Hiyoriyama Lighthouse

 Hiyoriyama Lighthouse

Hiyoriyama Lighthouse was first built in 1883 and is the second oldest lighthouse in Hokkaido after Nosappumisaki Lighthouse in Nemuro City. The lighthouse was originally an all-white hexagonal wooden structure that stood 7.6 meters tall and its light could be seen from 28 kilometers out. Since then, a foghorn was added (discontinued in 2010) and electricity replaced kerosene as the light source resulting in a stronger light that could be visible for 35 kilometers. It was rebuilt in concrete in 1953 and in 1968, it was painted with red stripes so it would be easier to spot in a blizzard. In May 2019, it was designated as a 'Japan Heritage' site as part of the Kitamaebune Sea Routes narrative. 

～ Hiyoriyama Lighthouse Through the Years ～

                                              around 1945

1958                                         2020

2019 Renovation

 Before   ----------------------->   After    

 

 

This year, the lighthouse grounds opened to the public in July and will stay open until the end of November. The inside is only open a few times a year and was open for one day on November 1st. Visitors were able to go inside as well as up to the gallery deck and lantern room to see the lamp up close. There were various displays inside such as an old map of the lighthouse grounds, old pictures of the lighthouse, old light bulbs, pictures of all lighthouses in Hokkaido, an old sundial, papercraft lighthouses, etc. 

view from the gallery deck

stairs to the lantern room

LB-M30 Lamp

range of light: approx. 35km

view of the Hiyoriyama Lighthouse, Nishin Goten (Herring Mansion) &

  Aquarium (Marine Mammal Park) from Shukutsu Panorama Observatory

While you cannot go inside the lighthouse, the grounds are open until 16:00 on Nov. 30 (Mon), so if you get a chance, please take a short hike up the mountain to take in the spectacular view of the Ishikari Bay!