Things to Check Before Visiting the Yakushima Lighthouse! Parking, Access, and Sightseeing Spots in the Nagata Area
Latest Information on the Yakushima Lighthouse
Things to Know Before You Visit
The Yakushima Lighthouse stands at Cape Nagata, the westernmost point of Yakushima.A Historic LighthouseIt is.
In this article, we’ll cover the current status of the Yakushima Lighthouse, how to get there, and some sightseeing spots in the Nagata area that you’ll want to visit while you’re there!
*As of August 2026, access to the Yakushima Lighthouse grounds isNo TrespassingThat's the current situation. Be sure to check the latest information in advance.
◆For those who want to explore the western part of Yakushima by car
◆For those looking for information on how to get to the Yakushima Lighthouse and parking options
◆For those looking for other tourist attractions to enjoy in the Nagata area
Yakushima Island
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Basic Information on Yakushima Lighthouse
The white lighthouse standing on Cape Nagata
The Yakushima Lighthouse is located at the westernmost tip of Yakushima—Cape NagataIt is a historic lighthouse standing on [location].
It’s a spot with a beautiful white exterior that has been a local favorite for many years.
The History of the Yakushima Lighthouse
The Yakushima Lighthouse first lit its lamp on,1897 (Meiji 30)of the
At that time, with Taiwan coming under Japanese rule, the need arose to develop shipping routes to Taiwan.
As part of that initiative, the Yakushima Lighthouse was built as one of the “Taiwan Route Lighthouses,” alongside the Sotsu-Takasaki Lighthouse on Amami Oshima and the Ie Island Lighthouse in Okinawa.
It is a brick building, and its height isApproximately 19.6 meters...The lighthouse features a balcony encircling its upper section and a fan-shaped annex at the base, among other elements, showcasing the stately design characteristic of the Meiji period.
Since thenMore than 100 yearsFor many years, it has continued to ensure the safety of ships navigating the waters off Yakushima.
Location and Jurisdiction of the Yakushima Lighthouse
The Yakushima Lighthouse is located in the western part of Yakushima Town, on the Nagata side.
The Kagoshima Regional Coast Guard Office has jurisdiction over this area, andVisitors are not permitted inside the lighthouse.The following is a list of the most common problems with the "C" in the "C" column.
The strait between Yakushima and the neighboring island of Kuchinoerabu is called the Yakushima Strait; it is a waterway through which large passenger and cargo ships traveling between the mainland and the Amami and Okinawa regions pass.
For such ships, the Yakushima Lighthouse still remainsImportant Navigation LandmarksThat's how it is.
◆Directions: About 1 hour by car from Yakushima Airport
Currently Closed to the Public / Road Closed
Latest Regulatory Status
The Yakushima Lighthouse is currently closed due to a partial landslide on the premises,No TrespassingThe first two are the following.
In addition, the town road leading to the lighthouse also...No Vehicles AllowedTherefore, caution is required.
Access Restrictions Due to Site Subsidence
The Yakushima Lighthouse isPart of the property collapsedAs a result, access has been restricted due to the dangerous conditions.
The closure is said to be "for the time being," and no timeline has been announced at this time for the repair of the collapsed section or the resumption of operations.
If you are planning a visit, be sure to, before you arrive,Check the latest informationLet's do it!
Road Closures on the Tōdai Line and Western Forest Road
The "Lighthouse Line" (the section of the town road between the prefectural highway and the Yakushima Lighthouse), which leads to the Yakushima Lighthouse, is,No Vehicles AllowedThe first two are the following.
The restrictions are due to damage to parking lots and road shoulders, and this measure is also considered to be in effect “for the time being.”
If you walk, it may take about 15 to 20 minutes to reach the area near the lighthouse, but please note that this may vary depending on restrictions, so please consider this only as a rough estimate.
In any caseNo entry onto the premisesTherefore, please follow the local signs and regulations.
Also, please be aware that the Western Forest Road itself may be suddenly closed without prior notice during severe weather conditions, such as heavy rain or typhoons.
How to Check for the Latest Information
For the latest information on traffic restrictions,Yakushima Town's Official WebsiteYou can check it there.
For information on traffic restrictions on prefectural roads, we recommend checking the Kagoshima Prefecture Road Restrictions Information website as well.
Since restricted areas may change after a typhoon or heavy rain, be sure to check the latest information right before you leave!
How to Get to the Yakushima Lighthouse
Let's check how to get to the Yakushima Lighthouse.
You can't get close to the lighthouse itself, but you can go to the surrounding area.rent-a-carIt's convenient for getting around.
