101007-0036 - Tempozan Lighthouse

The lighthouse at Tempozan (also Tenpozan), Osaka. It was designed by Scottish engineer Richard Henry Brunton (1841-1901), the “Father of Japanese lighthouses,” and became active in 1872 (Meiji 5).

On the right, a ship is dredging the waterway. Tempozan was formed in 1831 (Tenpo 2) when earth from dredging the Ajigawa River was deposited here. With an elevation of about 20 meters, it served as a marker for ships entering the Ajigawa River.

After cherry blossom and pine trees were planted the area became a popular place to visit for Osakans.

Although, Tempozan has lost most of its height, it is still recognized as Japan’s lowest mountain.