Jogashima Lighthouse
Historic lighthouse on a scenic island, offering stunning ocean vistas and unique geological wonders.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather, clear skies
Jogashima Lighthouse
Best Time
Pleasant weather, clear skies
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic lighthouse on a scenic island, offering stunning ocean vistas and unique geological wonders.
"A beautiful island escape with breathtaking views and fascinating geology, perfect for a day trip."
👟 Wear comfortable shoes
Bring hiking shoes for trails and sandals for beach areas.
📸 Capture stunning views
Perfect for photography with ocean backdrops and unique rock formations.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Jogashima Lighthouse
Western end of Jogashima Island
Iconic 19th-century lighthouse, a reconstruction offering panoramic ocean views.
+1
Umanose Dōmon (Horseback Cave Mouth)
Coastal area
Dramatic natural rock arch carved by the sea, a unique geological wonder.
Coastal Geological Formations
Island shoreline
Explore fascinating rock layers and uplift features from past earthquakes.
Awasaki Lighthouse
Eastern end of Jogashima Island
A more recently constructed lighthouse offering a different perspective and well-maintained park.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Getting to Jogashima
Best Footwear for Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear comfortable shoes
Bring hiking shoes for trails and sandals for beach areas.
📸 Capture stunning views
Perfect for photography with ocean backdrops and unique rock formations.
🚶♀️ Explore the island trails
A 2.5 km trail connects key sights, offering beautiful coastal scenery.
🗺️ Check for events
Look out for lighthouse week events in early November.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear comfortable shoes
Bring hiking shoes for trails and sandals for beach areas.
📸 Capture stunning views
Perfect for photography with ocean backdrops and unique rock formations.
🚶♀️ Explore the island trails
A 2.5 km trail connects key sights, offering beautiful coastal scenery.
🗺️ Check for events
Look out for lighthouse week events in early November.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Jogashima Lighthouse for its stunning ocean views and unique geological formations, making it a worthwhile day trip from Tokyo. While the lighthouse itself is a highlight, some find the trails less maintained. The island offers a peaceful escape with beautiful natural scenery.
"Visited yesterday. Nice one day trip from Tokyo. Its located in the Miura peninsula in Kanagawa. Board a train heading towards Misakiguchi in the Asakusa line and then remain on boarded. It's the terminal station. Then take a bus to Jogashima and there are couple of other places as well. There is a trail of 2.5 Km in which the Jogashima lighthouse is part of. There is another lighthouse located in the park - Awazaki lighthouse."
Snehasish Ghosh
"After days of rain, the weather clear up enough to visit. Recommend bringing both hiking shoes and sandals to enjoy the full experience!"
Anthony Traylor
"Check out the beautiful views of Tokyo Bay and Sagami Bay from the shores of Jogashima Island at the tip of the Miura Peninsula in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. Located only about 76 km south of Tokyo, visitors can easily access the island by train, bus, taxi, and private vehicle.
On a clear day, photographers and tourists can enjoy a clear views of Mt. Fuji to the east, Oshima Island to the south, and Chiba Prefecture to the east.
Located at the western end of Jogashima Island, the Jogashima Lighthouse was designed by Francois Leonce Verny, a French engineer, and completed in 1870 with a brick structure. As was the case with so many structures, the lighthouse collapsed during the 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake.
The current structure is a concrete reconstruction dating back to 1926. Even with the advent of modern technologies for Tokyo Bay maritime traffic (VTS in 1977 and DGPS in 1997), the lighthouse is still in operation.
If you visit the eastern end of the island, there is a nice, well-maintained park and the recently constructed Awasaki Lighthouse.
Below the lighthouse, the exposed coastal rocks of Jogashima Island reveal alternating layers of pyroclastic sandstone and mudstone that were deposited on the seafloor about 10 to 4 million years ago. Throughout the island’s shoreline visitors can see a low coastal terrace that was formed by uplift during the 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake.
The western end of the island has been a popular destination not only for tourists, but also for many high school and college students who use the island for geological field trips. Various deformations in the sedimentary record can be seen with the naked eye including imbricate thrusts, slumps, and flow folds.
Check out the Pix4Japan YouTube channel for a video shot at this lighthouse and surrounding areas."