A drive while enjoying the ocean viewThat's fun, too.
Travel Time from Airports and Ports
From Miyanoura, the gateway to Yakushima, by carApprox. 40 min....which is about 30 km.
From Awa, another major port, it's a drive ofAbout 70 minutes(It takes about 46 km.)
From Yakushima Airport, by car1 hourIt’s a good idea to use that as a rough guideline.
The route includes winding mountain roads and coastal roads, so please drive carefully.
Parking lot information
There is parking available on site, andParking for 5 carsThat is the case.
There is no restroom.Therefore, we recommend taking care of this in advance.
Due to road closures, the parking lot itself may be inaccessible, or you may only be able to drive as far as the entrance.
It's essential to check the latest information, so be sure to check it one more time before you leave.
Things to Keep in Mind When Visiting
The road leading to the lighthouse is just wide enough for one car to pass throughNarrow RoadIt is known as the
As the area is currently off-limits and closed to traffic, please do not attempt to approach it and be sure to follow the restrictions.
Even after the restrictions are lifted, please be very careful when moving around the area near the landslide site.
Have Fun in the Nagata Area!
3 Recommended Tourist Attractions
Nagata isAn area rich in natural beautyAnd there are plenty of other attractions besides the Yakushima Lighthouse!
Be sure to check out the nearby attractions as well.
Nagata Inaka Beach
Nagata Inakahama is,A beautiful beach with a gleaming white sandy shore stretching for about 1 kmIt is.
In 2005, it was also designated as a Ramsar Site.
Loggerhead Sea Turtle Nesting SiteIt is also known as [...], and from May through July, it boasts one of the highest numbers of landings in the Northern Hemisphere.
Access is restricted at night during the spawning and hatching season (May–September), so please be sure to check the rules before visiting.
◆Access: 40 minutes by car from Yakushima Airport
Let's go see the sea turtles!
Click here for the sea turtle tour rankings
▼Click here for recommended tours that include Inaka Beach▼
East China Sea Observation Deck
The East China Sea Observation Deck is one of the most popular spots on Yakushimascenic spotIt is!
Although it’s a short distance from the Yakushima Lighthouse and isn’t located in the Nagata area, it’s easy to reach—just head straight along National Route 78, which circles Yakushima.
On a clear day, you can see not only Kuchinoerabu Island but also Kuro Island, Iou Island, and Takeshima, andplace famous for its beautiful sunsetIt's also popular.
◆Directions: About a 35-minute drive from Yakushima Airport
▼Click here for Yakushima's best scenic spots▼
Western Forest Road
The Western Forest Road is a coastal road approximately 17 to 20 km long that connects the Nagata and Kurio areas, andThe only World Natural Heritage site where you can drive throughIt is known as the
This trail winds through virgin forest facing the East China Sea, offering views of untouched woodland stretching from the coast to the mountaintop.
If you're lucky, you might see a species endemic to YakushimaYakushima macaque (Macaca fuscata yakui)and ... andYakushima sika (Cervus nippon yakushimae)You might even run into one!
◆Directions: About a 55-minute drive from Yakushima Airport
Click here for Western Forest Road Tour Ranking
▼Click here for recommended western forest road tours.
About the Yakushima Lighthouse
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
As of 2026, the Yakushima Lighthouse is closed to the public due to a partial landslide on the premises. The town road known as the “Lighthouse Line” is also closed to vehicles, but it may be possible to walk to the vicinity of the lighthouse in about 15 to 20 minutes. However, conditions are subject to change, and since access to the grounds is prohibited, please be sure to check the latest information before visiting.
There is parking space for about five cars on-site, but there are no restrooms. Also, please be aware that due to road closures, you may not be able to get close to the parking lot itself.
The Nagata area is dotted with spots where you can enjoy nature, such as Nagata Inakahama, the East China Sea Observation Deck, and the Western Forest Road. Since it’s also popular as a sea turtle nesting site and for its scenic driving routes, we recommend visiting these places as well.
summary
Due to a landslide on the grounds, the Yakushima Lighthouse is currently closed to the public, and the Lighthouse Road is closed to vehicles, so before visiting,Check the Latest Regulatory Informationis essential.
In addition to the lighthouse, we recommend exploring the surrounding natural attractions, such as Nagata Inakahama Beach, the East China Sea Observation Deck, and the Western Forest Road!
Be sure to check the latest regulatory information before planning your trip to the Nagata area.
▼Click here for articles to read in conjunction with this article.
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