Daio Cape Lighthouse

Flow of the course

About this spot

A white lighthouse standing at the tip of Daiozaki promontory jutting into the Pacific Ocean, and one of Japan's rare "climbable lighthouses." After paying the observation donation fee and climbing the spiral staircase, you gain sweeping views of the vast sea where the Kumano Nada and Enshu Nada meet, and the stone-paved hillside townscape of Namikire. The Namikire district at the base has long been known as a town of painters visited by many artists, and strolling through the streets of dried-fish shops lining the slopes and scenes of the fishing harbor presents one beautiful subject after another to photograph. The white lighthouse and blue sea create striking contrast, especially in afternoon light, making it a majestic cape worth visiting in the latter part of your drive.

Tips

About 20 minutes by car from Kashikojima. The roads in the Namikire settlement are narrow, so it's recommended to park at the paid parking lot ahead and walk through the stone-paved streets to reach it. Observation donation is 300 yen per adult, and the spiral staircase inside the lighthouse is steep, so wear comfortable shoes. Observation closes around 4 p.m. (varies by season), so plan your afternoon visit with time to spare.

Best time to visit

Approximately 1 hour needed. Mid-afternoon when the white lighthouse glows beautifully against the blue sea in frontal light.

Access & map

〒517-0603 Mie Prefecture, Shima City, Daio Town, Namikire 54