Toi Cape Lighthouse (都井岬灯台)

Flow of the course

About this spot

Standing white against the sky on the cliff, Toi Cape Lighthouse is Kyushu's only public-access visitable lighthouse where you can climb inside and reach the observation corridor. After paying a visitor contribution, climb the spiral staircase to find the Pacific Ocean filling your entire field of vision. Below, white waves crash against the cliffs; turn around and the grassland where Misaki Horses live undulates—you can feel with your whole body that you're standing at Japan's southernmost cape. Public-access visitable lighthouses are rare throughout Japan, and this one exists only here, on a cape with grassland and wild horses. The grounds also feature displays about the lighthouse, allowing you to learn about its role as a guide for ships at sea. The sight of the white lighthouse gleaming against the blue sky and sea is the course's best photo opportunity.

Tips

The stairs inside the lighthouse are steep, so wear easy-to-climb shoes. Visitation may be suspended due to weather and other conditions. The upper observation corridor has very strong sea winds, so be careful that hats and small items don't blow away.

Best time to visit

Approximately 1 hour. In the early afternoon when the sun is high, the sea shines blue and the view from the corridor is most brilliant

Access & map

888-0221 Kushima, Daino 80-2, Miyazaki Prefecture