Daisei Iketani

Originally built as a lighthouse in 1961 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Port of Yokohama’s opening, the tower was the largest lighthouse in the world until 2008.

After falling under the control of Yokohama city, the tower was refurbished and reopened in 2009 to celebrate Yokohama’s 150th anniversary. The observation deck is currently 106 meters (348 feet) high and offers fantastic views of the port and Mt. Fuji.

My first visit in 1984 impressed me with the large collection of exotic birds freely flying in the aviary located near the top of the lighthouse. Sadly, the aviary was closed in 2005 and converted into a restaurant.