On Ogijima, an island in the Seto Inland Sea, stands Ogijima Lighthouse — one of only three unpainted stone lighthouses in all of Japan. Built in 1895 entirely by Japanese engineers, using granite from Aji in a rare all-granite construction style, its historical significance has earned it designation as a National Important Cultural Property.
In this article, we’ll walk you through how to get from Ogijima Port to the lighthouse, how long it takes, and even a fork in the road where we nearly got lost ourselves — all based on our own visit. By the end, you should be able to reach Ogijima Lighthouse smoothly, without getting lost.
What Is Ogijima Lighthouse
Ogijima Lighthouse was built in 1895 entirely by Japanese engineers, in response to the increase in Seto Inland Sea shipping traffic following the First Sino-Japanese War. Its tower is built entirely of granite (Aji stone), and its defining feature is that its exterior is left unpainted. Lighthouses like this, left unpainted, are extremely rare — only three exist in all of Japan, Ogijima Lighthouse among them.
Even after more than a century, it shows little weathering and largely retains its original appearance from construction. It has been selected as one of Japan’s “50 Selected Lighthouses” and designated a National Important Cultural Property. Right next to the lighthouse is a museum housed in the former staff quarters where the lighthouse keeper and their family once lived, where you can learn about the lighthouse’s history and mechanisms. The lighthouse is also known as the setting for a film depicting a lighthouse keeper and his wife, making it a precious structure that carries on the history and culture of the Seto Inland Sea to this day.
Getting to Ogijima
To reach Ogijima, you’ll take a ferry from Takamatsu Port. Ogijima Port, where the ferry arrives, is your starting point for heading to the lighthouse. Ferry schedules and fares are subject to change, so we’d recommend checking the ferry operator’s official website for the latest information.
From Ogijima Port to Ogijima Lighthouse
Once you arrive at Ogijima Port, it’s time to head for the lighthouse. Here we’ll cover the walking route in detail — the path, the time it takes, and points to watch out for.
Walking Is the Only Way
Ogijima doesn’t have rental bicycles available, so walking is the only way to reach the lighthouse. We’d recommend wearing comfortable, easy-to-walk-in shoes.
Head Left When You Set Off
After getting off the ferry, start walking to the left. If you head toward the torii gate on your right instead, you’ll end up wandering into the winding residential area, so be careful here. We ourselves nearly took the wrong path once, so it’s worth double-checking your direction right at the start.
Roughly 25 Minutes on Foot
It takes about 25 minutes on foot from Ogijima Port to Ogijima Lighthouse. Some stretches of the path have overgrown grass on either side, so if you’re visiting in summer, it’s a good idea to bring insect repellent.
As you get closer to the lighthouse, the sea opens up on your left. Enjoy the sea breeze and the views of the Seto Inland Sea as you walk.
A Fork in the Road to Watch For
Partway along the walk, you’ll suddenly come to a fork where the path splits into “continue straight” and “an uphill slope.” Be sure to go straight here. If you take the uphill path, you won’t be sure where it leads.
This particular fork doesn’t show up as a road on Google Maps, so if you’re relying on a map app alone, you could end up lost. Keeping the information in this article in mind beforehand should give you peace of mind.
What to Bring and Wear When Visiting Ogijima Lighthouse
- Comfortable walking shoes: Some sections of the path aren’t paved, so sneakers or similar shoes are recommended.
- Insect repellent: The path passes through overgrown grass, so this is essential, especially in summer.
- Something to drink: There are few vending machines on the island, so it’s reassuring to bring your own beforehand.
- Sun protection: There’s little shade along the route, so a hat or sunscreen will help keep you comfortable.
FAQ
Q. Can I use a rental bicycle to get from Ogijima Port to Ogijima Lighthouse? A. There are no rental bicycles on the island, so you’ll need to walk to the lighthouse.
Q. How long does it take to reach Ogijima Lighthouse? A. It’s about a 25-minute walk one way from Ogijima Port.
Q. Are there any spots where it’s easy to get lost? A. There are two: the area near the torii gate right after getting off the ferry, and the fork with the uphill slope along the way. Remember to head left at the port, and go straight at the fork.
Summary
The walk from Ogijima Port to Ogijima Lighthouse takes about 25 minutes one way. Walking is the only way to get there — rental bicycles aren’t available. There are two spots along the way where it’s easy to get lost (the fork right after leaving the port, and the fork with the uphill slope before the lighthouse), so use the route described in this article as your guide and head confidently for Ogijima Lighthouse.
Its rare all-granite, unpainted structure — one of only a few like it in Japan — and the beautiful views over the Seto Inland Sea are best appreciated by actually making the walk yourself. When you’re visiting Ogijima, be sure to make the trip out to Ogijima Lighthouse.
Thank you for reading to the end.
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