Higashi-Hennazaki Lighthouse
Iconic white lighthouse at the easternmost point of Miyako Island, offering stunning views where two seas meet.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Breathtaking dawn colors
Higashi-Hennazaki Lighthouse
Best Time
Breathtaking dawn colors
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic white lighthouse at the easternmost point of Miyako Island, offering stunning views where two seas meet.
"Breathtaking views where the Pacific Ocean meets the East China Sea."
🎯 Climb for the Views
Pay the 300 yen fee to climb the lighthouse for incredible 360° ocean vistas. :ticket:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The lighthouse climb has 97 steps, and paths can be uneven. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Higashi-Hennazaki Lighthouse
Easternmost point of Miyako Island
Iconic white lighthouse offering 360-degree views of the Pacific and East China Seas.
Cape Higashi-Hennazaki
The cape itself
A dramatic rocky headland with vibrant blue waters and unique geological formations.
Confluence of Seas
View from the lighthouse
Witness the striking visual difference where the Pacific Ocean meets the East China Sea.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Views
Lighthouse Access and Fees
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Climb for the Views
Pay the 300 yen fee to climb the lighthouse for incredible 360° ocean vistas. :ticket:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The lighthouse climb has 97 steps, and paths can be uneven. :athletic_shoe:
🌬️ Brace for Strong Winds
The cape is known for its powerful winds, so bring a windbreaker. :cloud:
🚗 Parking Available
Free parking is available a short walk from the lighthouse. :car:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Climb for the Views
Pay the 300 yen fee to climb the lighthouse for incredible 360° ocean vistas. :ticket:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The lighthouse climb has 97 steps, and paths can be uneven. :athletic_shoe:
🌬️ Brace for Strong Winds
The cape is known for its powerful winds, so bring a windbreaker. :cloud:
🚗 Parking Available
Free parking is available a short walk from the lighthouse. :car:
🐢 Spot Sea Turtles
Sometimes you can see sea turtles swimming near the shore. :turtle:
📸 Capture the Seas Meet
Look for the distinct color difference where the two seas converge. :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the breathtaking ocean views and the iconic lighthouse at Higashi-Hennazaki. The unique sight of two seas meeting and the opportunity to climb the lighthouse for panoramic vistas are major highlights. Some note the strong winds, but overall, it's considered a must-visit scenic spot on Miyakojima.
"When I climbed the tower, I saw a breathtaking view.
The wind was strong, but the sea was beautiful, and I was moved.
It’s a great spot to visit while on a drive."
TooGood
"Great scenic places. You can go on top of the lighthouse for 300 and if you'll be lucky tonight the cashier from time to time is plain music!"
Artur Bartoszek
"Pretty scenic viewpoint when you can spot the clear difference in the color in two body of water at either sides of the lighthouse."
Quang Hải Trương
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Higashi-Hennazaki Lighthouse is located at the easternmost point of Miyako Island. The most common way to reach it is by car or rental car from Miyakojima city. The drive takes approximately 40-50 minutes. There are also tour buses available that include this as a stop.
While direct public bus routes might be limited, many local tours from Miyakojima city include a visit to the lighthouse. Renting a car offers the most flexibility for exploring the island and reaching this remote spot.
Yes, there is parking available near the lighthouse. It's often free and located a short walk from the cape itself.
The cape has paved, vegetation-fringed paths that make for a pleasant walk. Exploring on foot allows you to fully appreciate the dramatic coastline and ocean views.
Absolutely! Higashi-Hennazaki Lighthouse is a popular stop on many Miyakojima day trip itineraries, often combined with other scenic spots on the island.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The grounds and cape area are free to explore. However, there is a small fee of 300 yen to climb to the top of the lighthouse.
While the cape is accessible at all times, the lighthouse itself has specific operating hours. It's best to check locally or with your tour operator for the most current times, as they can vary.
Visitors will need to climb approximately 97 steps to reach the observation deck at the top of the lighthouse.
