse
One of the main highlights of Anorisaki Lighthouse is its grand panorama from the observation deck. As one of only 16 “climbable lighthouses” in Japan, Anorisaki Lighthouse allows visitors to ascend its internal stairs to the top observation area, where an unobstructed, majestic view awaits.
The observation area offers a full 360-degree view, overlooking the Pacific Ocean and Matoya Bay. On clear days, you can even see as far as the Chita Peninsula, Atsumi Peninsula, and sometimes Mount Fuji—truly breathtaking scenery.
Sunset is especially recommended. Watching the sun slowly set into the sea, turning the sky and water crimson, is so beautiful it makes you lose track of time. It’s also a popular photo spot, perfect for capturing a memorable shot from your trip.
There is also a grassy open space surrounding the lighthouse, with few obstructions to the view. This creates a liberating environment where you can truly feel the vastness of the sky and the flow of the wind. It’s a peaceful spot, making it ideal for family outings or as a date destination.
Popular Café Offering “Kinko-imo” Sweets
安乗崎灯台を見ながら、ずっと来たかったきんこ芋のカフェできんこ芋スイーツ🍠
ちょっと贅沢してプレミアムムースにしてみた pic.twitter.com/bosctZMGLz— イナバヒカリ (@FRUan9Cc0Lf8usn) September 29, 2023
When visiting Anorisaki Lighthouse, you definitely don’t want to miss out on local specialty sweets made with “Kinko-imo”. Kinko-imo is a type of dried sweet potato made in the Shima region during winter. Carefully dried local sweet potatoes bring out their natural sweetness and rich flavor, making for a simple yet deeply satisfying treat.
At the “Lighthouse Café” located right next to the lighthouse, you can enjoy original sweets made with Kinko-imo. The top recommendation is the “Kinko-imo Premium Parfait,” lavishly topped with Kinko-imo and packed with local flavor.
In addition to sweets, the café also offers light meals such as mild-flavored curry made with sweet potatoes. It’s a perfect spot to relax while gazing at the lighthouse, ideal for a break during your trip.
After relaxing, you can also enjoy leisure activities on the grassy open space in front of the café. Rental equipment for activities like volleyball and badminton is available, making it fun for children as well.
Basic Information about Anorisaki Lighthouse
| Address | 794-1 Anori, Ago-cho, Shima City, Mie Prefecture 517-0507, Japan |
|---|---|
| Phone Number | 0599-47-5622 (*Public Interest Incorporated Foundation Tokokai Anorisaki Branch) |
| Coordinates | 34°21′54″N 136°54′30″E |
| Established / First Lit | April 1, 1873 |
| Light Characteristics | Single white flash One white flash every 15 seconds |
| Visible Range | Approx. 16.5 nautical miles (about 31 km) |
Next to Anorisaki Lighthouse is Anori Cape Park, featuring grassy open spaces and the Lighthouse Café.
At the entrance to Anori Cape Park, you’ll also find the “Anorisaki Lighthouse Museum.” The museum displays a miniature model of the original Anorisaki Lighthouse and introduces films such as “Times of Joy and Sorrow,” which was filmed at this location.
Visitor Information for Anorisaki Lighthouse
| Opening Hours | March–October: Saturdays, Sundays 9:00–16:30 / Weekdays 9:00–16:00 November–February: 9:00–16:00 * Last admission is 15 minutes before closing time. |
|---|---|
| Closed Days | Open year-round * May close in case of rain or bad weather. |
| Admission Fee | Junior high school students and older: 300 yen Elementary school students and younger: Free |
Access Information for Anorisaki Lighthouse
By Train and Bus
From Kintetsu Shima Line “Ugata Station” → Take Mie Kotsu Bus Goza Line, get off at “Anorisaki Lighthouse Entrance” → Walk (approx. 10 min)
By Car
From Ise Expressway Ise-Nishi IC → Via Ise Road
* Free parking available, motorcycles allowed.
Tourist Spots Around Anorisaki Lighthouse
- Anori Cape: The cape where the lighthouse stands. From the grassy Anori Cape Park, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the boundary between Ise Bay and Kumano-nada Sea.
- Anori Shrine: A local shrine beloved as a guardian for maritime safety and matchmaking. You can see the lighthouse through the torii gate—perfect for praying for a safe journey before heading out to explore.
- Yokoyama Observation Deck: A famous spot overlooking the beautiful islands of Ago Bay. On clear days, the scenery is breathtaking—an essential stop on any Shima sightseeing route.
- Daiozaki Lighthouse: Also known as a climbable lighthouse, it offers impressive views of rugged cliffs and the Kumano-nada Sea. Perfect for those who want to enjoy a lighthouse tour.
- Harusame Observation Deck (Tokotowa Bell): Located on a hill close to the lighthouse, offering views over Ise Bay and Matoya Bay. Known as a romantic spot, it’s said that ringing the “Tokotowa Bell” brings happiness.
- Toba Onsen Village: About 40 minutes by car from Anorisaki Lighthouse. Seaside hot spring inns are scattered throughout Toba City, making it a popular choice for accommodations or dining after a lighthouse tour.
太平洋を望む歴史、グルメ、観光を楽しめる温泉街 三重県鳥羽 三重県の太平洋沿いに面する町、鳥羽。大阪から電車で約二時間とアクセスが抜群なうえ全国屈指の名所伊勢からも電車で20分の位置に隣接する鳥羽市は三重への旅行には非常に便利なスポットなります。宿泊施設は200件ほどあり海辺の温泉以外にも日常から...
Frequently Asked Questions about Anorisaki Lighthouse
Q: Is there parking available?
A: There is a free parking lot at Anori Cape Park near the lighthouse.
It has space for about 20 vehicles, and there is also a designated area for bicycles and motorcycles.
Q: Can I climb the lighthouse on rainy days?
A: It is generally open year-round. However, in case of severe weather or strong winds, access may be restricted for safety reasons.
Please check the operating status in advance if the weather is unstable.
Q: How much time should I plan for my visit?
A: The lighthouse tour itself takes about 30 minutes.
If you also want to enjoy the café, the grassy park, and nearby sightseeing spots, plan for about 1.5 to 2 hours.
Summary
Anorisaki Lighthouse, with its long history, is known for its distinctive square shape and stands as a true symbol of Shima. It is also popular as a climbable lighthouse, offering a magnificent panoramic view of Ise Bay and the Pacific Ocean from its observation deck.
Around the lighthouse, you’ll find relaxing spots such as grassy parks, cafés serving Kinko-imo sweets, and the peaceful scenery of a quiet port town. It’s an ideal healing space for family trips as well as romantic dates.
With free parking available, it’s also perfect for a quick stop during a drive. If you’re visiting the Ise-Shima area, be sure to include Anorisaki Lighthouse in your travel plans.
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➡️ 安乗埼灯台の行き方・料金・観光ガイド（日本語版）
