[Musubibito] A memorable experience at Cape Zanpa Lighthouse, one of only 16 "uplifting lighthouses" in Japan. Special guided tour to see the magnificent nature and learn the role and history of lighthouses
Of the more than 3,000 lighthouses nationwide, only 16 can be climbed. One of them is the Cape Zanpa Lighthouse. You can actually climb up to the lighthouse that you can usually see and learn its role and historical background. Tokokai (https://www.tokokai.org/), head of Cape Zanpa branch, is a special program to enjoy the scenery unique to Okinawa as “Musubibito”.
What is Musubibito?
Considering urban and tourist centers in various parts of Japan as "Omoya" and the lesser-known area one step ahead as "Hanare", "Grand Mercure Okinawa Cape Zanpa" is a hotel located in an area full of unknown charm. Travels that are familiar with the superb view of nature and the traditions and culture rooted in the region are called "#Hanare Journey", and in recent years, overtourism has become an issue, it has been proposed as a new style of travel. The original experience program "Musubibito" will make this "#Hanare Journey" more memorable. People who protect tradition and culture and communicate the charm of the region are called "Musubibito", and this is an original experience program that touches the charms of each region with the guidance of "Musubibito".
Profile of Rika Higa
Higa was born and raised in Yomitan Village, where Cape Zanpa Lighthouse is located. Cape Zanpa Lighthouse is the 13th open lighthouse out of 16 “Climbing Lighthouses” nationwide. On August 19, 2001, Higa's father started working as a branch manager. With the retirement of June 2011, he took over his role and is currently protecting the lighthouse as the head of the Tokokai Cape Zanpa branch. Indeed, he is a person familiar with the history of the "Lighting Lighthouse" Zanmisaki Lighthouse.
Message from Rika Higa, Musubibito
“Climb up the 99 steps and open the door,” my day starts from there.
The scenery that spreads beyond that is not the same as a day. There are days when the ocean spreads gently under the clear sky, and days when the rough scenery where waves hit the rock spreads. You can see sea turtles swimming slowly in the highly transparent sea, or you can see humpback whales migrate from winter to spring. This lighthouse, where you can feel the transition of nature and the original scenery of Okinawa up close, is a place for me to work and an important place where my heart is healed.
Points of a special guided tour of Cape Zanpa Lighthouse
1． Learning from the lighthouse tower, the mechanism of the lighthouse and the history of Okinawa
Toshika Higa, director of the Cape Zanpa branch of the Lighthouse, who manages the lighthouse, will carefully explain the history of lighthouses in Japan, the structure of the lens, and the differences in the shape of each lighthouse in the attached material exhibition room. After deepening your learning, while actually climbing the lighthouse, listen to explanations about the role that Cape Zanpa Lighthouse has played and the distance the light reaches (light delivery to Naha City, up to about 33 km away). In addition, from the top of the lighthouse, you can also see the US landing site in the Battle of Okinawa, and the surrounding nature, remote islands, and cliffs. Through Higa's guidance, you will be able to deepen your understanding of the lighthouse that plays a role as a signpost for safety, the history of Okinawa seen from it, and the nature of Okinawa.
2． I burn my eyes on the extraordinary scenery and keep a record of climbing the lighthouse
From the top of the stairs of about 30m and 99 steps on the edge of the cliff, you can see the magnificent scenery of the East China Sea and the cliffs of about 2 km below. Also, on days when the weather conditions are in place, you can overlook Tonaki Island, Kume Island, and Aguni Island. This view is a special landscape that can only be seen by the climber. In addition to the commentary by Higa Musubibito, this lighthouse climbing program includes original keychains, drinks, and "Lighthouse Visit Memorial Stamp Book". If you push a stamp after climbing, your interest in "uphill lighthouses" will increase, and you may want to visit "uphill lighthouses" nationwide.
In order to ensure that ships can clearly recognize the light of the lighthouse, which serves as a landmark, it sends a signal different from the nearby lighthouse by combining the way it emits light and color. The light of the Cape Zanpa Lighthouse is called the "Gunning Light" and is devised twice every 10 seconds to make it clear from the lights of other ships and towns. Experience culture, history, and nature from the top of the lighthouse, which is often seen as part of the landscape. I suggest a memorable journey.
Basic information
- Start date
- From November 1, 2025 (Sat) ※Held only on Saturdays and Sundays
- Date of exclusion
- New Year's holidays, Golden Week, Bon Festival, etc. may not be held.
- Hours:
- From 9:30, from 14:00, 30 minutes each
- Usage Charges (per person)
- 3,000 yen per person (tax included)
- Contents
- About 20 minutes of accompanying explanation by Toshika Higa, head of the Cape Zanpa branch
Free time Approx. 10 minutes
(You can see the scenery from the lighthouse and enjoy photography) - Benefits
- Comes with lighthouse visit commemorative stamp book, original keychain and drink
- Number of people
- 1 person can participate
- Remarks
- ※Apply up to 2 weeks in advance
※Cancellation in bad weather
※Free cancellation
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