Tickets for the lighthouse climb are typically purchased on-site. It's advisable to arrive earlier in the day, especially during peak season, to avoid potential queues.
Generally, there are no strict age restrictions, but visitors should be able to manage the stairs. Parents should supervise young children closely.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for photography, casting a warm glow on the lighthouse and surrounding seas.
You can capture stunning panoramic ocean views, the iconic white lighthouse, the meeting point of two seas with distinct colors, and the rugged coastline. 
Drone regulations can vary and are often restricted in protected areas or near airports. It's crucial to check local drone laws and regulations before flying a drone in Miyakojima.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for spotting distant marine life. Don't forget a polarizing filter to enhance the blue hues of the ocean. :camerawithflash:
The top of the lighthouse provides a fantastic vantage point for 360-degree shots. The paths leading to the lighthouse also offer beautiful perspectives of the cape and sea.
🎫 🌊 Nature & Wildlife
Yes, some visitors have reported seeing sea turtles swimming in the clear blue waters near the shore.
Besides sea turtles, the clear waters around Miyakojima are known for vibrant coral reefs and diverse fish species, though these are best viewed by snorkeling or diving elsewhere.
The cape is fringed with unique vegetation adapted to the coastal environment, adding to the natural beauty of the landscape.
While not extensive hiking trails, there are paved paths that allow you to walk along the cape and explore the viewpoints.
The cape is a rocky headland formed by erosion, showcasing the power of the ocean and the unique geological features of Miyakojima.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to bring sun protection and water, as there are limited facilities directly at the cape. The drive to the lighthouse is also scenic, offering a chance to see more of Miyakojima's beautiful landscapes. Consider packing snacks, as dining options are not immediately available at the site.
📸 Photographers' Paradise
+1Sunrise and sunset are prime times, offering dramatic lighting and vibrant skies. The rugged coastline and unique rock formations also provide excellent foreground interest. A wide-angle lens is highly recommended to capture the expansive views, and a polarizing filter can enhance the ocean's colors. Be prepared for strong winds, which can add a dynamic element to your shots.
🚗 Road Trip Enthusiasts
Combine your visit with stops at other scenic points along the eastern coast. The lighthouse area is well-suited for a leisurely exploration, with paths allowing you to walk and take in the ocean air. The free parking makes it a convenient stop on any island driving itinerary.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Geography of Higashi-Hennazaki Cape
The visual effect of these two seas meeting is often described as breathtaking, with noticeable differences in water color and currents. The cape itself is characterized by its rugged terrain and is fringed with resilient coastal vegetation that thrives in the salty air and strong winds. The lighthouse stands as a sentinel at the very tip, offering unparalleled views of this confluence.
Visitors often remark on the powerful winds that sweep across the cape, adding to the wild and natural beauty of the location. This dramatic landscape makes it a popular spot for photography and for simply soaking in the raw power of nature.
Experiencing the Lighthouse Climb
From the observation deck, you are treated to a spectacular 360-degree panoramic view. This vantage point allows you to fully appreciate the vastness of the Pacific Ocean and the East China Sea, and to clearly see where their waters meet. The strong winds at this height can be invigorating, and the unobstructed views are often described as unforgettable.
It's recommended to wear comfortable shoes for the climb, and to be prepared for the wind. The experience of standing atop the lighthouse, with the endless ocean stretching out before you, is a highlight for many visitors to Miyakojima.
Sunrise and Sunset Spectacles
During sunrise, the sky often erupts in vibrant hues of orange, pink, and gold, casting a magical glow over the ocean and the white lighthouse. Sunsets here are equally mesmerizing, with the sun dipping below the horizon, painting the sky with dramatic colors.
Many visitors find these moments to be deeply moving and unforgettable. The combination of the dramatic coastline, the iconic lighthouse, and the celestial light show creates a truly special atmosphere. Arriving early for sunrise or staying late for sunset is highly recommended to fully capture the beauty of this location.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit