Kannonzaki is a cape situated at the east end of Miura Peninsula, blessed with various attractions including a lighthouse, museums, an interesting shrine, tasty restaurant and even a spa to relax. Above all, a one-day stroll through the cape will prove picturesque views of beautiful blue ocean and green mountains.
Today, most of the cape is designated as prefectural park. As it is very large, it may take you a whole day to walk through it. There is free parking on weekdays, and you can also get there via a trains or bus on the Keikyu Line, as well.
In addition to the mountains, Kannonzaki has several good-sized, beautiful beaches where you can enjoy a barbecue or take a dip in the sea during the summer.
Kannonzaki has a pair of famous ties - it is the place where both Gulliver and Godzilla made their first steps in Japan.
In Gulliver’s Travels, written by Jonathan Swift, Gulliver made his first step on the Land of Rising Sun at a port called “Xamoschi”. Today, the port is considered to be modeled by Kannonzaki. Based on this consideration, Yokosuka City and local tourist associations hold Gulliver-Kannonzaki Festa in November every year, and during the event, American sailors from Yokosuka Naval Base dress up as Gulliver and parade around the district.
In the first “Godzilla” movie, the monster landed at Kannonzaki, then headed toward Tokyo, just like Gulliver did. There was a large Godzilla-shaped waterfront slide in the beach, commemorating his landing about 40 years ago.
Since Kannonzaki was utilized as a citadel by former Imperial Army, you can find old military structures including batteries, brick-made magazines and tunnels along your stroll. Despite long stairs and slopes, they are well maintained, so you can enjoy safe and pleasant hike. Signs with maps are installed throughout the park ensuring you won’t get lost.
Atop one hill in the park, there are large grassy fields dotted with flower gardens, and children’s playground with long slides, climbing apparatus and double zip line, along with a wooden lodge for visitors.
Although you need to walk up hundreds of stairs for half an hour, it worth visiting the majestic white Kannonzaki Lighthouse on a peak in the park. It is known as the first Western-style lighthouse in Japan, and was built by French engineers in 1869. After being destroyed twice by earthquakes, the current version was rebuilt in 1925. The view from the observation deck is breathtaking. The distance between Kannonzaki and Futtsu, a city on the opposite bank of gulf, is only 3.5 miles, so you can see mountains and towns over the gulf.