Daisei Iketani
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Take the Keikyu Line from Tokyo to Misakiguchi Station, then transfer to a bus bound for Jogashima Island. The journey is straightforward and offers scenic views.
Yes, Jogashima Island is accessible by private vehicle and taxi, with parking available.
Walking is the best way to explore the island's trails and sights. Buses also operate on the island.
Jogashima Island is located approximately 76 km south of Tokyo, making it an ideal day trip.
No, the nearest train station is Misakiguchi Station on the mainland. You'll need to take a bus from there to the island.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the island and the lighthouse grounds is generally free. There might be a small fee to enter the lighthouse tower itself, but this is not always the case.
The lighthouse grounds are typically accessible during daylight hours. Specific hours for climbing the tower may vary, so it's best to check locally.
No, there is no general entrance fee for Jogashima Island itself. You can explore the island freely.
Yes, Jogashima Lighthouse sometimes participates in 'Lighthouse Week' events, often in early November, with special activities.
Visitors can usually climb the Jogashima Lighthouse tower for panoramic views, though access might be restricted during certain times or events.
📸 📸 Photography
The area around the lighthouse offers stunning ocean vistas. The coastal rocks and Umanose Dōmon also provide unique photographic opportunities.
On a clear day, you can enjoy views of Mt. Fuji to the east from Jogashima Island.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive ocean views and geological formations. A telephoto lens can be useful for distant island views.
Generally, photography is allowed, but be mindful of any posted signs or restrictions, especially within the lighthouse tower.
Sunrise and sunset offer beautiful lighting for dramatic ocean shots. Midday can be good for clear views of distant landmarks like Mt. Fuji.
🎫 🏞️ Nature & Scenery
Jogashima Island is known for its beautiful coastline, unique geological formations like Umanose Dōmon, and panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean.
Absolutely! The island features walking trails that allow you to explore its natural beauty and coastal scenery.
You might spot various seabirds along the coast. The island's rocky shores are also home to marine life.
Yes, the island is a popular spot for geological field trips due to its exposed rock layers and seismic deformation features.
Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of Tokyo Bay, Sagami Bay, and on clear days, Mt. Fuji and Oshima Island.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1While the coastal areas require supervision, the island's natural beauty and the chance to see the sea make it an engaging destination. Consider packing snacks and drinks, as facilities might be limited in some areas. The Awasaki Lighthouse area also has a nice park, which can be a good spot for families to relax.
📸 Photographers' Paradise
+1Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for capturing the dramatic scenery. Don't miss the chance to photograph Umanose Dōmon and the layered rock formations along the shore. On clear days, the distant views of Mt. Fuji add another layer of photographic appeal.
🚶♀️ Active Explorers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Reconstruction of Jogashima Lighthouse
The current lighthouse is a concrete reconstruction, erected in 1926, preserving the spirit and function of its predecessor. Despite the advent of advanced maritime navigation technologies like VTS and DGPS, the Jogashima Lighthouse remains operational, continuing its important role in guiding ships through Tokyo Bay.
Visiting the lighthouse offers a tangible connection to Japan's maritime history and its resilience in the face of natural disasters. The structure itself, though a reconstruction, stands as a symbol of enduring coastal safety and engineering prowess.
+1Exploring Jogashima's Unique Geology
A significant geological feature is the low coastal terrace, a direct result of the uplift caused by the 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake. Visitors can also observe various sedimentary deformations, such as imbricate thrusts, slumps, and flow folds, visible to the naked eye. These features make the island a valuable site for geological studies and a captivating natural spectacle for visitors.
Beyond the lighthouse, the island's natural formations like Umanose Dōmon (Horseback Cave Mouth) showcase the relentless power of wave erosion, creating dramatic rock arches. These geological wonders, combined with the island's scenic beauty, make Jogashima a compelling destination for both nature lovers and those interested in Earth sciences.
Jogashima as a Day Trip from Tokyo
Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, from exploring the iconic lighthouse and unique geological sites to simply relaxing by the sea. The island provides a refreshing change of pace with its natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere, making it a popular choice for a quick getaway.
+1Many travelers find Jogashima to be an 'undiscovered' gem, offering a more authentic and less crowded experience compared to some other popular tourist spots near Tokyo. It's a perfect destination for a leisurely day of sightseeing and enjoying the coastal scenery.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit