Daiozaki Lighthouse
Before the construction of Daiozaki Lighthouse in 1927, sailors feared this jagged, treacherous point on Shima Peninsula’s southeast coast. Although extensively renovated in 1978, and equipped in 2004 with a radar to automatically monitor waves, the structure is original. Along with Anorisaki Lighthouse, it is one of only sixteen lighthouses in Japan where visitors can climb to the very top.
Daiozaki is a popular spot to see the first sunrise of the new year. The town of Daio is known as “Artist's Town,” as its winding alleyways, jagged coastline, chalk-colored lighthouse, and dramatic views of the sea have attracted artists from all over Japan since the Meiji period (1868–1912). Today, many art students and artists can be seen here during the summer holidays.
The waves and wind are very strong in Daio, and the area has a long history of constructing stone walls to protect the town from the elements. The oldest walls were constructed without the use of cement. Each of the stones was chosen and aligned so as to leave no gaps between them. A good example is the stone wall around Daijiji Temple, a temple known for its hydrangeas and cherry blossoms.