Located along the Chita Peninsula, the Nomazaki Lighthouse can be found in the town of Mihama, Chita, in Aichi. It was built in 1921, and standing at 18m tall, it is the oldest lighthouse in Aichi Prefecture. The pristine, white structure of the lighthouse is a wonderful sight to see!
While you cannot enter the lighthouse to view the inside as it is an automated working structure, the surrounding area is wonderful to explore. With the sound of the waves splashing on the rocks, and the wind blowing against you, it's a cool and breezy place to just sit, take in the beauty of your surroundings, and relax.
The lighthouse sits on a rocky, limestone area. It has some soft, sandy banks as well as many little rock pools. You can find local fauna such as starfish, sea snails, and even living sand dollars! The beach area is about 350m long. On the right side of the lighthouse, there are mostly limestone rock pools, which make up about 80m of the accessible beachfront area.
The lighthouse area also features a “Bell of Bonds”, and is a place which symbolises eternal love for couples. You can purchase padlocks at a shop nearby to attach it on an iron fence near the lighthouse, and ring the bell for a long-lasting relationship with your sweetheart.
It is no surprise that summer is the peak season for this seaside town, so expect traffic and some crowds if you visit during this time. There are also some cafés and restaurants nearby, but as this area is not a super-busy area, it has something like 2 or 3 options for dining year-round. However, pop-up events like beachfront barbecues, camp sites, food trucks, and food stands are common on weekends throughout the summer, letting visitors enjoy a quick bite and a cold drink by the seaside!
If you're planning to visit during the off-season (in spring, autumn, or winter), it'll be better to bring some of your own drinks and snacks – just in case!
