Tourist Attractions and Experiences

Old Sakai Lighthouse

Watched over the Osaka Bay for more than a century. The hexagon-shaped lighthouse is one of the oldest wooden Western-style lighthouses remaining in Japan.

Basic information

A 15-minute walk from Sakai Station on the Nankai Railway. The old Sakai Lighthouse was built in the 10th year of the Meiji Era (1877) at the tip of the old Sakai Port, rising 11.3 meters high. It is one of the oldest wooden Western-style lighthouses still remaining, along with the old Anorizaki Lighthouse and Fukuura Lighthouse. This lighthouse was built at the same time when lighthouses were being built in various places around the time of the opening of Japan with the arrival of Commodore Perry, so that foreign ships could navigate safely. The design was by an English architect named Biggleston, and its construction fee was paid for by donations etc. from citizens. At the time, a kerosene lamp was used, and its greenish light is said to have reached far out to sea. However, with the progress of reclamation of the surrounding coastal areas, it was no longer used after the 43rd year of the Showa Period (1968). It is currently designated as a national historic site. Due to aging, preservation and repair work was conducted from 2001 to March 2007, and now, it stands in its original form.